SCRIPTURE: John 11: 12–19

12: Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
13: Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
14: Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
15: And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
16: Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him…
19: And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: GOD SEES BEYOND THE PRESENT SITUATION

When Lazarus was sick, Jesus did not immediately go to Bethany. By the time He arrived, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days.

To Martha and Mary, the delay may have seemed painful and disappointing. Yet Jesus had a greater purpose behind the delay. The disciples initially misunderstood Jesus when He said Lazarus was sleeping. Jesus then told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead” (v. 14). He explained that His delay would ultimately serve a purpose: “for your sakes I am glad I was not there, to the intent ye may believe” (v. 15). This teaches us that God’s delay is not necessarily God’s denial. Sometimes God permits a situation to develop beyond what we consider manageable so that His power may be revealed and our faith strengthened.

Lazarus’ condition had become worse, but Jesus was not late. He arrived at the appointed time. What appeared to be a hopeless situation became an opportunity for the disciples to grow in faith and for God’s glory to be revealed.

There may be moments when we pray and wonder why God has not acted. We should continue trusting Him. His silence does not mean He has forgotten us, and His delay does not mean He has abandoned us. God sees beyond the present situation. What we call a delay may be part of His greater purpose. Keep trusting, keep praying, and keep believing; God’s timing is always connected to His purpose.

ASSIGNMENT
Think of one situation where you have been waiting on God.

PRAYER
Lord, give me grace to trust You when answers seem delayed.