Why Does God Allow Delays?

⁴ When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” ⁵ Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. ⁶ So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, ⁷ and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” (John 11)

Let's just be real about this one and admit that none of us expect nor enjoy it when God allows delays within our journey.  We like asking God for help and seeing a response or answer immediately, which can happen, but many times as in the case of John 11, our answer is delayed.  We understand that our best laid plans can often come with unexpected delays and how we respond to these delays is what makes all the difference.

My family believes that if we are delayed while traveling it was God's way of protecting us from a possible accident or even worse.  We now smile and thank him when we are stopped in traffic or a few minutes late arriving to an event for we believe it was His plan and not ours, which in the end is always for our ultimate good.  

I heard the phrase "Because He loves me He delays!" for which I didn't agree with until I was reminded how each time God delays our plan it brings Him greater glory and honor when the answer comes.  

The death of Lazarus was definitely a clear depiction of this when his sisters called for Jesus to come and heal him but instead we know He chose to delay.  When viewing this through human eyes we cannot believe Jesus would do this on purpose for the Bible tells us He loved Lazarus and his sisters. Why on earth would he purposefully wait and not run to their aid?  We see as the story unfolds that Jesus arrived late in the eyes of Mary and Martha in order to perform one of the greatest miracles of His ministry.  He waited so instead of just healing Lazarus, He was able to raise him from the dead!  Talk about giving God glory and honor through a delay.

I keep that in mind within my own life as I pray for open doors and find myself in the midst of a delay.  I must remember that while I wait, Jesus has not forgotten me and that He hears my cry for help but instead of jumping at my request He chooses to delay.  I must be confidently expectant in the Lord and His timing for my life.  Each time this occurs I am thankful after the fact that I was made to wait in order to see miraculous things which always give Him the most glory and honor imaginable.