God’s Plan in the Waiting
I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. - John 11:25
Have you ever felt like God was too late?
That’s exactly how Mary and Martha felt. Their brother Lazarus was sick, and they sent word to Jesus: “Lord, the one You love is sick.” (Vs. 3) They expected Him to come quickly. But John 11:6 tell us, “He stayed two more days…”
Why the delay? Why the waiting?
Jesus gives the reason plainly in verse 4:
“This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
What looked like delay was actually divine design. Jesus wasn’t ignoring them. He was preparing something greater than they could imagine.
By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been dead four days. Martha met Him with grief and faith, saying, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would bot have died.” (Vs. 2) That’s the grief. She goes on, “But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give you.” (Vs. 23) That’s the faith.
Jesus responded:
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (Vs. 25)
This wasn’t just a future hope - it was a present Person. The resurrection isn’t something Jesus does: it’s who He is!
When Mary came she fell at Jesus’ feet, weeping. And then the shortest, and one of the most touchingly human verse in the Bible comes:
“Jesus wept.” (Vs. 35)
He knew what He was about to do. He knew Lazarus would live again. But He wept anyway. WHY? Because He chooses to enters into our grief with us. He meets us in our pain - even when He knows the ending.
At the tomb, Jesus commanded: “Lazarus, come forth” (Vs. 43) And the man who had been dead walked out alive.
The miracle wasn’t just about power - it was a glimpse into God’s heart and His greater purpose. Jesus was showing us that He has authority over death, compassion in our sorrow, and purpose in our waiting.
We all have “Lazarus moments” - times when it feels too late, too far gone, too broken. But even then, Jesus asks us what He asked Martha:
“Do you believe this?” (Vs. 26)
Do we believe He’s still the resurrection and the life - even here, even now, even in this present trouble?
When life doesn’t go as planned, remember: His delay is not His denial. His plan is greater. And His love never fails - even when it waits.
In what area of your life are you wanting for God to move - and can you trust that His delay is not denial?
Heavenly Father, help me to trust Your timing, believe Your promises, and rest in the truth that You are the resurrection and the life. In Jesus name, Amen.
