God’s Timing

Tom Barnard

“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard of Lazarus’ illness he stayed where he was two days longer. Only then did he say to the disciples, ‘Let us go back into Judaea.’” (John 10:6-7 J.B. Phillips)

One of America’s great Christian storytellers used to say, “God never hurries, but he is never late.” That simple truth changed my life from the moment I first heard it more than forty years ago. God’s perspective is timeless. He functions without a time zone. “Location” is important to realtors, but not to God. The seriousness of our situation troubles us, but not him.

In this story, word had reached Jesus that his friend Lazarus was gravely ill. Lazarus, Mary, and Martha had no greater friend than Jesus. Their home was his home. So what did Jesus do when word reached him that his friend was dying? Nothing. Or at least his lack of action implied to his disciples and friends that he was in no hurry to rush to the bedside of his friend. Two days later was too late—at least by a human timetable. Jesus didn’t see it as a problem. And when he arrived at the home in Bethany, everything seemed to say, “It’s too late!” The “woulda-coulda-shoulda” crowd was everywhere. Even Martha joined the choir. “If only you had been here, Lord, my brother would not have died.” What no one seemed to understand was that Jesus was as powerful in his absence as he was in his presence. He was still in charge, even when he was two days’ journey away. Reuben Welch said it, and it’s true: “When nothing’s happening, something’s happening.”

Friend, wherever you are today, the Lord is watching. One thing is definite. He will show up—in his time. But at your place. He will not let things get out of his control. He knows what is best for you, and he will make sure things turn out right—but always on time. By his time schedule—not necessarily yours.

Lord, this story is my story. I am so impatient. I want things to run smoothly, and when things don’t, I want you to fix them immediately. I pray, and I have faith, and I expect to see you working—or at least I expect you to be close by. I pray that you will calm my fears and lift my sights and my faith to believe that you have not brought me this far just to see me fail. Teach me the importance of trusting in you and in your timetable. In the name of life’s truest Friend I pray. Amen.