Don’t Mistake Delay with Denial
James chapter 1 hit home in a fresh, honest way. We unpacked what it means to go through trials, wrestle with doubt, and most of all, how to develop steadfastness that unwavering, rooted kind of faith that holds strong even when life feels heavy.
One of the core takeaways?
Just because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean God said no.
We titled the night: “Don’t Mistake Delay with Denial.” Because often, when prayers seem unanswered and doors remain shut, we assume God isn’t listening. But James reminded us that delay doesn’t mean God has denied you, He might be preparing you.
When Trials Come (And They Will)
James doesn’t sugarcoat it. He starts by saying:
“Count it all joy… when you meet trials of various kinds…” (James 1:2)
Not if, but when. Trials are promised. But they aren’t meant to destroy us. They’re designed to develop us. These struggles grow our faith in ways comfort never could. We asked ourselves: What if the thing we’re trying to pray away is actually the very thing God is using to shape us?
Steadfastness Is Grown, Not Given
We sat on this verse for a while:
“Let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:4)
Steadfastness isn’t a personality trait, it’s a process. It’s what happens when we stay in the fight. Not just when we believe for a day or a week, but when we keep trusting when nothing changes. That’s what matures us spiritually. That’s when we begin to lack nothing, not because we have everything we want, but because we’ve grown into someone who can handle whatever comes.
Doubt Doesn’t Disqualify, But It Does Distort
James also talks about doubt, saying:
“The one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind…” (James 1:6)
We talked about how doubt doesn’t mean you don’t believe in God. It means you’re struggling to believe God is going to do it for you. That kind of doubt makes us unsteady, constantly questioning what we already know to be true. And while doubt doesn’t make God love us any less, it can keep us from walking confidently in what He’s already promised.
Our Delays Have Purpose
This is where it all came together. Delay is not denial. It’s the space where God refines us, matures us, builds us. If you’re in a waiting season, don’t check out. Check in. Ask what God is doing in you before He does something for you.
We left the room reminded that our faith isn’t based on what we see, but on who we trust. The same God who began a good work is faithful to complete it. (Philippians 1:6)
Reflection Questions:
What trial are you facing right now that God might be using to grow steadfastness?
Have you been mistaking God’s silence as a denial?
In what areas do you need to silence doubt and stand firm in God’s promises?
This week’s study was a powerful reminder that God isn’t punishing you by making you wait, He’s preparing you. Don’t mistake His timing for absence. Stay the course. Stand firm. And trust that on the other side of the trial is a deeper, stronger, more anchored faith.
The delay is working on you. And what God has for you is still coming.
