Sometimes God gives us a command, personal conviction, impression or answer followed by a lengthy and seemingly torturous period of silence or inaction. Sometimes we find ourselves in the midst of perplexing trials. We may seek out further confirmation, answers or direction. We want to know what's going on step by step. Sometimes we receive them but, other times we don't. When Lazarus became ill, Martha and Mary sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was sick. Jesus replies "This sickness is not fatal. It will become an occasion to show God's glory by glorifying God's Son." (John 11:4 MSG). I can just imagine that they, especially having the privilege to keep company with Christ and experience His power first hand, thought that His response meant that Lazarus would be healed and that his illness would not result in death. After all He did say it would not be fatal. However, you know the story. Instead of going to Lazarus, Jesus stays where He is for two days and Lazarus dies. Makes you wanna scream promise breaker huh?!
Relax. Enjoy the silence. God is working on your behalf. Though you may not, He knows the plans He has for you. They're plans to prosper you and not to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11).
It would seem that when Martha and Mary needed Christ most He never came. We've all have had experiences where it seemed like exactly what God said wouldn't happen happened, times when we've wondered if God had forgotten about us or was listening to us. But God says, "I don't think the way you think. The way you work isn't the way I work...For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think." (Isaiah 55:8, 9 MSG). We can't put God in a box. He can solve a problem in innumerable ways. When Jesus finally comes and instructs the people to remove the stone of Lazarus' tomb Martha interjects saying "Master, by this time there's a stench. He's been dead four days!" But, "Jesus looked her in the eye. 'Didn't I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?'". (John 11:39, 40). We too must believe. Jesus isn't leaving us hanging. Sometimes He can show us better than He can tell us. He's not playing games with us. He cares. ("When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled." John 11:33 ESV)
Relax. Enjoy the silence. God is working on your behalf. Though you may not, He knows the plans He has for you. They're plans to prosper you and not to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11).
Sydney is an independent gospel artist and executive director of Uprise. Find her music at sydneyandpaige.com or facebook.com/sydneyandpaige
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