How can we trust Jesus' timing when facing personal trials and doubts? Setting the Scene John 11:37 records the puzzled murmur of the crowd at Lazarus’ tomb: “But some of them asked, ‘Could not this man who opened the eyes of the blind also have kept Lazarus from dying?’ ”. Their question mirrors our own when difficulties linger—“Lord, why the delay?” The Question Behind the Question • Doubt challenges Jesus’ love (“Does He care?”). • Doubt challenges Jesus’ power (“Is He able?”). • Doubt challenges Jesus’ wisdom (“Does He know what He’s doing?”). The remainder of John 11—culminating in Lazarus’s resurrection—answers all three with a resounding yes. Why We Can Trust His Timing • His timing is purposeful: “This illness will not end in death; it is for God’s glory” (John 11:4). • His timing is loving: “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard … He stayed where He was two more days” (John 11:5-6). Love dictated delay, not neglect. • His timing displays greater glory: “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40). • His timing strengthens faith: The disciples and the mourners moved from abstract belief to personal encounter with resurrection power. • His timing is never late: Four-day decay was no obstacle; Jesus called life out of death at the precise moment that maximized impact. Reinforcing Truths from the Rest of Scripture • Romans 8:28—He works “all things together for good,” including the long waiting. • Isaiah 55:8-9—His thoughts and ways are higher than ours. • Habakkuk 2:3—“Though it lingers, wait for it; it will surely come and will not delay.” • 2 Peter 3:9—Seeming delay is patience that accomplishes salvation. • Psalm 27:14—“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart.” Practical Steps While Waiting • Anchor your heart daily in His revealed character—reread passages like John 11, Mark 5:21-43, and Psalm 23. • Recall past deliverances; gratitude fuels present trust. • Speak honestly with Him—Martha voiced her grief (John 11:21), yet still believed (v. 27). • Surround yourself with faith-filled community; Mary arose “quickly” at Jesus’ call because others whispered, “The Teacher is here” (John 11:28-29). • Serve and worship in the meantime—Martha later served; Mary poured costly perfume (John 12:1-3). Waiting does not freeze obedience. Living Assurance Jesus’ timing turns tombs into testimonies. Because He literally raised Lazarus—and later rose Himself—every apparent delay in our lives is under the same sovereign, loving hand. Trust grows not by figuring out the schedule but by fixing our eyes on the Savior who commands life itself. |
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