God’s Perfect Timing

Most of us remember the story... Lazarus (the brother of Mary and Martha) was sick. They believed in Jesus and Jesus loved each of them. Lazarus was so sick that Mary and Martha sent for Jesus because they knew He could make their brother well. We don't know the thoughts that Mary and Martha had when Jesus did not come to help. I know that I would be wondering why He wouldn't want to come and help my brother. In all honesty, I think I might have begun to doubt His love and question His goodness.

Even now, some of us have asked the Lord to do something that we think should be done and God has not done what we have asked of Him. We try to keep trusting, but we feel frustrated. We don't understand why He has not answered us yet. Doesn't the Bible say that He will give us more than we ask, think, or imagine? We are beginning to doubt His love and goodness as we continue to hear silence.

BUT WAIT.... The story of Mary, and Martha, and Lazarus didn't end with Mary and Martha doubting the love of Jesus. Jesus never forgot those He loved so much. Jesus had more people in mind though. Jesus wanted to bring God as much glory as possible, and that is just what He did. Before He performed this most incredible miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, He prayed aloud to God and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me." (John 11:41-42) Jesus' goal all along was to get people saved. He never wanted to hurt Mary, Martha, or Lazarus. He wanted to see more lives grasp onto eternal life.

Let us remember that God's "time table" is VERY different from our own. If He hasn't answered your prayer the way you think it should be answered, don't doubt His love or goodness. He desires to bless you. He desires to give you more than you have ever asked, thought, or imagined just as His Word declares. Rest assured that His goal in and through each of our lives is to bring God as much glory as possible... JUST AS HE DID in and through the lives of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.