We can be impatient people, don’t you agree? So much of life is easily and quickly accessible. From drive through coffee to next-day air to google answers, life is designed for instant gratification. That same impatience can creep into our prayers as well. In our impatience, we want God to answer our prayers “right now!”
But sometimes God is orchestrating something immeasurable more than we could ever ask or imagine. Consider Lazarus:
Read John 11:17-43. While this is a longer passage, don’t let that deter you. As you read, notice what both Martha (11:21-22) and Mary (11:32) wanted from Jesus.
To consider:
Have you ever felt the same way about a situation? In hindsight, can you see how God had so much more in mind?
Two reasons for Jesus’ delay surface from the reading: Jn. 11:4, 40 and 11:14, 42. The first is to reveal the glory of God; the second to help the people believe Jesus is the Son of God. Sometimes God makes us wait because He wants to reveal His goodness and power in ways that stretch our conceptions (or misconceptions) of Him. He wants to stretch our faith in Him and cause us to see Him as truly the One whom God sent (v. 42).
If your motivations are pure, your relationship with God and others is in order, consider if maybe God wants to do so much more in your life. Sometimes God says “not yet” and in those times, persist in your prayer.
Other reading:
John 9:1-5 – the man blind from birth was healed to display the glory of God. Sometimes God wants to include others in the blessing of our prayers.
1 Peter 4:12-13 – our present difficulties will only bring greater joy when Christ is revealed at His return. Sometimes God wants to remind us of that glorious day – to keep us focused on our future hope – through the trials we suffer now.