Delayed On Purpose

April 2, 2020

In this week’s discussion about our losses and gains experienced during this Covid-19 season, some in our Zoom meeting talked about the loss of autonomy and a sense of having no control.  Even in the best of times, we face hurdles that frustrate our plans and our prayers to God for hoped-for outcomes.

Just ask anyone today waiting for life to go back to “normal” instead of at-home schooling, people furloughed from their jobs, those sick and waiting for Covid-19 test results, or someone longing to hear from an estranged family member.

If we’re brave enough, we ask questions like, “How long, Lord?  “How is this going to turn out?”

In the story told in John 11, we see Jesus receiving alarming news. “Lord, the one you love is sick.”(vs.3) But instead of leaving promptly to go to Bethany, Jesus  delays his return so that by the time he arrives, Lazarus has already died and been buried. (vs.17) His sisters, Martha and Mary, now face the pain of their brother’s death and their hurt that Jesus wasn’t there in time to heal him. (vs.21,32)

Jesus ultimately knew his delay would bring many to believe in him when they saw and heard others tell of his greater plan, bringing Lazarus back to life.(vs. 45) But even knowing the best was yet to come didn’t mean Jesus heartlessly ignored their plea. In fact, two words describe how Jesus felt,“He wept,” when he came to the tomb where Lazarus was buried. (vs.35)

Jesus shows us He grieves with us and feels  our disappointments and sorrows.

For all the times we have wondered if God still cares or has heard our prayers, take comfort in knowing He does, just like Jesus did in this story. When the way seems uncertain, can we trust God’s timing to answer us with the outcome He knows is best?

Read and meditate on these Scriptures.

 “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.”  Isaiah 65:24

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? …But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.” Psalm 13:1, 5-6 

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. …For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:6, 8-9

Answer these questions

How do you usually feel about God’s delay in answering a prayer of yours?

Timothy Keller says, “God answers our prayers in the way we would have prayed if we knew everything He did.” When have you seen God give you an answer to your prayer that was different than you expected? Can you see the ways that His answer was better than the outcome you hoped for? If so, how?

Name anything that is keeping you from trusting Him in these trying days. (ie. fear, disappointment, unbelief, impatience, anger, etc.). God already knows how you feel so be honest with Him like Mary and Martha were with Jesus.

Prayer of Surrender

When Jesus prayed, “Lord not my will but yours be done” (Mark 14:36), He gave us an example to follow. If you’re able, offer a prayer by faith like this one from a place of surrender.

“Lord, I surrender my desire to have my prayer request answered the way I want and in the timing that I think is best. I know that “You can do all things and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2). Give me peace as I trust and wait on You for (tell God your request): ______________________________________________________________________________.

In Jesus name I pray. Amen.”

Thanks for joining us today. Every Thursday until the end of April, I will post a new AtHome Mini-Retreat. If you’d like to connect with others and discuss this AtHome Mini-Retreat, you can join us on Zoom on Tuesday, April 7 at 3:00 p.m. Would anyone be interested in a 8:00 p.m. Thursday April 9?

Fill out a contact form and I will reply with the Zoom meeting ID and password for next week.