The Road to Home Ownership( Delayed Gratification)
Delay is NOT Denial
“ Congratulations on your new home” Those are the words most people enjoy or want to hear at some point in their life. But what if you are told to wait? I am so glad you have asked, let me tell you my story and how I had to come to terms with delayed gratification. In early 2023 I decided I wanted to purchase my first home, exciting right? I was over the moon with joy, excited, and started looking at homes with my family. Just a very joyful time in my life. I found the“ forever” home and whatnot. Started the process of paperwork for a move-in date of November 2023. You know, the pulling of credit, bank statements and a whole bunch of other things we won’ t get into. Everything was good.. Until it wasn’ t. August 2023, I was fired from my job. I know what you’ re thinking“ Right in the middle of you purchasing your first home?” Yes, right in the middle. I did all the things you would think people did when things went wrong. When I say distraught, I mean so discouraged. I automatically felt as though God didn’ t want me purchasing a home. I was angry, upset, questioning him. I just didn’ t understand. You know how most people feel when things don’ t go to plan.
By Shyanne Johnson
Yeah, that was all me and then some. I just couldn’ t believe God. Why would He allow me to go through this at this moment at this time? I had spoken with my pastor and was told four prominent words“ Delay is NOT denial”. My brain hadn’ t grasped what that meant because I wasn’ t at a place to receive. I had to stop the process of buying my first home and take time to pray, rest and rely on God. But let me say that it was extremely difficult. Why? Because I have struggled with control and taking things into my own hands.
So during this rest / pray I had to remove my hands and let God. The scripture I stood on confidently was Proverbs 24:3-4. As I went through this season those four words kept replaying over and over again in my head“ Delay is NOT denial”. But God what does that mean? What are you getting at by saying it over and over again? Those were the questions I had as the Holy Spirit kept saying“ Delay is NOT denial”. Just as the Holy Spirit kept telling me and so I shall tell you. DELAY IS NOT DENIAL. As I sat with those words scrounging through my head multiple times a day EVERYDAY, the more I had to sit with it, the more understanding I gained.
Most people believe that when told“ not right now” it means never. I was one of those people because if I was told not right now, I truly believed it was the end of the world. But God, He let me see the true meaning of delay. The house that I originally picked out was missing things that I had on my list when looking for a home. It wasn’ t in the best location ideally but I was rushing the process and was willing and okay with settling. My thoughts“ hey, it’ s better than where I am now”. Mind you I was living with my parents at the time and sharing a room with my son. Not the best, but we were making it do what it do lol. In order for me to see God’ s best for my life and circumstances He needed to delay me. Not once through this process did I ever hear No. And let me tell you I asked and was very diligent in keeping my ears to His lips. So I had realized that God did indeed want me to own a home but He wanted the best for me.
I was supposed to close in November 2023, but ended up closing February 2024 with everything I wanted in my home. From the amenities to location. If God can do it for me, I know He can and will do it for you. Why? Because He is not favorable to just one person. So, in what areas of your life has God said“ not right now”? Remember delay is NOT denial and all that God has said concerning you will come to pass
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