Intro To Holy Week

Designated Delay

Alright, as we start tonight we are going to shift from our normal faith foundations.

Because we’re stepping into something big.

We’re about to start a series on Holy Week.

And if you’ve been around church for a while… you already know how this usually goes.

One week. Palm Sunday. Good Friday. Easter.

And it’s powerful.

But here’s the question:

 What if we’ve been rushing the most important week in human history?

Because everything in our Bible… everything our faith stands on…

It all hinges on this moment.

The life. The death. The resurrection of Jesus.

So instead of rushing through it…

We’re going to slow it down.

We’re going to stretch it out.

We’re going to sit in it.

Because if it matters this much…

It deserves more than just one week.

And we’re not even starting at the beginning of Holy Week.

We’re starting before it.

We’re starting with the prequel.

📖 John chapter 11.

Because before the cross… before the empty tomb…

There’s a moment that sets everything in motion.

The Reality: We Don’t Like to Wait

Let me ask you something…

When’s the last time you just went for a walk?

Not from your car to the building.

I mean like… a real walk.

I’ll be honest…

I don’t like walking.

If there’s a faster option—

I’m driving

I’m scootering

I’m doing whatever it takes

to not walk.

And if I’m really honest…

I don’t like waiting either.

You ever hit that crosswalk button?

And it says:

WAIT.

Not gently.

Not kindly.

Aggressively.

WAIT. WAIT. WAIT.

And what do we do?

We start pressing it more.

Like somehow…

If I press it faster… I can make it change quicker.

And here’s what’s funny…

We do the same thing with God.

“God, I prayed.” “God, I asked.” “God, where are You?”

Because we don’t just dislike waiting…

We want control.

The Deeper Issue: Rushing God’s Process

And it shows up everywhere.

You ever cook rice?

You can:

cook it on the stove…or

throw it in the microwave

Let’s be honest.

We’re microwaving it every time.

Because we want it…

now.

And that same mindset…

sneaks into our faith.

“God, show me the plan.” “God, give me the answer.” “God, speed this up.”

We’re looking for:

a shortcut to God’s purpose.

But what Jesus is about to do…

before He ever steps into Jerusalem…

before the cross…

before the resurrection…

He slows everything down.

Because sometimes…

what God is doing in you is more important than how fast He gets you through it.

And that’s exactly what we’re going to see…

in John 11.

The Story and Significance of Lazarus

Before Jesus ever steps into Jerusalem… before the cross… before the empty tomb…

He makes a stop in a place called Bethany.

And this moment matters more than we think.

Let’s start reading together in John 11

John 11:1–16 NIV

1 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.)

John 11:1–16 NIV

3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” 4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”

John 11:1–16 NIV

5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days,

John 11:1–16 NIV

7 and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” 8 “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?”

John 11:1–16 NIV

9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. 10 It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.”

John 11:1–16 NIV

11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” 12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.”

John 11:1–16 NIV

13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. 14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead,

John 11:1–16 NIV

15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

Right at the beggining of this chapter it opens up… “Now a man named Lazarus was sick.”

Don’t rush past that.

Because that one detail…

sets the stage for everything.

This isn’t just a random man.

This is Lazarus.

From Bethany.

The village of Mary and Martha.

And then John gives us another detail.

This Mary…

is the one who poured perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair.

Why does that matter?

Because John is showing us something deeper.

This is not distant.

This is not casual.

This is close.

These are people who know Jesus. People who have been with Jesus. People who love Jesus.

And more importantly…

people Jesus loves.

So they send word to Him:

“Lord, the one you love is sick.”

Don’t miss that.

They didn’t say:

“A man is sick.”

They didn’t say:

“We need help.”

They said:

“The one you love.”

Because Lazarus wasn’t just another face in the crowd.

He mattered to Jesus.

He was known by Jesus.

He was loved by Jesus.

And here’s where it gets powerful.

John, the one writing this Gospel…

the one who often refers to himself as:

“The disciple whom Jesus loved”…

uses the same kind of language here.

It’s almost like he’s saying:

Lazarus belongs in that same category.

Loved.

Close.

Known.

This isn’t just a miracle story.

This is a relationship story.

Because sometimes we believe a lie:

“If God really loved me… He would show up faster.”

But what we’re about to see is this:

Even the people Jesus loved deeply…

still experienced delay.

And that changes everything.

Because it means this:

Your struggle is not proof that God is distant. Your delay is not proof that God doesn’t care.

In fact…

you might be right in the middle of His love.

Designated Delays: Purpose and Trust

Let’s talk about what doesn’t make sense.

Jesus hears:

“The one you love is sick.”

And if you’re reading the story…

You’re thinking:

This is the moment. Jesus is about to move. The miracle is on the way.

Because we’ve seen Him do it.

He opens blind eyes. He heals the sick. He raises the dead.

So naturally…

He’s going now.

But instead…

He stays two more days.

And that’s where the tension hits.

Because now we’re not just confused…

We’re frustrated.

