In John 11:1-44, we find the raising of Lazarus from the dead. In reading the event recently, my One Word 2022 – “Wait” – came to mind.
Here we find is Lazarus is sick and has died. Mary and Martha have sent word to Jesus, knowing how deeply He loved Lazarus. Jesus delays going and Lazarus is in the tomb for days when Jesus finally arrives.
From our human perspective, and more so from Mary and Martha’s, Jesus has arrived too late.
“He [Jesus] will use this delay to reveal His glory in a way we cannot yet see.”
(from 40 Days with Jesus, page 151)
We can get so impatient. OK, I can get so impatient. I want answers quickly as waiting can cause me to get worried or anxious. My very vivid imagination runs wild with all the “what if’s”.
Yet the delay was for their good ”“ so that they would know and believe, not only for a future resurrection, but for more.
Jesus wanted for them to come to believe in the days ahead that the Father had indeed sent Him, and in the person of Jesus Christ.
Jesus wants our response to Him to be belief and worship ”“ even when there is a delay. Even when we are waiting.
Wait, and waiting, as a verb – it is “to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens” (dictionary.com).
Wait is a choice we make to remain inactive
until something does happen,
until God is active.
“Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.”
(Psalm 37:7, NASB)
Photo by Metin Ozer on Unsplash
Today I am joining … One Word Linkup and
I love, “waiting is a choice to remain inactive….until God is active.”
It’s the thought that has been stirring me as of late. Grateful it resonated with you as well 🙂
I love your quote to remain inactive until God is active. I tend to jump the gun myself. Waiting is hard work! 🙂
It really is at times. As we wait on Him to be active, He truly does His best work in our lives.
hi Joanne,
Waiting can be so hard. We grow impatient, worried, and anxious. What helps me in those moments is reminding myself of God’s perfect plan. If he’s asking me to wait, then I know for sure he’s got something great in store for me and you. Thanks for the encouragement.
Amen! I am so glad you shared, Yvonne!
Remaining inactive can be one of the hardest assignments. But that’s such a good point to remain inactive until God acts. It’s so easy to jump the gun and then go where or when we’re not meant to.
I’ve been looking for answers to some questions and your post makes me realize that impatience is not going to get me closer to them.
Remain inactive until God is active,,,wait!!
I love this so much!!