Dealing with Delay - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2026

Our Daily Bread - Thursday, January 18, 2018
by RBC Ministries

Details

Dealing with Delay

Read: Genesis 45:1-8 | Bible in a Year: Genesis 43-45; Matthew 12:24-50

So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.
Genesis 45:8

A global computer system outage causes widespread flight cancellations, stranding hundreds of thousands of passengers at airports. During a winter storm, multiple auto accidents close major highways. The person who promised to send a reply "right away" has failed to do so. Delays can often produce anger and frustration, but as followers of Jesus, we have the privilege of looking to Him for help.

One of the Bible's great examples of patience is Joseph, who was sold to slave traders by his jealous brothers, falsely accused by his employer's wife, and imprisoned in Egypt. "But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him" (Genesis 39:20-21). Years later, when Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, he was made second in command in Egypt (ch. 41).

Confidence in God enables us to live out our faith patiently.

The most remarkable fruit of his patience occurred when his brothers came to buy grain during a famine. "I am your brother Joseph," he told them, "the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. . . . So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God" (45:4-5, 8).

In all our delays, brief or long, may we, like Joseph, gain patience, perspective, and peace as we trust in the Lord.

Father in heaven, in all of our delays may we trust Your faithful hand of guidance and experience Your presence with us in every situation.

Confidence in God enables us to live out our faith patiently.

By David C. McCasland

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