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

The Japanese here carries the specific feeling that it was because of, not in spite of, His love for Lazarus and his sisters that Jesus stayed where He was two more days after hearing the news of Lazarus’ illness. That’s something that’s awfully hard to wrap our minds around. We want instant gratification, but God often has something better in mind. Psychologists say that a tolerance for delayed gratification is one of the surest signs of maturity, and I can easily believe it. We have trouble accepting the fact that things in our lives affect far more than just us. Sometimes God delays things for our direct benefit, and sometimes He delays them for the benefit of others. However, if we truly love our neighbors as ourselves, we won’t complain! In this particular instance, Jesus’ delay not only resulted in Lazarus being restored to his sisters, it was a powerful witness of the character, power, and authority of Christ, providing the framework for Jesus to say things that have echoed down through the centuries for the benefit of countless millions of people. Someone has said, “Everything God does is love, whatever it looks like at the time.” Nothing could be more true!

I have certainly experienced this countless times, but it has taken a long time to work through my thick skull. I guess that’s why maturity is associated with gray hair! I must say it’s a relief to be able to grasp it, even though I’m still far from 100% at the task. As a pastor, it’s a huge challenge to communicate this to the flock. I can’t force maturity on anyone! However, God does use me to speak His truth to others and help them along the way. It is interesting to see, as I teach medical English to Japanese therapists and nurses, how the assorted medical problems that have happened in my family are used by God to bless my students, not simply to teach them terminology but to give them understanding of what is involved in the total picture of patient care. I certainly had no idea of that when most of those things were going on! I need to help the believers in this church grasp the reality that we cannot see the total picture, but God does, and He is indeed working all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Father, thank You for this reminder, and for making it clear what I’m to share in Sunday’s message. You indeed work all things together for good! Thank You for the recent lessons in patience, trust, and gratitude. Help me continue to apply what You are so faithful to teach me, not only for myself but also for the benefit of all around me. Your grace and blessings are indeed amazing, limitless, and I so often lose sight of that. Help me keep it in focus so that I may be an unpolluted channel for You to flow through to others, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!