We experience a sweeter walk with the Lord when we are certain about His ways. For instance, if we realize He is not intimidated by our circumstances, our faith is greatly increased. If we embrace the truth that God has not overlooked even the tiniest detail or the most enormous problem, we can abide in trust and resist panic. Likewise, it is for our advantage that the Bible repeatedly shows us the perfect timing of God. You and I may say or do something at an inopportune moment, but not so with God. His work is always intentional and never accidental.
I am reminded of when Jesus heard that Lazarus had become very ill. His reaction was puzzling: “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was” (John 11:5-6). Our expectation of a loving reaction is to push everything aside to go heal Lazarus. But remember, Jesus said this sickness would be, “for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it” (11:4). He loved this family so much that He lingered for two days. He loved them so much that He longed for them to see the glory of God in the face of impossible circumstances, so they might believe. In His perfect timing, Jesus waited two days, to show that it is He who gives life to the dead (Romans 4:17).
In His perfect timing, the Father spoke a promise to Moses and to Israel: “…I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage…I will take you for My people, and I will be your God” (Exodus 6:6-7). But the people of Israel found this promise unreceivable, “on account of their despondency and cruel bondage” (6:9). According to our “name it and claim it” generation, Israel should have been left in the dust. They certainly didn’t “claim their blessing.” Instead, they floundered in their pain. Yet, the promise of God remained! Even Moses was unable to grasp God’s promise that “under compulsion [Pharoah] will drive them out of his land” (6:1). Moses objected by saying, “the sons of Israel have not listened to me; how then will Pharoah listen to me, for I am unskilled in speech?” (6:12). Into all this fear and doubt, God declares His promise. He had put them in the perfect place to see the glory of God in the face of impossible circumstances.
Perhaps God, in some area of your life, has put you in a perfect place to see His power and faithfulness. Is there a situation that appears impossible for God to redeem? Is there a promise that your soul is too downcast to receive? My dear brother or sister, God gave us these examples so that we will not lose heart. Jesus once pleaded, “though you do not believe Me, believe the works” (John 10:38). Today, though you may feel no reason to believe God’s promises, for your sanctification, for your calling, for the lives of others, then believe the works! Believe that He raised Lazarus. Believe that He delivered Israel. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever,” and, “He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him” (Hebrews 13:8, 7:25). What makes you think you are so special that God’s power does not apply to your problems or sins? All you have to do is come to God through Jesus Christ!
Pastor Alex
Teaching Pastor
The Rock Church