Our prayer requests are often attached to a timeline of our choosing— for example, money to pay an unexpected bill, healing of an illness in time for a big event, or answers before a decision deadline. But God often responds to our requests late, at least according to our own timeline. Why does he do that? Can we experience his lateness without losing our faith in his faithfulness?
The account of Lazarus in John 11 provides some insight and encouragement for us when it seems God delays his response to our earnest prayers.
An Urgent Request, A Delayed Response
Mary and Martha’s brother, Lazarus, is sick, and they know Jesus can heal him. So they send a message to Jesus, who replies, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it” (John 11:4 NASB). This is great news—precisely what they want to hear and likely what they expected from him.
However, Jesus’ actions don’t align with his words. Instead of rushing to Lazarus’ aid, he delays for days, seemingly indifferent to the urgency of the situation. This must have been a source of confusion and disappointment for those around him, especially Mary and Martha. Why is Jesus not acting when Lazarus is on the brink of death?
By the time Jesus arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has been dead for four days. Mary and Martha are well into their grieving process, and Martha expresses disappointment in Jesus—”Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21 NASB). Mary echoes her sister’s words (John 11:32), and even the Jews question why Jesus didn’t prevent Lazarus’ death (John 11:37).
Jesus doesn’t rebuke Martha for expressing her true feelings nor apologize for his lateness. Instead, he reminds her who he is and delivers an incredible promise—”I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die” (John 11:25–26 NASB).
Deep Grief & An Inspiring Faith
Then Jesus asks Martha if she believes what he said. Even in the midst of her deep grief, Martha displays great faith, replying, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God…” (John 11:27 NASB).
Let’s not brush over the magnitude of this moment. Martha believed Jesus could heal Lazarus, but he didn’t. It looked like Jesus had failed—to respond quickly enough, to care deeply enough, to exercise his power to heal. Understandably, Martha was disappointed and grieved the loss of her brother. She likely suffered confusion and a sort of faith crisis because of her dashed expectations of Jesus. She had strong faith, but Jesus seemed to let her down. Yet, her response to Jesus implies an attitude of, “I’m disappointed in how you chose to handle this situation—it’s not what I wanted or expected—yet I know you are the Christ, and I choose to continue trusting you.” Amazing!
An Unexpected Miracle
When Jesus finally arrives at Lazarus’ tomb, he reminds Martha, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40 NASB). Then, he prays out loud. He didn’t have to pray out loud, but he actually says in his prayer that he’s doing it for the sake of the people nearby—”Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe…” (John 11:41–42 NASB).
Then, Jesus commands Lazarus to “come forth,” and Lazarus obeys—miraculously rising from the dead. Finally, Jesus exercised his power and put things right again.
God is Late for a Purpose
Why did Jesus wait to respond to this urgent need? Why did he allow the situation to get worse before he made it better? His words in verses 14–15 are enlightening: “‘Lazarus is dead, and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe…” Jesus’ delay was intentional. It was for God’s glory and the good of his disciples. He reiterates this purpose in his prayer in verse 42—”so that they may believe.”
Imagine if Jesus had supernaturally healed Lazarus the moment he heard of Lazarus’ condition. It would have demonstrated his power to heal and may have affirmed some people’s faith. But by waiting until Lazarus had died before acting, Jesus showed not only his power to heal but also his power and authority over death. It was a spectacular declaration of his divinity and likely generated unshakable faith in his followers.
Think about it—if you saw Jesus raise someone from the dead, would you ever doubt his power again? Death is the end, right? Not in God’s kingdom! No situation is hopeless because nothing is impossible with God.
What Will You Believe?
When that bill is past due, the illness lingers, or the deadline has come and gone, we may be tempted to think God failed us. But Scripture is clear—God is in control. “It’s not over til God says it’s over.” He is sovereign and will act in his perfect timing and in whatever way is for your good and his glory.
When Lazarus died and Jesus was still days away, Martha had a choice: Would she continue to believe that Jesus is who he says he is and that he will do what he says he’d do? Or would her faith depend on her circumstances and feelings? Martha trusted in Jesus despite her disappointment and confusion about his timing because she knew him. She knew who he was; she knew his power; and she knew his love.
Like Martha, our seemingly hopeless circumstances present us with a choice: Will we lean on our own understanding of the situation (Proverbs 3:5)? Or will we trust in God’s faithfulness and character, believing his Word, courageously waiting for him, and trusting his perfect timing (Psalm 27:14; 31:15)?
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23 NIV).
