Withholding Today What Will Be Better Tomorrow

John 11:6

So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.

"All my friends are driving, I want to now."  "All my friends are dating, I want to now." "I want something right now and it is the biggest deal in the whole world," is the common cry of all children.  The response of the loving, thoughtful and prayerful parent may sound like this, "You will be able to do this, Dear, but not now.  I will allow it later when I see that you are mature enough to handle this."  To the child, the wait will seem painful.  To the loving parent, everything is right and in perfect order.

It is common place for those whom Jesus loves to be afflicted with pain or disease, to be in financial need or to find themselves in a very dry place spiritually.  Almighty God has every intention of meeting the needs of those that accept His Son as their Savior.  Just as it was for Lazarus and his family, when His work of temporal or spiritual deliverance is delayed, it is only on hold for the right time and the maximum good for all.

Just as the loving parent responds to the child, so does our loving Father in heaven respond to us.  His plans for us are perfect for us and our needs.  He hears our prayers and He answers them.  He does not rush to provide the answer, even though He could.  He waits not for a good solution to our problems, but the best solution.   He wants to prepare only "the best" for us - just like the parent whose love is great enough to withhold today what will be better tomorrow.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for always giving us what is best for us and not what we ask for and certainly not what we deserve.  We exalt You for the loving kindness, the mercy and the grace that You extend to us endlessly.  We pray, Lord, that You will show us how to wait confidently in faith for all that You have prepared for us and those around us.  We rejoice in knowing that Your timing is perfect.  We ask all these things in the name of the Alpha and the Omega, Jesus Christ.