By Isabella Barnes
John 11:22-23
“But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
“Good things take time” is a line I’m sure we’ve all heard more than a few times. Whether you’re learning a new skill, saving money for a trip, or waiting for your frozen pizza to come out of the oven, we have all had times where we’ve been stuck waiting. I can be pretty impatient when it comes to waiting, especially in my faith. I expect to receive God’s advice the moment I pray for it or to feel at peace after a hard day. Even after God gives me answers, I immediately think: “You could’ve just told me that a while ago and saved us all the trouble!”
I imagine this is how Mary and Martha felt when their brother Lazarus was raised from his tomb. When Lazarus fell ill, the sisters sent word to Jesus hoping for His comfort and healing. Jesus heard about Lazarus’ sickness, yet He waited and did not arrive until four days after Lazarus’ death.
Both sisters questioned Jesus saying, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21). Then, Jesus performed one of the greatest miracles and raised Lazarus from the dead, saying “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43)
This miracle always warms my heart, because it reminds me how truly compassionate our God is. While Mary and Martha were in a period of agony, Jesus took the time to establish patience and faith instead of immediately healing Lazarus. Jesus was never absent, just operating behind the scenes. So as you walk through this season of Lent, have patience and trust knowing that God is present and working on your miracles.
Pray with me…
God, I pray that You comfort us and be present with us through this season of Lent.Thank You for Your endless miracles that may supply us with hope and peace in our lives.God, help us to trust Your plan and have patience knowing that You are constantly working miracles through us. Even in the suffocating darkness, remind us that You are there, and Your plan is wonderfully beyond what we can imagine. Amen.