What’s Taking You So Long?
“Meanwhile, the congregation waiting for Zachariah was getting restless, wondering what was keeping him so long in the sanctuary.” Luke 1:21
By Rev. J. D. Yates
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to delay what you know needs to be done? At the beginning of the year, many people make bold resolutions. They promise change, growth, discipline, and a new direction. Yet as time passes, enthusiasm fades, and the very goals they once celebrated sit untouched. Some have not even taken the first step. The question quietly echoes in the background of our lives: What’s taking you so long? Perhaps it is not a resolution. Perhaps it is a relationship that needs attention. A conversation that needs to happen. A business decision that has been postponed. A health issue that requires action. A moral matter that needs correction. We know it must be addressed, yet we avoid it. We circle around it. We delay it. We promise we will deal with it “soon.” But soon has a way of turning into someday, and someday often becomes never. There is something revealing about Luke’s description of Zachariah. The people were waiting. Time was passing. They were wondering what was keeping him so long. Sometimes heaven is ready to move, but we are delayed on our end. Sometimes blessings are prepared, but hesitation holds us hostage. There are generally three reasons we take so long to move forward.
First, we are delayed by our troubles. Luke tells us that when Zachariah saw the angel, he was troubled. Trouble has a way of paralyzing us. Bills, family stress, marriage strain, workplace pressure, health concerns, and unexpected losses all demand our attention. We spend so much time reacting to problems that we never move toward purpose. We tell ourselves that once life settles down, then we will seek God more seriously. Once the storm passes, then we will get focused. But Scripture reminds us that trouble is not the time to run from God. It is the time to run to Him. Trouble does not disqualify you from growth; it positions you for it. Waiting for trouble to end before you act is like waiting for the ocean to be calm before learning to swim. If you are going to get your life together, do not wait for perfect conditions. Start in the middle of the storm. What are you waiting for?
Second, we are delayed by our fears. Luke also says that fear fell upon Zachariah. Fear is one of the greatest thieves of destiny. We fear failure. We fear embarrassment. We fear rejection. We fear what people might say if we try and fall short. Because of fear, businesses are never started, ministries are never launched, apologies are never spoken, and dreams are never pursued. Fear convinces us to stay where it is safe, even if safe means stagnant. Yet over and over again in Scripture we hear the words, “Fear not.” Fear not, because God is with you. Fear not, because He strengthens you. Fear not because He upholds you. Fear may knock at the door, but it does not have to live in your house. If God has called you to act, do not let fear delay your obedience. What’s taking you so long?
Third, we are delayed by our doubts. When Zachariah heard that he would have a child in his old age, he doubted. Doubt does not always mean disbelief; sometimes it means we believe in God generally but struggle to trust Him personally. We believe He can move mountains, just not the mountain in front of us. We believe He can bless others, just not our situation. Doubt detains us. It restrains us. It holds us back. Israel’s journey from Egypt to the Promised Land should have taken weeks, but doubt turned it into forty years. The promise was not the problem. Their hesitation was. If you want to claim what God has for you, you must trust Him beyond your comfort zone. Faith says, “God is able.” Faith declares, “Even if the storm does not stop, my soul is anchored.” Doubt asks for guarantees. Faith moves without them.
So, again, the question arises: What’s taking you so long? Jesus stands at the door and knocks. Opportunities stand before you. Purpose calls your name. Growth is waiting on the other side of your obedience. The best day in your life was the day you decided to trust God fully. The next best day could be today. Do not let trouble delay you. Do not let fear define you. Do not let doubt detain you. The clock is ticking, and destiny does not wait forever. If you know what you need to do, take the step. If you know who you need to forgive, make the call. If you know you need to trust God more deeply, do it now. What are you waiting for? What’s taking you so long?
