It is not hard to imagine with me the heartache and impatience we experience in something being delayed. The doubts and the “why questions” invade our thoughts. Frustration, anxiousness, and even a temptation to just do things on our own and in our own time take over.

John chapter 11 is the story of Lazarus and a perfect example of delay and revelation that God will always come through.

Mary and Martha’s brother Lazarus had fallen ill. They reached out to their dear friend, Jesus. They knew he could touch Lazarus and heal him; they had seen it done before.  Mary and Martha knew Jesus’ love for them and for Lazarus. Surely, he would arrive on time. However, they waited not two days but four long excruciating days before Jesus appeared. Grieving the loss of a family member can seem like an eternity. We read Mary and Martha worried, wondering where Jesus was and why he had not come. Where was their Lord, the one they longed for to come touch their brother and give them comfort? They were hurting and sorrowful over the sickness and now death of their Lazarus. They were experiencing heartache while waiting for Jesus to come. I’m sure doubt set in. They turned to those around them for comfort. Maybe they had even given up hope. They didn’t understand the delay. John 11 is so full of the character of our Lord who feels every pain, longing, sorrow, and joy we feel.

Jesus found it difficult to postpone his visit to his friends, as this family held great significance for him. The Bible says he loved them very much. Jesus did not rush to Bethany before Lazarus died or he would have healed him on the spot and missed the opportunity for his Father to shine and for those around to believe. Jesus said to his disciples in John 11:15, “For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe.”

But then…. Martha heard that Jesus was coming! She rushed out to meet him, but Mary stayed home. I think Martha didn’t think twice about going but ran to meet him to give him a piece of her mind! “Why didn’t you come earlier? Now my brother has died!” And I just wonder if Mary stayed back, not wanting to see Jesus because she was too grieved, and maybe a little ashamed of her doubt. How often have we witnessed Jesus’ steadfastness in our lives, only to find ourselves despairing and lamenting, questioning His presence during our trials? When Mary finally went to meet him, for Jesus had called for her, she fell at his feet.  I often (ok always) find myself doubting during delays, and when God reveals His presence, I regret my lack of faith. He has always been faithful before, so why do I doubt he won’t do it again?!

Mary and Martha were distraught and still consumed by grief. Instead of being relieved that Jesus was finally there, they demanded to know why he had not come sooner because their brother would still be alive! He didn’t reprimand them, but Jesus saw and felt their pain. His own heart ached. He too felt the deep emotions of a lost friend and for Mary and Martha, who thought Lazarus was truly gone. He wept right along with them.

In our own lives, we rush ahead of what God wants to do. In the midst of our trials it is hard to focus our mind on Him. God works for our good but most importantly He works for His glory. He sees the bigger picture, the end result. What if we went through each trial in our life with expectation! Jesus wasn’t being mean or unthoughtful in his actions to delay but the timing was not right for what he needed to accomplish.

I love the way one commentary puts it “God’s delays, in answering prayers offered to him by persons in distress, are often proofs of his purpose to confer some great kindness, and they are also proofs that his wisdom finds it necessary to permit an increase of the affliction, that his goodness may be more conspicuous in its removal.”

Jesus knew waiting periods would be tough because the Bible is full of encouragement for us to hold on, to wait in His strength. Waiting is part of following Christ and, we are ok amid the delay.

Psalms 3:5 “I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me.” The definition of sustain is “to provide what is needed for”. The Lord nurtures and nourishes us even in the waiting.

And Habakkuk 2:3 “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”  The message says “If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time.” God is always on time.

Whatever it is you’re waiting for, keep waiting, hold on, and don’t give up. Is it a promise God has given you? Is it a prayer you’ve continued to pray over and over? Ask the Lord to give you wisdom in the waiting, strength to not grow weary. Make this time of waiting an opportunity to bring him honor and grow closer to him. Cling to his hope even if the answer seems to be delayed. Continue to seek Him and don’t be surprised when He shows up, just in the nick of time! Your miracle is coming! We can hope in the fact that his unsurpassing power and glory will be revealed when it does.

It should stir excitement within us to know He is always at work so that when the time comes we will stand in awe of Him. The delay always brings something greater than we can imagine.