Treading Water

Joh 11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
Joh 11:5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
Joh 11:6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

How hard was it for Jesus to stay still in the same place for two days?

He loved Lazarus, who was dying. He had the power to bring him back from the brink. He knew that His best friends, Martha and Mary, would grieve terribly when their brother passed. He know that the disciples were antsy about their schedule because of the death threats to Jesus and His followers.

Several valid reasons could have moved Jesus to Lazarus' bedside.

Yet, He abode unflinching in the place where He was for two excruciating days. He was content to tread water. Bethany was where the action was, where He could do a miracle, see His friends. Bethany means “House of dates.” It seemed He had a date there, but He was content to tread water.

I find myself in a situation where I pray for the Lord to move mightily to remedy the issue. But, it seems He is content to let me tread water.

I know several people who face similar circumstances. Health, finances, family issues, etc., could use the Lord's immediate attention.

Yet, the Lord remains silent in heaven.

But, when all seems lost, Lazarus passes away, multitudes grieve, people question, "why?" It is then that the Lord shows up, He weeps over the plight of His loved ones and then does the greatest, unimaginable miracle of all. He raises Lazarus from the dead! How is that for a grand turn-around?

Can you relate to Martha and Mary? You trust God, you believe that Jesus is the Resurrection and the life, but….

Maybe you can relate to poor Lazarus! You are the sick one! And the sickness drags on and on. All you need is some relief, and frankly, death would be a relief.

The thing is, child of God, that you are also one of His dear loved ones. He holds you very near and dear. He is, in no way, unconcerned about your plight. He is just treading water, awaiting just the right time to show up and do something beyond your wildest imagination.

There is a song that says of this situation with Lazarus, "Even when He is four days late, He is right on time."

The key thing we need to remember is what Jesus said at the very beginning of this miraculous ordeal, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby."

The Lord has a plan for you. That plan contains all the elements of what is best for you and what will bring glory to Him. You remember what He said to Jeremiah? Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

And how could we ignore what Paul says in Rom 8:28? And we know that all things work
together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his
purpose.

So, I am trusting my Lord in the status quo (the fix I's in) and I beseech you to do the same. Just keep doing what you are supposed to do, keep trusting, be faithful as He seems to be treading water.