TRUST GOD’S TIMING

It’s common in society to want things now. We live in the present, consumed by current events, with no idea why the present is what it is, or, what comes next. This live-for-today practice leads to quick decision making to achieve immediate change. It seems mankind wears blinders, unable to take in all that goes on around us and why. But not God – He sees it all.

His plan for history is laid out, sort of like stepping stones. If we simply place all trust in Him and follow the stones, onestep at a time, we have the to ability reach the goodness He planned for us.

It’s about trusting God’s timing.

When Jesus heard His dear friend Lazarus was seriously ill, instead of leaving Bethabara and rushing to Lazarus’ bedside in Bethany, Jesus stayed put for two days. By the time Jesus did arrive at the home of Lazarus, Lazarus had been dead for four days. No doubt Jesus’ followers wished Jesus had not delayed and returned sooner, in their time, so that Jesus could have healed their personal friend just as He had healed strangers.

But Jesus had a reason for His “delay.” His timing is perfect. He wanted to teach the disciples, and those who may not be followers, God’s power. Lazarus was dead, entombed for four days, then brought back to life simply by Jesus calling, “Lazarus, come out!” This resurrection was undeniably a miracle that Jesus preformed in His perfect time.

The fact that Jesus chose to wait before returning to Bethany while those around Him chose to doubt His timing is a lesson to us. Both Mary and Martha, sisters of Lazarus, went to Jesus upon His arrival and said to Him, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Their statement indicates they did believe in Jesus’ ability to heal, but at that time they still did not understand His strength, His power to transmit beyond time restraints.

The sisters wanted Jesus to heal Lazarus in their time, while he was still ill, before he died, because they had no conception of healing after death. But Jesus had a bigger plan in mind.

Jesus can do anything at any time with His power. He has no constraints. Our expectations are lower than His. We know only of this world. We don’t understand the future He has for us or how He wants us to trust Him with each step we take. Jesus sees the bigger picture. As we wait for Him to help us through a bad situation, just as the sisters waited, we should remember He has a plan for all things and His timing is always perfect.

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.

By His waiting Jesus stretched the faith of those who followed Him and created new believers. Lazarus’ death in a tomb with a large stone closing the opening did not stop Jesus from reaching him. Death did not stop Jesus from offering life.

If you’re going through troubling times right now, perhaps Jesus is growing your faith just as He did for the disciples. Regardless of how long you’ve suffered, speak it to Jesus. Invite Him to come to you, to be with you, and in His time you will have life.

ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OF JESUS?

If you’re uncertain you’ve ever invited Jesus into your heart – now is the perfect time. Pray this sinner’s prayer found at Gotquestions.com. Only through Jesus Christ can you receive the redemptive hope that He alone offers.

“God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen!”

Learn and share the importance of keeping God’s name holy. Order copies of my book, LIFT HIM UP DON’T PULL HIM DOWN, @LULU.COM or AMAZON.COM for your next Bible study.