DELAYS are not denials. Jesus delayed to answer, but He did not deny her request. He hath said, "Ask, and it shall be given you. Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you." Heaven and earth may pass away, but His word must stand forever. He delays the answer to try our faith, patience and perseverance; but when He sends the blessing He proves His faithfulness, pity and love. Be not discouraged though your prayers remain unanswered for a time; it will not always be so. This poor woman had to wait, though her case was very trying, and her request very urgent; but at last Jesus commended her faith publicly, and dismissed her, with, "Be it unto thee even as thou wilt." Prayer will prevail, if it is the prayer of faith. Pray on, then, and do not faint. Say, as Jacob on the plains of Peniel, "I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me." Plead with Him; be importunate; wait His time; be willing to receive in His own way; be concerned that He should be glorified in giving to you, or doing for you; and you cannot fail. His mercy is from everlasting to everlasting, upon them that fear Him.
Wait for His seasonable aid, And, though it tarry, wait; The promise may be long delay'd, But cannot come too late.
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
DELAYS are not denials. Jesus delayed to answer, but He did not deny her request. He hath said, "Ask, and it shall be given you. Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you." Heaven and earth may pass away, but His word must stand forever. He delays the answer to try our faith, patience and perseverance; but when He sends the blessing He proves His faithfulness, pity and love. Be not discouraged though your prayers remain unanswered for a time; it will not always be so. This poor woman had to wait, though her case was very trying, and her request very urgent; but at last Jesus commended her faith publicly, and dismissed her, with, "Be it unto thee even as thou wilt." Prayer will prevail, if it is the prayer of faith. Pray on, then, and do not faint. Say, as Jacob on the plains of Peniel, "I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me." Plead with Him; be importunate; wait His time; be willing to receive in His own way; be concerned that He should be glorified in giving to you, or doing for you; and you cannot fail. His mercy is from everlasting to everlasting, upon them that fear Him.
Wait for His seasonable aid, And, though it tarry, wait; The promise may be long delay'd, But cannot come too late.