Postpone

<<defer, delay>>

This is a matter of timing, not cancelling something completely but pushing the time frame further into the future. Patience and self-control are required when there are delays and things are deferred to a more opportune time. This is contrary to today’s culture that demands instant gratification, with a buy now, pay later approach. To their own hurt, many people engage in pre-marital sex instead of waiting and going about things in God’s approved way.

Instead, anticipation grows as we wait expectantly, looking towards our future hope, “Though it lingers wait for it, it will certainly come and not delay” (Hab 2:3). Jesus will return as He said He would (Heb 10:37).

However, there is a time to act – when delays would prove disastrous. ‘Now is the hour’ and “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done!” (Eccl 11:4). While we are not to impatiently run ahead of God, neither are we to lag behind if He has said the time is now. Felix put off believing until a more opportune time, however, we

Timing can be crucial. Have I got my priorities right?

never hear of his accepting Christ, for “Today is the day of salvation” (Act 24:25; 2 Cor 6:2). Intentions need to be acted on and opportunities seized “When it is in your hand to do it” (Prov 3:27,28). Don’t put things off to ‘someday’ – when you have more money, are better prepared or any other reason – as Satan will see to it that this time never arrives. When the Spirit prompts, act.