“So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.” John 11:6
April 14, 2023
There are divine purposes in every crisis. The problem is that we can’t immediately figure what those purposes might be. Mary’s brother, Lazarus, was sick. Jesus was told and in response, He delayed His response by staying where He was for two more days. Sadness may be compounded by the infinite wisdom and love of God (Jn. 11:4, 6:13,15). Jesus was on the Father’s time-table. He alone knew what He was about to do and why. Sometimes it seems that Jesus doesn’t love us, so our experience may indicate, but He does love us (“Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister [Mary], and Lazarus,” Jn. 11:5). The Lord’s timing is perfect, maybe not by our watch or calendar, but we must lay hold of the truth of Jesus’ trustworthiness in times of disappointment and sorrow. We are always safe in the will of God. Are you sad? Make sure it is not a sadness with anger at God. That’s not a good recipe. Waiting on the Lord with loving, patient obedience is faith that will echo through eternity.
H
“Sorrow commonly comes on horseback, but goes away on foot.” Thomas Adams