“Why would a God that loves me ask me to wait? How can that be an act of love? Doesn’t He see that I am desperately hurting—why would God wait?” Aren’t those the questions we ask when we are in the midst of trials and God seems to be silent to our wailing and inconsolable tears. Let us turn first to John 11 where we may be able to begin to understand, “That it is because He loves us that He asks us to wait.” I urge you to read the entire chapter very carefully when you get alone and have the time to meditate. Mary and Martha had sent for Jesus because their brother was sick and dying. Verses 5 and 6 then say, Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus; so He waited. What? Because He loved them, He waited. They wanted Him to come and to heal Lazarus; yet, because He loved them, He waited. In fact, He waited long enough that Lazarus had died and been buried already 4 days before He arrived. Mary, Martha and all their friends and family were beside themselves with grief. Martha went out to meet Him and said, “Had you been here, my brother would not have died.” She had seen the miracles of healing for others.
Artwork used by permission of Ronald Barba. © 2011 Ronald Barba. This artwork is copyright protected.
“Why would a God that loves me ask me to wait? How can that be an act of love? Doesn’t He see that I am desperately hurting—why would God wait?”
Why didn’t Christ come and heal her brother? Didn’t He love her? Why would He have waited? Mary didn’t even want to come to Jesus, He had to call for her. She was so distraught. They had wanted Him to come, they had more than Him; wanted His miracles. Now, it was only Him—He was too late for a miracle and they were sad—they could not see that He was enough. He had come to give them life and they could not see that He was life. He had come to display
God’s Glory in its fullest splendor. We know this from verses 3 and 4. “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” They were grieved; the crowds questioned his lack of care for not coming sooner. No one trusted in His love. No one understood that He was life itself and their greatest gift. It is for that reason, “Jesus wept.” He came with all they needed to be truly joyous and to have life eternal, and even those closest to Him could not see that. Look at verses 14 and 15 when He tried to tell the apostles, “14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.” He went to the grave and asked them to row away the stone; but they only had excuses and still did not believe. Christ groaned deep within with sorrow, because still they did not trust His love. “40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” Well we know the rest of the story, He called Lazarus forth from the grave. Because of that many believed who before had no faith. So, why does God wait as an act of love?
1. That we might see His Glory, His Grace and His Abounding love for us that He desires to give us eternal life with Him. Isaiah 30: 18 And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him. 19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.
2. That He might show you that in Him rests our Joy. John 15 “11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” Isaiah 51: “11 Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.12 I, even I, am he that comforteth you:”
3. That you might have hope and peace. “5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
4. That others might see God’s miracles and be saved. John 11: “45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.” Is there any suffering or distress too great for the salvation of one soul?
God asks us to wait, because He loves us. Can you trust Him today to show you His best, His Glory, His Joy, and His love for you? Then, Wait.
Where Joy and Sorrow Meet by Avalon
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Artwork used by permission of Ronald Barba. © 2011 Ronald Barba. This artwork is copyright protected. If you desire a copy please go to: http://fineartamerica.com/featured/mountaintop-experiences-in-the-valley-ronald-barba.html
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned with the exception of my own book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”