According to Investopedia.com whereas a leading indicator is something measurable that “predicts a change or movement,” of a particular event, a lagging indicator is something measurable that “changes sometime after” the event. “Lagging indicators confirm trends and changes in trends.”

Joel Osteen is a prominent minster located in Houston, TX, and has a television ministry. He told the story of when his mom was stricken with cancer but refused to accept this diagnosis. After hearing the medical report, she began to pray and thank God for healing. She would walk around her home quoting scripture and believing for a positive result. She was restored completely, but it occurred months after she initiated her faith.

When the sun rises in the morning it does not mean the day has just begun. In fact, a new day started hours before, at midnight. Sunrise is a lagging indicator of a new day. Healing for Joel’s mom was a lagging indicator of her belief that started her trending towards full recovery. Just like evidence of healing correlated to Mrs. Osteen’s faith which started months before, the sunrise correlates to midnight which starts hours before, every time.

Yes, you have prayed, hoped, believed, worked, and endured for a while. You may even be frustrated with where you are still – in the same financial, emotional, physical, social, spiritual, or other state you have been. But take heart because it is past midnight, and your sunrise is coming.

The Lord’s acts of mercy indeed do not end, for His compassions do not fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23