When God Delays

In life situations, delay is usually a bad thing, indicating procrastination or putting off doing something that is necessary or useful. An example of this is when my semi-comatose mother lay dying. My father delayed going to the hospital to be with her because he said that he couldn't bear to see her like that. As a result, he missed a wonderful experience of God`s grace. I was the one to sit nearby reading a book while the nurse tended to her duties. Suddenly, Mom sat up in bed, her face bright with happiness, she hugged the air, and cried out one word: "Jesus!" Immediately, the nurse fled the room, to get a doctor, I presumed. I dropped my book and went to Mom's side, but she was semi-comatose once again. Three days later, Mom's body ceased to function. Mom was dead in this world, but alive in heaven. I believe that Jesus came to her when she greeted Him with a hug.

When God delays answering our prayers, however, it is not a bad thing, for He does it not out of procrastination, but for His glory. A biblical example of this is the time when Jesus heard that His friend, Lazarus, was ill and dying, as recorded in John chapter 11. Jesus delayed going to heal him for two days. We aren't told exactly what Jesus was doing to cause Him to stay where He was. Instead, we are told that Jesus responded to the news of Lazarus' illness by saying, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." (John 11:4 NIV) When He came close to Bethany, Martha, a sister of Lazarus, rebuked Him, saying, "If you had been here, my brother would not have died." (John 11:21b NIV) Nevertheless, Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26 NIV)

This is our assurance, too. Jesus alone knows when death will come. No one else does, not even the doctors. So, when it seems that God is delaying in answering our prayers, let's remember that Jesus knows our need and will step up to answer our prayers — but in His time.

Prayer: Lord God, we turn to You when life assails. Nevertheless, Jesus assures us that He is the resurrection and the life. We are confident that You know us and our needs. We pray that You will comfort us with Your Holy Spirit and enable us to accept what seems to be a delay but is really a sign of Your mercy and grace. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.