Perfect Timing!

Octavia Butler said, “Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing. There is a time for silence. A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny. And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it’s all over.” How do we master the art of timing?

When we look at John 11, we see Jesus using time in a most unusual way. His friend, Lazarus, was sick, and his sisters knew that Jesus, who healed many, was their friend; so they sent a message to inform Him that Lazarus was sick. In their minds, this was an emergency. They knew that Jesus had the ability to bring change into Lazarus’ situation.  Jesus had a history of making a difference. In Matthew 8:2, NASD says, “And a man with leprosy came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”.” They believed that Jesus was able to make their sick brother well.

Jesus responded to this news in the most unusual way; John 11:6 says, “So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was.” Jesus did not immediately rush out and healed Lazarus. As a result, Lazarus died. That was not the outcome the sisters expected. When they sent for Jesus, they anticipated a blessing, now they had an even grater problem; what do you do when the heavens seem silent during your crisis? In Psalm 69:3 David said, “I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched; My eyes fail while I wait for my God.”

Waiting is never easy, sometimes it appears your situation has crossed the point of no return. It appears that you have been forgotten by God because your situation has hit the stinking stage, dead inside the tomb of your circumstances.  At that moment in their turmoil, Jesus arrived; He said, “Remove the stone.” Jesus spoke to the decayed Lazarus and brought life into Lazarus’ body.  If your situation is decayed, trust Jesus and His timing; He can speak life into your stinking situation.

Thought for Today: Friend, trust Jesus’ timing.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.