INTRO: Prayer is one of the most difficult part in our spiritual life. When our prayers are not answered at our desired time, our faith is challenged. Do we need to keep praying, or change our prayer? What is God’s plan when our prayer is being delayed?
Read bible John (11:1-44)
Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were very close friends of Jesus. Jesus loved them. When Lazarus was sick, they called for Jesus. Jesus was supposed to come over right away. Also Jesus confirmed them Lazarus won’t die (v4). Mary and Martha had waited and waited for Jesus’ coming, but their brother Lazarus died before Jesus came. For Jesus stayed where he was two more days after He was informed of Lazarus sickness.
Your prayer might be unanswered or delayed (v1-16) Even though you are so intimate with Jesus that you feel Jesus’ love and have ample experiences of answering of prayers. Why? Jesus has a better plan than yours. Jesus waited until Lazarus died and raised him from the dead to proclaim God’s message of resurrection. They didn’t think Jesus could rise the dead. That’s why they put a limit on Jesus’ power. Jesus wanted to strengthen their faith, not only to heal Lazarus. When your prayer is not answered, trust and wait. You will encounter God’s power and God’s grace which you have never experienced before. And your faith will grow.
While you are waiting for God’s work in your life, You might be frustrated and complaining (v17-37) Why were they frustrated? Jesus had power of healing, but he didn’t come. They believed Jesus’ word, ‘this sickness won’t lead to death’ but Lazarus died. If they had not believed Jesus at all, they would not complain to God. However, when you are frustrated when your prayer is not being answered, your trust is not complete. Complaints come from half-trust. Were you discouraged for any reason? Check yourself if you have full trust or not. Mary was a bit angry at Jesus. She didn’t come to meet Jesus at first. (v20) And also, Mary and Martha said to Jesus this way, “if you had been here” That means, “Lord, you are responsible for my brother’s death. We have waited and waited for you. Finally, you have come. But it is too late. It is over now” They have limited Jesus’ power that He could heal the sick but not to raise the dead.
Have you ever been discouraged at certain situation, saying “it is over” “it’s spilled water” “there is no way to put them back” Do you limit Jesus’ power and wisdom? Remember this. He has a plan in any circumstance or problem. Trust in the Lord.
When despair comes to your heart because of your lack of faith, this is what to do. Focus on His word, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Jesus said, “The one who believes in me will live even if he dies, do you believe this?” What does Martha answer? “Lord I do believe that you are the Messiah” What does she mean? She believed Jesus as Messiah but didn’t believe the Messiah will rise her brother.
Finally, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead literally (v38-44) In front of the tomb, Jesus asked Martha to move the stone away. Can Jesus just move the stone by miraculous power? This question was to point out Martha’s unbelief. When Martha heard it, she said, “it smells so bad.” She hesitated to open the tomb. She didn’t believe Jesus would raise her brother really. That’s why Jesus said to her, “if you believe, you would see the glory of God.”
When her lack of faith was disclosed, she resolved to believe Jesus’ word and ordered the stone moved away. After this, Jesus prayed and gave thanks to God. He said, “I said this for the sake of the crowd standing about here, that they may believe that you sent me” Jesus wants to proclaim this, “This is not a miracle alone. It tells that God sent His Son to give sinners eternal life.” In Gen ch3, Adam and his descendants were punished to return to the dust for their sins. If God raises Lazarus from the dead, that means God’s willingness to cancel the punishment in Gen ch3. This is the message that Jesus wanted to proclaim. “The Creator God is going to forgive your sins and to give you the life that doesn’t fade away.”
After the prayer, he shouted, “Lazarus come out!” then he came out. It was the same voice when God created all things. God said, “Let there be light” there was light. “Let there be sky” and there was sky. When God the Son ordered “Lazarus come out!” the power of death could not hold of Lazarus anymore.
Isn’t this amazing story? The resurrection is the essence of Christianity. For we haven’t experienced resurrection, it is not easy to believe the resurrection fully. By all means, Lord Jesus seeks to strengthen our faith. When our trust is limited to our experience and thoughts, Jesus leads us into a new place where we haven’t gone before. We will fear uncertain dangers and complaining and hesitate to follow the Lord. At this moment, you would realize your lack of faith. After you put your trust more in Jesus, you can move forward to experience God’s glory and your faith grows.
Closing
When your prayer is delayed, trust in the Lord. He has a better plan. Trust and obey, you will see God’s glory in a way you have never seen before. You will experience God’s power and God’s grace which you’ve never experienced before. In this way, your faith will grow.