Jesus has a divine timetable. When I began to realize that the Lord operates on a divine timetable in both His ministry on earth and in my life, it was like a light turning on. Suddenly, the Scriptures and Jesus’ ministry took on a greater perspective. Have you ever struggled with God’s timing, especially when praying for the needs of others or your own? In God’s wisdom and mercy, He has His own timetable, which works everything for the good of those who love Him.
In the story of Lazarus, God teaches us many lessons, one of which is the importance of His timing. John 11:1A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha… 3 So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.” [1] Mary and Marth had clearly stated their need to Jesus. They might have wondered, “Would Jesus heal him from afar or come quickly and heal him before he died?” Have you ever been in a similar situation where you wondered why God did not hurry up?
God Teaches Us While We Wait
John 11:4 But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.”[2] Unbeknownst to Mary and Martha, God was going to do something that would not only heal Lazarus but also strengthen the faith of others.
As Jesus received this message, He remained where He was for two more days. God’s timing, especially when He delays, can make us feel like He isn’t answering us or isn’t answering in the way we hope. But remember, His answers are always perfect and fashioned with love. Philippians 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. [3]
Sometimes, when we pray, it might feel like things are getting tougher instead of better. It’s natural to feel tempted to doubt or despair. However, remember that delays can actually help us grow in patience. As we place our trust in His perfect timing, our patience deepens and strengthens. It is often in these situations that I feel the Lord teaching me things I couldn’t learn any other way.
Embrace God’s Timing
God has not forgotten you. There’s no need to revisit past doubts about whether His plans for you have been disrupted. His best plan remains intact, and neither accidents nor sin can destroy it. If you are in Christ, God is actively working in your life, and nothing escapes His notice.
Today, you may find yourself in a dark and challenging phase, struggling to find light and questioning how much more you can endure. But remain hopeful—God is with you in this darkness. When God writes your story’s final chapter, you’ll look back and see how all His work has harmonized for your good and His glory. Jesus has a divine timetable. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/podpanel/episode/jesus-said-i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.