When I was a child, we rarely received presents throughout the year. Presents were reserved for birthdays and Christmas. When Valentine’s Day rolled around we would get candy and a little trinket. When Easter came my Mom made us the best Easter baskets, filled with our favorite candies and small gifts. But, the big toys they only came on our birthdays and Christmas. Now, I’m not saying I didn’t get gifts throughout the year, but they were rare. I remember getting my green Troll doll and my Dear Diary, but for the most part, Wal-Mart was not the toy store. It was reserved for food and the necessities. If we were good, then we got a candy bar. You see, as a child, I learned patience. I learned how to wait and long for a special gift. A gift that could only be had twice a year. Do you remember that feeling? The sheer joy of opening up a present on your birthday or Christmas.
As an adult, my patience has waned. I no longer wait in expectation or longing for most gifts. If I see something, I want I’m usually able to purchase it without waiting too long. Instant gratification has replaced my patience. Amazon Prime has replaced my wait time. And all the “stuff” has replaced the joy of getting and giving gifts on special days. But, there is one thing, that isn’t a thing at all, that my heart continually longs for, that I wait in expectation for, that I hope for. A baby. Our baby.
But, I’m not the only one who has waited for a miracle from above. Do you remember the story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus? Mary, Martha, and Lazarus are sisters and brother. The Bible tells us
“Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” –John 11:5.
When Lazarus became ill, Mary and Martha sent for Jesus expecting him to come and heal their brother, but instead of coming quickly Jesus said,
“This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”—John 11:4.
You see, Jesus knew how this story would end. He knew that Lazarus would live. He knew the miracle that was going to happen. And, he knew the glory that would be brought forth. But, the human brain allows doubt to seep in. To take root. When Jesus finally arrived, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. Martha had faith in the ability of Jesus. She knew the power behind the Son.
“Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”—John 11:21.
But, that wasn’t the plan. The healing wasn’t to take place before the death of Lazarus. The ones who were so loved by Jesus were to wait. But, their waiting would not be in vain. Their pain would not go unresolved. They would not be ignored. Jesus had a greater purpose for Lazarus’s death.
“Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”—John 11:14-15.
Did you see the “why” in those verses? Jesus allowed Lazarus to die, so that you may believe. Lazarus’s death would lead unbelievers to Christ and reaffirm the belief of believers. But, Lazarus’s death wasn’t the end. The Bible tells us that Jesus wept and prayed to His Father. After praying, to our Lord
“…he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.”—John 11:43.
And, after four days Lazarus arose. The miracle Jesus performed was so much greater than the miracle that Mary and Martha had expected and their hearts desired. The miracle was so great that the power of God couldn’t be denied.
So, while my wait has been much longer than four days I will continue to wait in longing and in expectation because I know my miracle is ahead. I know that out of a season of waiting will come great rewards. And, I know that when I hold that sweet, sweet baby in my arms there will be no denying how great of a miracle God has performed.
~Blessings
P.S. If you’re a fellow infertility sister, I’d love to hear your story and add you to my prayer list. Infertility is lonely in a world full of babies so, it’s nice knowing you’re not alone.
P.P.S. If you’re in the midst of a trial or you’re waiting for your miracle, whatever it may be, I’d love to hear from you and you to my prayer list, too.
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