I would define the word “tarry”, as the ability to wait patiently with strong convictions; despite sustained pressure, discouragement, weariness, discomfort, or resistance. Therefore, as we examine the story of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ in John 20:1-17, we can clearly see the significance of tarrying in the presence of God undeterred. For us to encounter the word, promises and goodness of God in our lives, we must endeavour to tarry in the place of prayer and supplication, just like Mary Magdalene did at the sepulchre of Jesus Christ after He rose from the dead on the third day.
Although, Peter and John after rushing to the sepulchre of Jesus Christ, left there after they did not see His body. Mary, however, bluntly refused to leave the sepulchre because of her deep love for Jesus, as she continued to mourn. As a result of her persistence in tarring at the sepulchre of Jesus, she acquired the opportunity to be the first person to see Jesus after His resurrection from the dead; even before Jesus had the opportunity to go before the Father God after His resurrection from the dead. Mary’s undiluted love, faith and hope in Jesus demonstrated through her persistence at the Sepulchre, compelled Jesus to reveal Himself to her before He even had the opportunity to show Himself the Father.
Mary’s sincere love and reverence for Jesus enabled her to tarry faithfully and diligently at the sepulchre for as long as was necessary. She was a persistent seeker of Jesus Christ, who worshipped Him in spirit and in truth.
Mary Magdalene tarried at the sepulchre seeking the Lord despite knowing that she may not see Him again. Although Jesus had previously told His Disciples before His crucifixion, that He would rise up again from the dead on the third day, none of them, including Mary remembered this. Mark 9:31, “Because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.”
Another beautiful example of tarrying in the place of prayer, is seen in Acts 1:4, where Jesus instructed His Disciples to tarry in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit after His resurrection. Acts 1:4-8, “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about”. If the Disciples had not tarried in the upper room like Jesus instructed them to do, they would have missed the blessed opportunity to receive the Holy spirit. Acts 2:1-4, ” When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them”.To tarry in the place of prayer, is to wait with determination until we receive our petitions from God.
For us to receive a dynamic breakthrough from God, we must endeavour to tarry tirelessly with integrity in place of prayer and fasting unto God.
Genesis 32:26-28, “And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me! So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.”.And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed”.
Ten Examples of those who tarried in place of prayer.
1. Daniel, prayed for 21 days relentlessly until he heard back from God
2. Moses fasted and prayed in the mountain for 40 days on two different occasions until God directed him.
3. Ezekiel prayed and fasted for 430 days in total. Laid on his left side for 390 days to bear the sin of the house of Israel. He also laid on his right side for 40 days to bear the sin of the house of Judah.
4. Nehemiah: Fasted for 120 days
5. Esther: Fasted for 3 days for wisdom, discernment, protection, and guidance.
6. Saul: Fasted for 3 days without food and water.
7. Abraham and Sarah: Waited for 25 years before receiving their promised son, Isaac, demonstrating unwavering faith in God’s promise.
8. Joseph: Spent 13 years imprisoned before being elevated to a position of power in Egypt, illustrating the idea of God working through difficult circumstances.
9. David: Waited patiently for 15 years before becoming king of Israel, showcasing trust in God’s plan.
10. Jesus: Fasted for 40 days and 40 nights.
Ten Reasons Why We Must Tarry In The Place Of Prayer.
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- 1. It demonstrates our faith in God, His word and His promises.
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- 2. It proves our allegiance to God.
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- 3. It is obedience to God’s words and instructions.
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- 4. It illustrates our hope in God’s goodness, grace and mercy.
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- 5. It means that we trust in God’s perfect timing.
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- 6. It is proof that we believe God’s way is the best option for us.
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- 7. We understand that our faith is being tested.
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- 8. It pleases God that we wait patiently for Him.
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- 9. We understand that when God blesses, He adds no sorrows.
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- 10. We know that God is working all things together for our good.
God bless you 
