More than satisfied will be those who will wait upon the Lord. 

It’s difficult for us to believe, when in the midst of a fierce attack or when facing a moment of battle, that our Lord actually waits to be gracious to us.

Sure, we have His promises to assure us, but how assured are we when it feels like the bottom has fallen out or the walls are closing in?

I am reminded of when Lazarus was undoubtedly about to die. Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus.

“Hurry up, Jesus! Get here!

Lazarus needs You! We need You! Where are You? 

“Lazarus is doing horribly. It doesn’t look like it’s going to end well.

Jesus, please come!” 

They did their best to get their desperate word of need to Jesus. We find the story in John 11. They made their best effort to convince Jesus to come immediately because their situation was dire. 

Jesus sent word.

“Don’t worry. This won’t end in death, but the Son of Man will be glorified by this moment!” 

What did Jesus then do?

Did He book himself a first-class flight on the next outbound plane to get there immediately? 

No. He waited.

In fact, He waited for three days before He looked at His disciples and said, “Let’s go.” 

Jesus waited. He had a plan. He had His purpose.

Nothing was too great for Him.

He wasn’t afraid of Lazarus, his friend, being sick.

He wasn’t afraid of letting down Mary and Martha, Lazarus’ sisters.

He wasn’t afraid of death.

Jesus had told them that He would be gracious to their situation.

Jesus had told them that all would be well.

Jesus had even told them that glory would come out of this moment.

It’s incredibly difficult for us to believe, when in the midst of a fierce attack or when facing a moment of battle, that our Lord actually waits to be gracious to us. It’s far easier to be gripped in fear, anxiety, worry, angst, and questions.

ISAIAH 30:18 (ESV) SAYS:

Therefore, the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

We know how the story ends.

Jesus arrives right on time, as far as He’s concerned. The sisters are beside themselves. The mourners are mourning. Lazarus had been dead now for days, but death wasn’t a problem for Jesus. 

It’s the moments when we are in need the most that, if we will wait upon the Lord, we have the opportunity to truly see God’s glory. 

If even death can’t deter the power of Jesus, what makes us think our situation can or will? If He has won the victory over death and the grave, what makes us think God can't win the battle we face? What makes us think God can’t win the battle we face?

God always has a purpose and a plan.

We can wait, in faith, for Him to move at just the right time. It may not feel good in our desired timeframe, but God always moves right on time.