So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days.
As humans, we can make all the plans and determine all the steps necessary to make those plans happen, but try as we might, our plans are fickle. We can make plans, but we have to hold our plans in tension because they may have to change or be canceled. I have good news for you. Scripture teaches us that God's plans are different than our plans. While our plans are fickle, God's plans are final. While we have to be flexible with our plans, God is faithful to carry out His plans, even when they look different from ours. Jesus received a message in John 11 that Lazarus, His dear friend, was very sick. He was so sick that he was dying. Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha, sent this message to Jesus because they knew He had the power to help and heal. After receiving this message, Jesus did something strange and confusing; He stayed where He was for two more days. I don't know about you, but if you received a message that someone you love was ill and you had the power to make them better, would you wait two more days before going to them? No! You would certainly do everything you could to see your loved one, if at all possible. Yet Jesus waited for two more days. When the two days had passed, Jesus announced that Lazarus had died. Now, to the (not so) keen observer, it appears that Jesus was late getting to Lazarus, but we know because we know from the end of the story that He was right on time. He had something bigger in store for Lazarus than healing; His plans for Lazarus included resurrection. Psalm 115 explains that God is in control and His plans will prevail. In this Psalm, the Psalmist asks a question, "Why let the nations say, 'Where is their God?'" (verse 2). He then adds, "Our God is in the heavens, and He does as He wishes" (verse 3). In other words, God does what He wants. He is in control. Everything He wants and plans will come to pass. Even when it seems like all hope is lost, God is working. We can trust that His plans will be fulfilled. You may be thinking, "How do I know His plans are good for me?" Look no further than Romans 8:28, which says, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them." You see, God works everything together for our good and His glory, especially in suffering. We can trust that His plans will benefit us and ultimately bring Him glory. My friend, in the middle of your hard times and difficulties, take comfort in the fact that God is in control. His plans will be fulfilled. He is working everything out for good, yes, everything. Praise God for His care, power, and provision in our lives.
Take time today to go on a walk. As you take time to observe God's creation all around you, remember that His plans are final, and He will be faithful to carry out all of His plans to completion. Find a good place to pause on your walk and re-read Psalm 115:1-18, remembering that He is in control of your life and Works in your life in ways you may not even realize.
John 11:17-20
"When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days. 18 Bethany was only a few miles down the road from Jerusalem, 19 and many of the people had come to console Martha and Mary in their loss. 20 When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house."
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