JOHN 11:14–15 KJV “Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.”

KEYWORD: God, in His desire to free you from limitations, will not always act according to your expectations.

Anyone reading this passage might wonder why Jesus would say He was glad that He had not been present to heal Lazarus before his death. In fact, this question continues to puzzle many believers today. However, Jesus’ explanation was simple and profound: “to the intent that ye may believe.” What we often describe as tragedy or misfortune, God frequently sees as an opportunity to reveal what has been lacking in our understanding. He sees a chance to elevate us from a level of believing where we may have lingered too long into a higher dimension that empowers us to achieve the impossible with ease.
Jesus used the death of Lazarus to teach His disciples that death was not something they were meant to fear. He brought them into the understanding that the dead could be raised to life and that believing in God could produce any result whatsoever. When Jesus heard the news of Lazarus, He must have perceived the Father’s intention to demonstrate the power available through faith. It was as though heaven was saying, “Let us show them what believing can truly accomplish.” And Jesus agreed, choosing to delay before going to Bethany.
As you journey through this new year, will you be willing to see situations the way God sees them when He leads you through seasons of teaching and impartation? Will you discern that what your physical eyes observe is not always the final word? God, in His desire to free you from limitations, will not always act according to your expectations. Instead, He will work in ways that allow you to see, hear, and receive what you truly need. Your responsibility is to embrace His process and rejoice, knowing that all He does is ultimately for your sake. Shalom.

PRAYER:
Lord, in this new year I choose to believe fully in You and in what You can accomplish in me and through me. I refuse to doubt or question what You have begun in my life. I open my heart to Your teachings and instructions. Continue to reveal to me all I need to know to become who You have called me to be, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
JOHN 11:23 “Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.”
JOHN 11:41–42 KJV “Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.”