Love Can Look Like Waiting

Read

John 11:5-6 “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days,”

Think

Imagine asking someone you trust for help and watching them choose not to move right away. If you knew they had the ability to help, the delay might feel personal. You would probably wonder what you did wrong. That is why two verses in John 11 are so surprising when they sit next to each other: Jesus loved this family, so he stayed where he was.

We usually expect the sentence to go differently. Jesus loved them, so he rushed to Bethany. Jesus loved them, so he prevented every painful moment. Instead, Scripture refuses to make love equal immediate relief.

Jesus was not enjoying their pain or playing games with them. The larger story shows that he was moving toward something Mary and Martha could not imagine yet. His timing would reveal who he was in a way an immediate healing would not. That does not erase their grief. It does show that God’s love can be active even when his timing is confusing.

Think about training for a sport or learning an instrument. A good coach does not remove every hard drill the moment you get tired. A good teacher does not give you every answer the second you struggle. Sometimes love allows a difficult process because the goal is bigger than comfort in the moment. God is not simply trying to make every day easy. He is forming your trust, character, and understanding of him.

Still, be careful with this truth. If someone is hurting you, mistreating you, or putting you in danger, waiting on God does not mean staying silent or refusing help. Talk to a trusted adult. Biblical trust is never an excuse to remain in an unsafe situation. God’s care often reaches us through wise people who step in.

For the ordinary waits you cannot control, though, John 11 gives you permission to hold two truths together: this hurts, and God loves me. You do not have to choose one. You can dislike the delay without doubting his heart. Sometimes faith sounds less like, “I understand,” and more like, “I know you love me, so I will keep trusting while I do not understand.”

Apply

Hold both truths – Write two sentences: “This wait is hard because...” and “I know God loves me because...” Do not erase the tension. Bring both sentences to God in prayer.

Pray

God, I do not always understand your timing. Sometimes waiting makes me wonder whether you care. Help me hold onto your love even when I do not like the delay. Give me wisdom, patience, and people I can trust while I wait. In Jesus’ name. Amen.