“He Heard You” – Insight from Lazarus

Have you ever prayed and felt like God didn’t hear you? I understand. It’s times like these that make us feel like Jesus on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Mark 15:34, NLT). We often feel like this when our circumstances don’t change immediately after we conclude our prayers. The truth is, most of us want God to answer our prayers not now, but right now. And if He doesn’t, especially during life’s tough experiences, we start feeling anxious, fearful, irritable, or even doubtful.

Just because our circumstances haven’t changed doesn’t mean God didn’t hear us. Lazarus illustrates this beautifully. If you read this story, one thing is clear: Jesus heard Mary and Martha’s request. As a matter of fact, He answered it immediately, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death” (John 11:4, NLT, emphasis added). Because He responded verbally, He had to fulfill what He said. Jeremiah 1:12 notes, “For I will hasten my word to perform it” (KJV). Sure enough, Lazarus’ sickness didn’t end in death.

If you feel like God didn’t hear you, find consolation in this: delay is not denial. Trust that He heard you. It’s just a matter of time before His answer catches up with your circumstance.