Waiting on Deliverance
Make it A Journey of Decision and Discipline
Deliverance is a journey of decision, discipline, and dependence on God’s strength. Learn how to walk toward freedom with practical steps rooted in faith and action.
Life is full of struggles—depression, anxiety, addiction, destructive habits, and countless other battles of the flesh. For many, the concept of “deliverance” from these struggles can feel distant or even impossible. Often, we imagine deliverance as a supernatural event where God sweeps in and eradicates our issues in a single, miraculous moment. While God is certainly capable of working in extraordinary ways, the deliverance process is often far more collaborative than we realize. Deliverance isn’t just an event—it’s a journey that begins with a decision and is sustained by discipline.
1. Deliverance Begins with a Decision
The first step in experiencing deliverance is making a conscious choice to let go of whatever is holding you captive. This is not a passive act but an intentional moment where you declare, “I don’t want this in my life anymore.” Scripture reminds us of the power of choice in Deuteronomy 30:19:
“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life so that you and your children may live.”
Choosing life is not always easy, but it is necessary. For some, this might mean seeking therapy, opening up to a trusted friend or family member, or finding an accountability partner. Whatever the step, it is a declaration to turn away from the struggle and turn toward God’s path.
2. Deliverance Requires Discipline
Once the decision is made, discipline becomes the engine that drives the deliverance process. Discipline is the daily, sometimes hourly, commitment to honor your decision. It’s showing up for therapy sessions, attending support groups, seeking God in prayer, or avoiding triggers that pull you back into unhealthy patterns.
Paul captures this in 1 Corinthians 9:27:
“I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others, I myself should be disqualified.”
Deliverance requires us to participate actively in the process. We cannot expect God to do all the heavy lifting while we remain idle. Just as Israel had to march around Jericho’s walls in obedience before God caused them to fall (Joshua 6), we, too, must take action in our journey toward freedom.
3. God’s Strength empowers Deliverance
While decision and discipline are crucial, deliverance ultimately rests on God’s power. Without Him, our efforts are in vain. Jesus Himself said in John 15:5:
“Apart from me, you can do nothing.”
Acknowledging our need for God’s strength is not a sign of weakness—it’s a declaration of faith. Deliverance is a partnership between humanity and divinity. It’s submitting our brokenness to God while trusting Him to work in and through us.
Philippians 2:12-13 beautifully encapsulates this partnership:
“Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
Practical Steps Toward Deliverance
1. Make the Decision: Write down the habits or struggles you want to surrender and bring them to God in prayer.
2. Seek Accountability: Find someone who can walk with you on this journey—whether a mentor, counselor or close friend.
3. Develop Discipline: Create a plan of action. This could include daily prayer, attending church regularly, joining a support group, or setting boundaries.
4. Rely on God’s Strength: Daily surrender your efforts to God, trusting Him to provide the grace and power you need.
Encouragement for the Journey
If you’re waiting on deliverance, remember that God is faithful. Psalm 34:17 assures us:
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
Deliverance is not a quick fix but a process of transformation. With every step you take, you grow stronger in your faith and closer to God. As you decide, discipline, and depend on Him, trust He will lead you to the freedom and healing you desire.
You are not alone, and your story is not over. God is with you in the waiting, working all things for your good and His glory (Romans 8:28). Keep moving forward—deliverance is within reach.
