Two Days Longer and Still Waiting?
Dear Saints:
How long have you waited for God’s intervention in your case or situation? You have prayed and cried but it does not seem like God is hearing and listening and coming to your aid.
Welcome to Mary and Martha’s world. In fact welcome to the world of all believers/followers of Christ. Jesus is not moved by your sense of urgency but by the measure of God’s glory associated with our living.
Mary and Martha wanted Jesus right now (please read John chapter 11). But Jesus had to wait two more days before showing up even though it is a matter of life and death. Here is Jesus’ response to the two sisters:
““Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” 4 But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was.” John 11:3-6
Did Jesus really understand what was at stake here and that time was running out? When Jesus said, “This sickness is not to end in death”, is that really true? Didn’t Lazarus eventually die within the two days of delay? Delay for Mary and Martha but not for Jesus.
The whole encounter does not make sense from our own point of view. It did not make sense to Mary and Martha then and does not make sense to us. If you are waiting for anything to make sense to you when you are going through it; relax, it will not.
Jesus’ response to you does not indicate His level of love for you. Apostle John by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit wanted to make sure we understood that this family was not like any other around. He said, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” It is important to know that the Father loves His own at all times and nothing can separate us from His love.
“37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39.
Paul said he is “convinced”. Are you convinced of God’s love even though you are going through an apparent “mini hell”?
So, what is it all about -The delays, the trials and the sufferings?
It is for God’s glory period. We were made for God’s glory at all times. May that sink in. Whether we are in the storm, going through the storm or out of the storm or about to enter a storm of life, God must be glorified. This understanding will reduce our life-shockers and frustrations. “For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ’s sake, not only to believe and confidently trust in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Philippians 1:29 (AMP).
Friend, please hang in there for the extra two days, two weeks, two months or two years while Jesus is on His way to you. Jesus does not wear a watch. I thought a situation with my son was never going to have an end and many of you prayed for us. But am here to report that Jesus showed up with His resurrection power in this case after close to a year. To God be the glory.
Jesus is on His way to you, though a little longer than you are expecting. Father, may your grace abound for my brother or sister who is going “stuff” right now. May the Lord assure you of His unrelenting love and care in Jesus. Amen.
Be encouraged and please encourage someone else by the things you have been through (see 2 Corinthians 1:4). Give God a shout of praise and thanksgiving even in the midst of this storm.
Think of those who do not know Christ and are going through “stuff” just like us. The difference is that they do not have any HOPE. Can you introduce them to the God of HOPE, LOVE and PEACE? Pray for them and look for the opportunities; for it is in their time of going through “stuff” that their ears are open to listen to the Gospel.
How long have you waited for God’s intervention in your case or situation? You have prayed and cried but it does not seem like God is hearing and listening and coming to your aid.
Welcome to Mary and Martha’s world. In fact welcome to the world of all believers/followers of Christ. Jesus is not moved by your sense of urgency but by the measure of God’s glory associated with our living.
Mary and Martha wanted Jesus right now (please read John chapter 11). But Jesus had to wait two more days before showing up even though it is a matter of life and death. Here is Jesus’ response to the two sisters:
““Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” 4 But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was.” John 11:3-6
Did Jesus really understand what was at stake here and that time was running out? When Jesus said, “This sickness is not to end in death”, is that really true? Didn’t Lazarus eventually die within the two days of delay? Delay for Mary and Martha but not for Jesus.
The whole encounter does not make sense from our own point of view. It did not make sense to Mary and Martha then and does not make sense to us. If you are waiting for anything to make sense to you when you are going through it; relax, it will not.
Jesus’ response to you does not indicate His level of love for you. Apostle John by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit wanted to make sure we understood that this family was not like any other around. He said, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” It is important to know that the Father loves His own at all times and nothing can separate us from His love.
“37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39.
Paul said he is “convinced”. Are you convinced of God’s love even though you are going through an apparent “mini hell”?
So, what is it all about -The delays, the trials and the sufferings?
It is for God’s glory period. We were made for God’s glory at all times. May that sink in. Whether we are in the storm, going through the storm or out of the storm or about to enter a storm of life, God must be glorified. This understanding will reduce our life-shockers and frustrations. “For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ’s sake, not only to believe and confidently trust in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Philippians 1:29 (AMP).
Friend, please hang in there for the extra two days, two weeks, two months or two years while Jesus is on His way to you. Jesus does not wear a watch. I thought a situation with my son was never going to have an end and many of you prayed for us. But am here to report that Jesus showed up with His resurrection power in this case after close to a year. To God be the glory.
Jesus is on His way to you, though a little longer than you are expecting. Father, may your grace abound for my brother or sister who is going “stuff” right now. May the Lord assure you of His unrelenting love and care in Jesus. Amen.
Be encouraged and please encourage someone else by the things you have been through (see 2 Corinthians 1:4). Give God a shout of praise and thanksgiving even in the midst of this storm.
Think of those who do not know Christ and are going through “stuff” just like us. The difference is that they do not have any HOPE. Can you introduce them to the God of HOPE, LOVE and PEACE? Pray for them and look for the opportunities; for it is in their time of going through “stuff” that their ears are open to listen to the Gospel.
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