Scripture Focus
John 11:1-44: The story of Lazarus’ death and resurrection showcases Jesus’ power over death and His purposeful timing. Key verse: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die’” (John 11:25).
Isaiah 55:8-9: “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” This reminds us that God’s plans and timing surpass human understanding.
Habakkuk 2:3: “For the vision is yet for an appointed time; though it tarries, wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not delay.” This assures us that God’s promises have a set time for fulfillment.
The Context of Lazarus’ Delay
In John 11, Mary and Martha sent an urgent message to Jesus: “Lord, the one you love is sick.” Their plea was a desperate SOS, expecting Jesus to rush to Bethany and heal their brother Lazarus. Yet, Jesus intentionally delayed two days, declaring, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). By the time He arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days, and hope seemed lost. But Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, revealing His resurrection power. This delay was not denial—it was a divine setup to display God’s glory. The story teaches us that God’s timing, though often mysterious, is always purposeful.
Four Lessons in the Wait
Waiting on God can feel agonizing, especially when prayers seem unanswered. The story of Lazarus offers profound lessons for navigating seasons of delay with faith and hope.
- God’s Silence Is Not Absence
Truth: When Jesus didn’t immediately respond to Mary and Martha’s plea, it wasn’t because He didn’t care. He loved Lazarus deeply (John 11:5) and was working behind the scenes.
Application: In your waiting, trust that God is present, even when you can’t sense Him. His silence is often preparation for a greater revelation. Reflect on past moments when God’s timing proved perfect, and let them anchor your faith.
Practice: When doubt creeps in, declare, “God, I trust You are working even in Your silence,” and recall Isaiah 55:8-9 to affirm His higher ways.
- Death of a Vision Can Precede Multiplication
Truth: Jesus likened His own death to a grain of wheat falling to the ground and dying to produce many seeds (John 12:24). Similarly, Lazarus’ death preceded a miracle that led many to believe (John 11:45).
Application: When a dream, relationship, or opportunity seems “dead,” trust that God can use that loss to birth something greater. The end of one season may be the start of multiplied blessings.
Practice: Identify a “dead” area in your life (e.g., a stalled career or broken relationship). Pray, “Lord, let this death produce a harvest for Your glory,” and look for small signs of new growth.
- Tears Are Prayers God Bottles
Truth: Mary and Martha wept, and Jesus Himself wept (John 11:35), showing that tears are a valid expression of pain. Psalm 56:8 says God collects our tears in His bottle, meaning no sorrow is wasted.
Application: Your tears are a form of prayer, seen and valued by God. In moments of grief or frustration, offer your emotions to Him, trusting He understands and cares.
Practice: Keep a journal to express your feelings during delays. Write a short prayer with each entry, such as, “Lord, see my tears and turn my sorrow into joy.”
- The Final Scene Always Glorifies Jesus
Truth: Lazarus’ resurrection brought glory to Jesus, fulfilling His purpose (John 11:4). God’s delays always lead to outcomes that magnify His power and love.
Application: In your waiting, focus on the ultimate goal: God’s glory. Even if the answer looks different than expected, trust that the final scene will showcase His faithfulness.
Practice: End each day with a declaration: “Lord, I believe this delay will glorify You. Let Your will be done.”
Practical Steps to Thrive in the Wait
Anchor in Scripture: Read John 11:1-44 slowly, noting how Jesus responded to each person’s pain. Choose one verse to memorize and recite during moments of doubt.
Pray with Expectation: Use the prayer below daily, personalizing it for your situation. Pray boldly, trusting God’s timing (Habakkuk 2:3).
Document God’s Faithfulness: Start a “stone-rolling journal.” Write down prayers you’re waiting on and record answers when they come, no matter how small.
Seek Community: Share your waiting season with a trusted friend or small group. Their prayers and encouragement can strengthen your faith.
Act in Faith: While waiting, take small, obedient steps toward your goal. For example, if waiting for a job, update your resume or take a course, trusting God to open doors.
Testimony of God’s Perfect Timing
A couple in their late 30s longed for a child but faced 18 years of infertility, enduring countless medical treatments and heartaches. They clung to Habakkuk 2:3, praying for God’s promise to come at the appointed time. On the day they decided to “give up” and surrender their dream to God, the wife discovered she was pregnant with twins. The delay not only brought them double joy but also a ministry: they now counsel and pray with other couples struggling with infertility, sharing how God’s timing transformed their pain into purpose. Their story echoes Lazarus’ miracle, showing that what seems like a grave can become a stage for God’s glory.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I trust You in the waiting, even when my heart grows weary. If my Lazarus—my dream, my hope—is still in the grave, roll away the stone and resurrect Your glory. Align my heart with Your perfect timing, and let my life magnify Your name. Thank You for Your higher ways and unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Closing Encouragement
Delays test our faith but also refine it. Like Mary and Martha, you may feel God is late, but He is always on time. Hold fast to His promises, for “though it tarries, wait for it, because it will surely come” (Habakkuk 2:3). Your Lazarus moment is coming, and it will glorify Jesus.