“Jesus, why are You waiting?” “Jesus, don’t You care?” “Jesus, this doesn’t make sense.”

The Reality: We Measure Delays by Our Expectations

Here’s the truth:

A delay is always defined by your expectation of arrival.

If I tell you I’ll be somewhere at 5:00…

And I show up at 5:15…

You say I’m late.

But if my plan was always 5:15…

I’m right on time.

Now apply that to God.

Mary and Martha are saying:

“Jesus is late.”

But what if…

He’s not late at all?

Designated Delays

Let me give you language for this:

Designated delays.

These are delays that:

feel confusing feel frustrating feel disappointing

But are actually intentional.

Because Jesus doesn’t operate on your timeline…

He operates on His purpose.

And sometimes…

what feels like delay…

is actually divine timing.

The first point tonight…

1. Delays Are by Jesus’ Design

Here’s why this matters.

Because if you don’t understand this…

you’ll start doubting:

yourself God His goodness

But when you realize:

“This is by design…”

Everything shifts.

Even in this story…

Lazarus dies.

And from our perspective:

That’s too far. That’s too late. That’s over.

But Jesus already said:

“This is for God’s glory.”

Truth:

God’s timing doesn’t always make sense in the moment… but it always has purpose.

The DD Illustration: Designated Driver

Let me explain it this way.

I almost called this message:

“DD.”

Designated driver.

You know why you need a designated driver?

Because you don’t want a DUI.

Driving under the influence.

But here’s the real question:

What are you under the influence of?

For a lot of us…

it’s ego.

EGO means:

Edging God out.

It’s when we say:

“God, I’ll let You ride… but I’m driving.”

“I’ll tell You when to move.” “I’ll tell You how to fix it.” “I’ll tell You what I need.”

But if Jesus is the driver…

you don’t control the direction.

The Hard Truth About Trust

Let me just say it like this:

A real designated driver…

doesn’t take you where you want to go.

They take you where you need to go.

And sometimes…

you’re in the backseat saying:

“Turn around.” “Go back.” “Do it my way.”

And Jesus says:

“No.”

Not because He doesn’t care…

but because He sees what you don’t.

Final Truth

Some delays in your life…

are not because:

you failed God forgot or He’s distant

They’re because His plan is different than yours.

And the question becomes:

Will you trust Him… even when you don’t understand Him?

Because a designated delay…

is often God aligning your life…

with His greater purpose.

2. Designated Delays are for Spiritual Development

Let’s talk about what God is doing in the delay.

Because it’s not just about what He’s doing around you…

It’s about what He’s doing in you.

There are moments in your life…

where everything feels loud.

Busy. Chaotic. Unclear.

And what we want is answers.

What God often gives…

is space.

Space to slow down. Space to reflect. Space to see Him differently.

Because here’s the truth:

If you don’t slow down… you’ll miss what God is trying to show you.

Let’s keep reading the passage tonight

John 11:17–37 NIV

17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem,

John 11:17–37 NIV

19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

John 11:17–37 NIV

21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

John 11:17–37 NIV

23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

John 11:17–37 NIV

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

John 11:17–37 NIV

27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” 28 After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.”

John 11:17–37 NIV

29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him.

John 11:17–37 NIV

31 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there. 32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

John 11:17–37 NIV

33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

John 11:17–37 NIV

35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

Perception Shapes Development

Your perception of Jesus…

determines how you receive Jesus.

Look at Martha.

📖“Lord, if you had been here… my brother would not have died.”

Look at Mary.

📖 “Lord, if you had been here…”

Same words.

Same pain.

Same conclusion.

“Jesus… You didn’t show up.”

And if we’re honest…

we’ve said the same thing.

“God, if You had answered that prayer…” “God, if You had fixed that situation…” “God, if You had come through…”

And what happens next is dangerous.

If we’re not careful…

we move from confusion…

to complaint.

The Danger of Living in Complaint

You get around the wrong voices…

and suddenly…

your frustration grows.

Now it’s not just:

“I don’t understand…”

It becomes:

“God, You didn’t come through.”

And when that mindset settles in…

it stops your growth.

Because instead of leaning in…

you start pulling away.

But here’s what I love about God:

He’s not afraid of your questions.

He’s not intimidated by your doubts.

He makes room for:

your grief your frustration your honest wrestling

But He doesn’t want you to stay there.

Aligning with God’s Ways

Scripture says:

His ways are higher than our ways. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.

So maybe the better question isn’t:

“God, why didn’t You show up?”

Maybe it’s:

“God… help me understand what You’re doing.”

Because development happens…

when I stop demanding answers…

and start trusting His heart.

Remembering Builds Trust

Here’s how you grow in that trust:

You remember.

You look back and say:

“There was a time He provided.” “There was a time He healed.” “There was a time He came through.”

And when you remember what He’s done…

you begin to trust what He will do.

Because your past becomes proof…

that He’s still working.

Stop Performing—Start Becoming

Let’s be real.

It’s easy to fake it.

You know what to do:

Show up. Sing the songs. Take the notes. Say the right things.

