God Is On Time

I have always been fascinated by the story of the angel that was twenty-one days late getting to Daniel because he met with opposition along the way. He told Daniel that his prayer was heard the first day, “I just couldn’t get here until now.” He got there; that was the point. (Daniel 10:12-13)

Martha, a friend of Jesus, taught us a beautiful lesson about prayer. Her brother was ill, and she sent this simple message to Jesus: “One that you love is sick.” There was nothing else that needed to be said; a friend like Jesus will take it from there. Jesus delayed going to them for a couple of days. By the time He arrived Lazarus had died and was buried. Any delay on Jesus’ part is an act of love; there is a greater glory to be experienced. Martha said, “Lord, if you had been here, he would not have died.” Jesus said, “If you believe you will see the glory of God.” And she did see that glory in a way far beyond what she could have ever dreamed possible.

In the next chapter Martha is happily cooking a celebration meal for her brother. They were all together again with Jesus at the banqueting table. All who believe will celebrate answered prayer; some on earth, and all in Heaven. No one who endures in prayer will be disappointed in what God has planned for us.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time,” Ecclesiastes 3:11.

Do not mistake the Lord’s delays as a “no show.” He heard you on the first day you prayed. Wait on the glory of God. It may come in ways that you never dreamed possible. Discouraged saint don’t give up. The Gospel song says, “He’s an on-time God, yes, He is. Oh, oh, oh! on time God, yes, He is.”