When God's Timing Seems Off: Finding Hope in the Story of Lazarus
Based on the October 13, 2024 message by Bishop Leonard Chatham
Have you ever felt like God was running late? Maybe you've prayed for a miracle, only to feel like your prayers have gone unanswered. If so, you're not alone. Today, I want to share a powerful message about God's perfect timing, even when it doesn't align with our expectations.
The Problem with Miracles
Let's start with a truth that might surprise you: "The one thing about a miracle is, is that they always begin, most of the time, with problems. So if you're in here and you got a problem, you're a candidate for a miracle." That's right – your current struggle might just be the setup for an incredible display of God's power.
But here's the catch: God's timing rarely matches our own. And sometimes, that can lead us to question His love or His power. Let me illustrate this with a story from the Bible that has always fascinated me – the death and resurrection of Lazarus.
When a Friend of Jesus Dies
In John 11, we read about Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus, who falls ill. His sisters, Mary and Martha, send word to Jesus, expecting Him to come immediately and heal their brother. But Jesus does something unexpected:
"When he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days" (John 11:6).
Can you imagine the sisters' confusion and pain? They knew Jesus loved them. They had seen His power to heal. So why wasn't He coming? By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days.
The God Who Weeps
Now, here's where it gets interesting. When Jesus finally arrives, He doesn't immediately perform a miracle. Instead, the Bible tells us, "Jesus wept" (John 11:35). This is the shortest verse in the Bible, but it's packed with meaning.
"We have a high priest who can empathize with our feelings," as Hebrews 4:15 reminds us. Jesus, fully God and fully man, felt the pain of loss and the grief of His friends. He shows us that it's okay to cry, to feel, to express our emotions to God.
The Miracle in the Mess
But Jesus didn't stop at empathy. He was about to do something incredible. Standing before Lazarus's tomb, Jesus called out, "Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43). And to everyone's amazement, Lazarus walked out, alive and well.
Here's a powerful truth: "Most miracles don't happen until things get stinky." Sometimes, God allows situations to become seemingly hopeless before He intervenes. Why? Because when He does act, there's no doubt that it's His power at work.
God's Perfect Timing
You might be wondering, "But why didn't Jesus come sooner? Why let Lazarus die in the first place?" Here's what I've learned:
"God is not confined by time. He can step outside of time and look in time. And when he steps in time, he's on time."
Our perspective is limited. We see only what's in front of us. But God sees the bigger picture. He knows exactly when to step in for maximum impact and glory.
Putting It Into Practice
So, how do we apply this to our lives? Here are some practical steps:
Embrace the wait: Remember, delays are not denials. God might be setting the stage for something greater than you can imagine.
Feel your feelings: It's okay to cry, to question, to express your pain to God. He can handle it.
Keep believing: Even when things look hopeless, hold onto faith. As Jesus said, "He who believes in me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25).
Look for God's presence: In your darkest moments, remember that Jesus weeps with you. You're never alone in your pain.
Expect the unexpected: God's solutions often look different from what we anticipate. Be open to His surprising ways of working.
Finally, I want to leave you with a simple affirmation. Let's say it together: "I can.. we can do it!" This isn't just positive thinking – it's a declaration of faith in the God who makes the impossible possible.
Remember, you are a miracle waiting to happen. Every day holds the possibility of divine intervention. So keep your eyes open, your heart ready, and your faith strong. Your Lazarus moment might be just around the corner.