Today’s devotional started with the scripture from John 11:6: “Yet when he heard Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.” I couldn’t read further as I felt my present struggle of waiting on God.
From verse four, we see that Jesus had a purpose for his delay: to bring glory to God. This is wonderful in the spirit realm because unbelievers can see God’s miracle-working power and come to know him as their savior. In reality, waiting for God’s manifestation is a struggle.
As believers, we know God is able to do anything. He is all-powerful, and nothing can stand against him. Even Martha believed this (John 11:21). She declares that Lazarus is dead, but if Jesus asks God to fix the situation, he will. Then her humanity enters, and she’s confronted with her reality, which is displayed when she says, “Lazarus will rise in the last days with everyone.”
Waiting on God has an ebb and flow, a back-and-forth. We believe, then we question. Also, we trust, then we doubt.
Our job is to learn how to stay on the side of faith. Hebrews 11:1 NLT says, “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Remembering what God said enables us to hold on to what seems impossible. Focusing on the fact that we’re not alone strengthens us in the waiting. Look at Jesus, who wept in verse 35, although he knew Lazarus would rise. He’s familiar with our challenges (Isaiah 53:3).
When we find ourselves on the side of questions, God is available. After Martha interrogates Jesus on his delay, Mary follows suit. He doesn’t give a long discourse but asks, “Where’s Lazarus?” The time had arrived for Jesus to show Himself strong. While we never know why he delayed between Mary and Martha, we know that assurance comes in multiple forms.
We can join our questions with comforting words and affirmation of His promises. The Bible is full of God’s promises and examples of people who endured the questions and concerns in their lives. It’s a resource to build our faith as we wait. The exchange between Mary, Martha, and Jesus shows that we can honestly tell God about our challenges, and He will answer.
Another form of assurance is manifestation. One would think this is the end of the road, but it’s only a pit stop. When we receive answers to our questions or fulfillment of a promise, it becomes a memorial for the next time we’re unsure. Our life doesn’t end when God comes through our present “emergency.” More ups and downs are soon to come. With the next one, we have evidence that God came through then and will do it again. The last win strengthens us for the next challenge.
