The Moment We’re In: God’s “Delay” and Our Decisive Now

Scripture calls the time between Jesus’ first and second comings the last days. The kingdom is here—and yet not fully here. That tension is not a glitch; it’s grace. God’s timing is patient and purposeful, creating space for repentance, belief, and bold obedience before Christ returns. As Peter explains, God is “not slow… but patient… not wishing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:8–9).

So what do faithful Christians do in the in-between? We live like the King truly reigns now and will soon return—by practicing Firstfruits Generosity: Practice Tithing and Surrendered Trust — Live for the Coming Kingdom. That means aligning our resources, relationships, and plans with His purpose. It means we cultivate trust in His sovereignty and respond with obedience today—not tomorrow.

Abraham’s Pattern: Resurrection-Fueled Surrender

Abraham’s greatest test was not a math problem; it was a heart question. When God asked him to offer his son Isaac, Abraham believed God could raise the dead (Hebrews 11:17–19). That resurrection hope liberated his surrender and steadied his obedience on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22).

Christians stand on an even surer footing: Jesus, the true Son, has been raised. He is the firstfruits of the resurrection harvest (1 Corinthians 15:20). If God raised Jesus, then He can be trusted with what is most precious to us—our children, our marriages, our futures, our reputations, our finances. Resurrection hope is not abstract doctrine; it is the power that loosens our grip and fuels courageous faith when everything in us wants to clutch, delay, and protect.

If you find this post helpful, please support these ministry efforts by buying a copy of our book: The Bible Made Simple and Easy: Book‑by‑Book Summaries of All 66 Books with Visual Aids and Key Verses. Available in our shop and on Amazon. Get your copy today!

Firstfruits Practice: Tithing as the Starting Line

In a culture where money is a master, Christians confess a different Lord. God’s ownership is total; everything we have is His. The ancient practice of firstfruits generosity—offering the first and best of the harvest—trained God’s people to trust Him for the rest. In that same spirit, Scripture presents the tithe (ten percent) as a baseline of stewardship and generosity, not the ceiling. It’s the starting line for a life reoriented around God’s kingdom.

Why start with the first ten percent? Because it confronts our fears with faith. It’s hard to wait until the end of the month and then see what’s “left” for God. Firstfruits generosity flips the script: give to God first as an act of worship and trust, and let Him order the rest. “Bring the full tithe… and thereby put me to the test,” God says, inviting us to taste His provision (Malachi 3:10).

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul frames giving with resurrection-shaped joy and eagerness: “God loves a cheerful giver,” and He is able to supply “all grace” for “every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:6–8). Firstfruits generosity is not merely about funding ministries; it’s about forming disciples who live free—unhooked from mammon, anchored in the King.

Trust Meets Timing: Living the Kingdom Now/Not Yet

Because God’s “delay” is a mercy-soaked invitation, we don’t cruise on autopilot. We live awake. We repent quickly. We invest in people. We prioritize mission. We put our resources where our hope is. Jesus’ counsel is as bracing as it is beautiful: “Fear not, little flock… Sell your possessions, and give to the needy… For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Luke 12:32–34).

That is the kingdom now/not yet way of life: today’s budget, calendar, and relationships aimed at tomorrow’s glory. We don’t know when the sky will split and the trumpet will sound—but we do know how to live until then. We steward what’s in our hands, surrender what we’re tempted to clutch, and take the next faithful step.

Practical Steps: Start Today, Trust for Tomorrow

Want to translate resurrection hope into Monday morning habits? Try this:

• Choose a firstfruits percentage. If you’ve never tithed, commit to ten percent as a clear, biblical baseline. If you already tithe, prayerfully consider a step beyond as the Lord leads. Automate it so your first dollars go to kingdom purposes and your firstfruits generosity sets the tone for all your giving.
• Identify “your Isaac.” What precious thing are you protecting instead of entrusting—a relationship, a dream, a child, a role, a reputation? Name it before God. Pray, “Lord, it’s Yours.” Then take one concrete step that reflects surrender and obedience.
• Set one kingdom habit. In these last days, choose one weekly rhythm that aligns with God’s mission: a hospitality night, a standing prayer walk, a set time to serve, or a recurring gift to a missionary or local ministry.

FAQs for the Faithful (and the Hesitant)

Do I have to tithe 10%? The tithe is a time-tested, biblically grounded floor for stewardship and firstfruits generosity. Scripture commends proportionate, intentional, cheerful giving. For many, ten percent is the best starting line for ordering life under God’s ownership and His purpose.

What if I’m in debt or living paycheck-to-paycheck? Wisdom and generosity are friends, not enemies. Start with a real plan: build a budget, cut costs, seek counsel, and give firstfruits at a faith-stretching but honest percentage while you work your plan. Don’t wait for perfect conditions; practice obedience in today’s conditions, trusting God with your firstfruits generosity.

How do I trust God with what matters most? Abraham shows us: fix your eyes on the God who raises the dead. Immerse in the promises of Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20), pray honestly, obey specifically, and watch Him meet you with sustaining grace as you walk in firstfruits generosity.

A Word to the One Still on the Fence

If you’re not yet a Christian, the Lord’s patience is meant for your salvation. Jesus lived, died, and rose to bring you into His kingdom. Turn from sin and trust Him today—this is the decisive moment. If you already belong to Christ, the same resurrection hope that saved you will sustain you as you surrender, obey, and practice firstfruits generosity.

Live Like the Tomb Is Empty (Because It Is)

We don’t tithe because God needs cash; we give because He deserves our firstfruits, our trust, and our worship. We don’t surrender because we love loss; we surrender because our Father gives the kingdom and our Savior has already conquered death. We don’t hurry because we fear the clock; we act now because God’s “delay” is a mercy-drenched window for decisive faith and bold firstfruits generosity.

So take your next faithful step. Open your hands. Set your treasure where your heart is meant to live. And let the world see the courage and joy of people convinced that the risen Christ reigns now—and will soon return in power and glory.