A Message of Inspiration From the Author of Living Loved, February 22, 2026
Hey friends! When we read the story of Lazarus in John 11, it can feel like delay. Mary and Martha sent word that the one Jesus loved was sick, and instead of rushing to Bethany, He stayed where He was two more days. From the outside, it looked late. It looked indifferent. It even felt disappointing. But Scripture tells us something profound: “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed…” The waiting was not a lack of love, it was because of love. What looked like delay was actually divine intention.
Jesus was never reacting to circumstances. He was moving within the Father’s will, unfolding a bigger picture. He knew what the sisters did not yet understand, that this moment would reveal not just His ability to heal, but His authority over death itself. He wasn’t just going to restore a sick man; He was about to reveal that He is the resurrection and the life. His love was not shallow relief from temporary pain. His love was aimed at eternal revelation.
Lazarus was not barely alive — he was dead. Four days dead. And listen friends, that detail matters because it mirrors our spiritual condition apart from Christ. Scripture says we were dead in our trespasses and sins. Dead people do not revive themselves. And yet Jesus comes to the tomb, calls Lazarus by name, and life responds. This is salvation. We did not climb out of our grave on our own. He came to us. He called us. He made us alive.
And friends seemed like delay was actually demonstration, a demonstration of His glory, His authority, and His redeeming love. The miracle was never just about Lazarus friends. It was about revealing who Jesus is. It was about showing that nothing is too far gone, nothing is too decayed, and nothing is beyond the reach of His voice. Even our situation!
He is intentional with suffering. He is intentional with timing. He is intentional with love. Friends, when we cannot see what He is doing, we can trust that He is working within a bigger picture than the one we hold. He sees more than we can and the same Jesus who stood outside a sealed tomb and called forth Lazarus to life is still calling hearts today. Still resurrecting situations in our lives. He’s not late. Not distracted. Not distant. But purposeful, compassionate, and perfectly aligned with the Father’s plan. Oh friends. He loves us so much He wants so much more than what we can ask, think, or imagine.
Friends, what feels unanswered may actually be unfolding. What feels silent may actually be sacred. Because His love does not rush, it redeems. And He is working all things out for your good and His glory! You are so loved friends!! Live loved!!
About the author
Tracy Kelley is a follower of Jesus, mother, grandmother, author and speaker, living in Sulphur Springs, TX. She is the author of the book Living Loved, Learning to Live in the Fullness of Gods Love, where she shares encouragement from her daily journey and how God has shown His love to her through various trials. You can buy her book, find events, book her for your event, and follow her by going to her Facebook page, where you will always be greeted as friend! You can purchase her book at Good News Book Store in Sulphur Springs, TX; online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and most other major retailers.
