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While traveling home from Mexico, we experienced delay after delay once we landed in New York to transfer to Cleveland.  Just when we thought we were about to board the plane, we received notice that our flight was delayed again.  As we sat in the airport, snacking and playing on our phones and tablets, when time approached for us to, once again, board the plane. To our disappointment, we received yet another message that our flight was delayed until around midnight.  Midnight came around and we were told we had to stay overnight.  Ugh, I was so not feeling this!  Unacceptable.  I was fussy, tired and ready to go.  I had things to do and this was not at all what I planned.

Have you ever been in a hurry and suddenly, there is an unexpected delay?  It could have been in the form of a traffic jam, baby suddenly needing a diaper changed when you were about to go out, a waiter taking too long to bring the food to the table, or even an unanswered prayer.  Whatever the situation may have been, we have all experienced, what we consider, inconveniences due to delays.

Thinking of this scenario and my attitude during it, my mind goes to our good old Sister Martha. She had made up in her mind that if she and her sister Mary sent word to Jesus that His friend, Lazarus, was sick, He would come immediately.  Surely, Jesus would drop what He was doing and come to them simply because they sent for Him.  But Jesus had another plan.

Had Jesus come at the time He was summoned by Martha and Mary; the story could have been written differently.  It could have been said, because of the fast thinking of the sisters to send for Jesus, Lazarus lives today.  But since Jesus is Omniscience, all knowing, He came after the death of Lazarus.  He did it His way so that people would believe in Him. John 11:15 says, “And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe.”  Jesus knew all along what the outcome would be. His delay was intentional so that we would learn to trust Him.   Jesus knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead and others would believe in him.  The way things played out, there was no doubt who Jesus was.

Needless to say, we arrived home safely.

John 11 shows us all delays are not to hinder us.  They may be inconvenient and unwanted, but that does not mean the desired result or better will not happen.  Even when it doesn’t seem like it, God is always in control.

Love deeply!