What can we learn about trusting God's timing from John 11:22? The Setting: A Grieving Sister Speaks Faith Martha has just buried her brother. Four days have passed, hope looks buried with Lazarus, and yet she does not walk away from Christ—she walks toward Him. The Key Verse “ ‘But even now I know that God will give You whatever You ask of Him.’ ” (John 11:22) Lessons on Trusting God’s Timing • Hope travels beyond the grave – Martha says “even now,” showing that divine possibility is not canceled by human deadlines (cf. Luke 1:37). • Faith rests on who Christ is, not on what the clock says – Jesus had delayed intentionally (John 11:6), proving that His love and His lateness can coexist. – Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that His ways tower over ours. • Waiting seasons are faith-stretching seasons – Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the LORD; be strong and courageous.” – Habakkuk 2:3: “Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” – God was not ignoring Martha; He was staging a greater revelation of His glory (John 11:4). • God’s timing serves a larger purpose – By arriving after the funeral, Jesus dismantled every natural explanation; only resurrection power could follow. – Romans 8:28 assures that all things—including divine delays—work together for good. • Prayer keeps trust alive while the clock ticks – Martha verbalizes her confidence. Speaking biblical truth steadies the heart while we wait (Philippians 4:6-7). • Christ’s authority guarantees the outcome – John 11:25-26: “I am the resurrection and the life.” – When the One who commands time says “Come out,” tombs obey. That same authority presides over every unanswered prayer we place in His hands. • The resurrected result validates the wait – Lazarus walks out, proving that God’s “late” is still perfect. – Galatians 4:4: “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son…”—He always acts in “fullness,” never in fragments. Putting It Into Practice • Cling to the “even now” mindset; refuse to date-stamp God’s promises. • Rehearse Scriptures that highlight divine timing (Ecclesiastes 3:11; 2 Peter 3:8-9). • Replace panic with petition; pray like Martha, believing Jesus still has the final word. Trust grows where “too late” meets “even now.” God’s timing is never off; it is orchestrated for His glory and our ultimate good. |
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