Some delays don’t come wrapped in spiritual warfare or demonic assignments. Some delays come wrapped in flesh and blood. It’s people who, knowingly or unknowingly, become tools in the enemy’s hand to hinder your movement, stall your calling, and frustrate your forward progress. ( I talk a lot more about this in my course, People Warfare.)

These are what I call human agents of delay.

They’re not always evil people. In fact, some may love you. Some may even have good intentions. But make no mistake: Good intentions don’t always align with God’s directions. And when you’re moving forward with God, anyone who pulls you back—whether through control, manipulation, doubt, distraction, or disobedience—can become an obstacle in your path.

What Do Human Agents of Delay Look Like?

Sometimes, they’re codependent friends who drain your emotional energy just before a breakthrough.

Other times, it’s a leader operating in control or insecurity who refuses to release you into your next assignment.

It may even be a business partner, romantic interest, or ministry connection who was never God-ordained to walk with you in the first place.

Think of Abraham and Lot. God told Abraham to leave his relatives (Genesis 12:1), yet he brought Lot with him. What happened? Strife. Setbacks. Land disputes. Abraham couldn’t move into the full promise until Lot separated from him (Genesis 13:14).

Some of you are still waiting on your next instruction, but God is waiting on you to separate from what He never sanctioned.

“You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?”—Galatians 5:7

Paul didn’t say “what” hindered you. He said “who.” That means a person can hinder your obedience—and delayed obedience is still disobedience.

Stop Letting People Talk You Out of What God Spoke

When you’re breaking delay, you must guard your circle with precision. If the enemy can’t curse you, he’ll try to connect you to someone who carries confusion. If he can’t stop you with a demon, he’ll try to delay you with a person. Ask yourself:

• Who causes you to doubt what God said?
• Who always seems to interrupt your rhythm with the Lord?
• Who do you feel drained by instead of sharpened by?

You don’t have to be cruel to create boundaries. But you do have to be clear. In this season, clarity is a weapon.

God is calling you to break free fromthe people who are slowing your pace, clouding your discernment, and keeping you tethered to cycles of delay.

Prayer: Father, show me every human agent of delay, whether sent by the enemy or just misaligned with Your purpose for my life. Give me the courage to create healthy distance where needed. I break every soul tie that holds me back from running the race You’ve marked out for me. I will not sacrifice my destiny for the comfort of familiarity. In Jesus’ name, I cut every relational rope that is pulling me backward. Amen.

Ready to break free from all hindrance—seen and unseen?

Don’t stop at delay. There’s an entire demonic network working to block your movement. Enroll now in Conquering Hindering Spirits to get the insight, strategy, and activation you need to win.

Pray with me: