CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 689

“He Stayed Two Days”

John 11:5 (ESV) Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.

———————————————-

Because Jesus loves – He stayed two days longer.

It must have been difficult for Jesus to allow Lazarus to die from his illness. He could have healed Lazarus with merely a thought or a spoken word. He did not have to travel to where Lazarus was to do so. Difficult or not, Jesus was obedient to His Father’s will. Jesus spoke the following relative to Lazarus’ illness:

“It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” – John 11:4

Are you going through difficult and challenging circumstances? Have you cried out to the Lord to come and rescue you and it seems that He is not showing up any time soon? Don’t give up. Remain steadfast in your faith and trust in God. His seeming delay is for your good and for His glory just as it was for Lazarus, Martha, and Mary as well as all those who witnessed Lazarus’ resurrection from the dead.

Because He loves – He traveled to Judea again.

“Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” – John 11:8

Jesus will go boldly into danger to rescue you. He went to the cross so that you may have eternal life with the Father through Him. Your present troubles and difficulties are only for a season. Seek Him and His righteousness first – His help is on the way.

Because He loves – Jesus wept.

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled … Jesus wept. – John 11:33-35

God may seem distant right now as your difficulties persist. But know this: He is an ever present help and He has always been actively working on your behalf for your best and for His glory. He is a compassionate God and is deeply moved by your heaviness of heart.

Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. – Romans 8:34

Because He loves – You may have to wait and endure for a season.

May you remain courageous and steadfast in your faith as you wait upon God’s deliverance and provision for you. May you find peace and refuge in His abiding presence even as the storms of life rage around about you.

I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge … – Psalm 18:1-2

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & rededication of your work to the glory of God