Do your plans always match God’s plans?

In John chapter 11, we read about Lazarus’s death, where Mary and Martha sent word to their dear beloved friend Jesus to let him know their brother to Lazarus had become very ill. They expected Jesus to come immediately to heal their brother, but he did not come. Disappointed, they wondered why Jesus didn’t come right away.

Jesus had a different plan; he told the disciples, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it”. He loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus very much, but stayed in Galilee teaching and healing the sick on God’s timetable. 

Two days later, Jesus told his disciples it was time to go to Judea to see Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Martha said to Jesus, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 

Mary’s response to Jesus

Nevertheless, Jesus went to the grave deeply moved, asking to have the stone removed from the tomb.  Martha said, “But Lord, by this time, there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Jesus told her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God.” Then Jesus prayed to the Father, and called out in a loud voice,“Lazarus, come out,” and Lazarus came out of the tomb.  After Lazarus rose from the dead, many who had come to be with Mary and Martha placed their faith in him.

Mary and Martha were disappointed because God did not answer immediately. However, think of all the people he had the opportunity to heal and teach during those two days, believing in him. Jesus, God’s Son, knew the Father’s plan and His timetable. It was not God’s plan to heal Lazarus when he was sick. He wanted to glorify his Son by raising Lazarus from the dead.   

He is Still on Time, Even When We Think He is Late

Our finite minds cannot grasp God’s infinite ways of answering our prayers. We have no idea how many times He is waiting on us for the proper time to respond. Sometimes God needs to work in our hearts, character, or another person before Answering our prayers. When we get discouraged and impatient, we have to remind ourselves that God’s timing is always perfect. He knows what is best for us.

•   How do you respond when God does not answer your prayers according to your plans?

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father help me to trust You. Please help me to remember that you see the overall picture and know what is best for me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Written by Lillian Penner, Church Coordinator for Christian Grandparenting Network. pennerlp@gmail.com

PS: I have developed “Thirty-one Scriptures to Pray for Grandchildren” that many grandparents have found helpful to pray Scripture for their grandchildren. Just by joining the mailing list on the right side of this page, you will receive the blogs about grandparenting and suggestions to pray for your grandchildren.  I will also email you a free downloadable copy of “Thirty-one Scriptures to Pray for your Grandchildren” you can print.