FATHER is in the character-development business. HE is developing those who won’t give up no matter what the circumstances suggest. A mature Son will possess Love, faith, and hope. Those three virtues will see us through every situation we encounter.
When things don’t seem to work out or there is delay, I just smile now rather than get anxious or irritated. I realize FATHER is working things out on my behalf thus I retain my joy.
We are meant to sow in obedience to FATHER’S Divine Intent and accept nothing less.
The Beloved Disciple recorded by The Holy Spirit in the 11th chapter of John:
1–2 In the village of Bethany there was a man named Lazarus, and his sisters, Mary and Martha. Mary was the one who would anoint Jesus’ feet with costly perfume and dry his feet with her long hair. One day Lazarus became very sick to the point of death. 3 So his sisters sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, our brother Lazarus, the one You love, is very sick. Please come!”
4 When He heard this, He said, “This sickness will not end in death for Lazarus, but will bring glory and praise to God. This will reveal the greatness of the Son of God by what takes place.”
5–6 Now even though Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, He remained where he was for two more days. 7 Finally, on the third day, He said to His disciples, “Come. It’s time to go to Bethany.”
When submitting to FATHER’S perfect plan, will, and purpose, we are to not only act when directed, but we should also find out WHEN we are to move forward. Jesus waited to go to Bethany until FATHER said “Go”. I have heard many teachings on why Jesus didn’t arrive in Bethany until four days after Lazarus’ death but we often miss the point of obedience in the area of timing.
I have been guilty of failing to ask the question “when”. In my immaturity, I would proceed without getting the rest of the instructions.
Jesus intentionally delayed His trip to Bethany and resisted the demands to go before FATHER instructed Him. This obedience speaks of relationship rather than simply position. Jesus willingly submitted to FATHER’S timing without hesitation even though Mary tried to influence Him by mentioning “Lord, our brother Lazarus, the one You love, is very sick. Please come!”.
Man will try to pressure us to either act or refrain from acting, depending on the situation, but we must resist this temptation and only respond to FATHER’S directives. Proper timing moves us to FATHER’S best, not just a permissive outcome.
Now it is time for His disciples to challenge what FATHER told Him to do:
8 “But Teacher,” they said to Him, “do You really want to go back there? It was just a short time ago the people of Judea were going to stone You!”
9–10 Jesus replied, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight in every day? You can go through a day without the fear of stumbling when you walk in the One who gives light to the world. But you will stumble when the light is not in you, for you’ll be walking in the dark.”
11 Then Jesus added, “Lazarus, our friend, has just fallen asleep. It’s time that I go and awaken him.”
12 When they heard this, the disciples replied, “Lord, if he has just fallen asleep, then he’ll get better.” 13 Jesus was speaking about Lazarus’ death, but the disciples presumed He was talking about natural sleep.
14 Then Jesus made it plain to them, “Lazarus is dead. 15 And for your sake, I’m glad I wasn’t there, because now you have another opportunity to see Who I am so that you will learn to trust in Me. Come, let’s go and see him.”
16 So Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, remarked to the other disciples, “Let’s go so that we can die with him.”
Once Jesus was told by FATHER to go, the disciples wanted to dissuade Him from going at all. Their soulish reasoning kicked in and they began to conclude that it would be too dangerous for Him to go.
Whether early or late, the adversary wants us to miss the mark when it comes to timely obedience. If he can get us to compromise in some manner, he has diverted us away from FATHER Perfect Plan, Will, and Purpose. As we become fully sensitive to what THE SPIRIT is saying, we will speak, act, and respond right on time.