Delays, Deadlines, and To Do's: God's Timing Always Wins
God's Divine Timing is Never Off
This week, I’ve found myself stacking and prioritizing activities with a lot of differing deadlines. Some of what I’m working on needs to be done now, some needs to happen in a certain sequence, and some is reliant on others to complete their work so that larger plans can come together. Most of us when looking at our "to do" lists want things done immediately. We also want things to be predictable and run smoothly. We're normal - but this isn't always how it goes.
I’ve learned over the years to trust God’s timing in the delays or when working through something complex. Somehow, it always seems to be what is needed, although usually only seen when zooming out and reflecting on actual outcomes.
I’m reminded of the story of Lazarus in the book of John. It's one of the clearest examples of how God’s timing, though different from human expectations, is absolutely perfect.
The Situation
Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, was very sick in Bethany. His sisters sent word to Jesus, saying, "Lord, the one you love is sick." (John 11:3). Given Jesus’ love for Lazarus and His reputation for healing, they expected Him to come immediately and prevent Lazarus from dying.
Jesus’ Response
Surprisingly, Jesus did not rush to Bethany. Instead, He stayed where He was for two more days (John 11:6). His reasoning? “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4).
From a human perspective, this delay seemed negligent. But Jesus was working on God’s divine schedule, not man’s.
The Outcome: A Greater Miracle
By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days. This was significant because in Jewish tradition, it was believed that a person's spirit lingered near the body for three days. By day four, Lazarus was undeniably dead—his body had already begun to decay (John 11:39).
Martha and Mary were heartbroken. They both told Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21, 32). They believed in His power to heal, but their faith was limited. They didn’t yet grasp that He had the power to reverse death itself.
Then, in front of a crowd of mourners, Jesus commanded the stone to be rolled away and called out, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43). To everyone’s shock, Lazarus walked out of the tomb alive!
Why God's Timing Was Perfect
A Bigger Miracle: If Jesus had healed Lazarus immediately, it would have been a great miracle, but raising a man from the dead after four days was an undeniable, world-changing display of divine power.
Strengthened Faith: This event wasn’t just for Lazarus. It strengthened the faith of Mary, Martha, the disciples, and the onlookers, proving Jesus’ authority over death.
Foreshadowing Jesus’ Own Resurrection: Just days later, Jesus Himself would rise from the grave. Raising Lazarus was a preview of His ultimate victory over death.
God’s Glory Revealed: Jesus told the disciples from the start that this event was for God’s glory (John 11:4). If He had simply healed Lazarus earlier, the impact would not have been as profound.
Like Mary and Martha, we often want immediate answers to our prayers and immediate solutions to problems. But sometimes, God delays because He is setting up something even greater than we could imagine. His timing isn't just about solving problems—it’s about revealing His power, strengthening our faith, and glorifying Himself in the best way possible.
As long as we keep this in mind, we can more easily move through some of the complex business and personal to-do lists with the peace that Jesus brings. I hope this was a reminder for some of you, like it was for me, to continue to walk with Him and have faith in His timing.
-Mark