You can look like a follower of Jesus…

without becoming like Jesus.

But God isn’t after performance.

He’s after transformation.

The Polaroid Picture

Do you remember those polaroid camera’s.

They’ve made a comeback. Kids always have them thinking they are so cool with a new invention. they have no idea.

But I learned something new about the Polaroid camera this week.

You take the picture…

and what do people think you should do?

Shake it.

But that’s not how it works.

You don’t shake it.

You lay it down.

Face down.

And you let it develop.

And that’s the problem for so many of us.

We’re trying to shake our way into growth.

More activity. More effort. More noise.

And then we wonder…

why nothing is changing.

Because real growth…

doesn’t happen in the rush.

It happens in the stillness.

Let God Do the Deep Work

There’s something powerful about that picture being laid face down.

It reminds me of surrender.

Of humility.

Of saying:

“God, I don’t have this figured out.”

Instead of looking around…

comparing yourself to everyone else…

trying to keep up with what they’re doing…

What if you just stopped…

and sat in His presence?

What if you said:

“God, I’m hurting.” “God, I’m confused.” “God, I don’t understand this delay.”

And instead of rushing past it…

you let Him meet you in it?

Final Truth

Because here’s what’s true:

If you rush the process…

you’ll miss the transformation.

But if you stay…

if you trust…

if you let Him work…

What’s in you…

will eventually come out of you.

And you won’t just look like a follower of Jesus…

You’ll actually become one.

So moving on in seasons of delay

the real question isn’t:

“What is Jesus doing?”

It’s this:

“Do I know who He is?”

See, we have an advantage.

We can read from Genesis to Revelation.

We can see the whole story.

We know what Jesus did.

But here’s the problem:

It’s possible to know what Jesus did…

and still not trust who Jesus is.

And there will be moments in your life…

where you can’t find a verse fast enough.

Where you don’t have a clear answer.

Where the outcome isn’t obvious.

And in those moments…

you don’t just need information.

You need relationship.

Because if you know His character…

you can trust His actions.

3. Designated Delays reveal Jesus’ Character

In the middle of confusion…

in the middle of questions…

in the middle of disappointment…

Jesus responds.

📖 John 11:25 “I am the resurrection and the life.”

Don’t miss that.

He doesn’t say:

“I’m going to fix it.”

He says:

“This is who I am.”

Because when you know who He is…

you don’t panic about what He’s doing.

What He Did Then… He Still Does Now

Let’s make it simple.

If that’s who He was…

then that’s who He is.

He didn’t just heal back then.

He heals now.

He didn’t just love people back then.

He loves you now.

He didn’t just perform miracles then.

He is still moving today.

And when you understand His character…

you can rest in His care.

The Real Question: Do You Believe?

But let’s get honest.

It’s easy to say you believe.

It’s easy to nod your head.

It’s easy to say “Amen.”

But do you really believe?

Not in theory.

Not in church.

Do you believe:

He will show up for you?

Because some of us…

we talk ourselves into faith in here…

and talk ourselves out of it out there.

Facing Doubt and Delay

And maybe for you…

there’s an area in your life right now where you’re thinking:

“God, I don’t know if You’re going to come through.”

Maybe it’s:

a relationship a diagnosis a situation you can’t fix

And you’re wondering:

“Is He really enough?”

Let me remind you:

Your sin is not greater than His grace.

Your failure is not stronger than His power.

Where sin increases…

grace increases even more.

Jesus Is Enough for Every Need

In the Gospel of John…

Jesus gives seven “I am” statements.

And every single one…

meets a need.

“I am the bread.” “I am the light.” “I am the door.” “I am the good shepherd.” “I am the resurrection and the life.”

In other words:

Whatever you’re facing…

He already is what you need.

Don’t Rush It

Here’s where we struggle.

We already know the story.

We know what happens to Lazarus.

So we rush to the outcome.

But if you rush to what Jesus does…

you’ll miss who Jesus is.

And you’ll face something tomorrow…

and not know how to trust Him.

Final Truth

So don’t rush it.

Don’t skip ahead.

Don’t just look for the miracle.

Look at His character.

Because when you know who He is…

you’ll trust Him in every situation.

And every time you face something new…

you’ll remember:

He is still the Good Shepherd. He is still the Resurrection and the Life. He is still faithful.

And He’s not done yet.

4. Designated Delays Are for Proximity

Let’s talk about something we don’t like.

Slowing down.

Because if we’re honest…

we don’t just rush outcomes…

we rush moments.

We rush prayers. We rush conversations. We rush past pain.

And in doing that…

we miss something powerful.

We miss proximity.

Not just proximity to Jesus…

but proximity to people.

Jesus Feels What You Feel

📖 John 11:33 “When Jesus saw her weeping… He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.”

Don’t skip that.

This wasn’t surface-level emotion.

This wasn’t just awareness.

This was deep.

So deep…

that it shook Him.

And then we get this:

📖 John 11:35 “Jesus wept.”

Shortest verse.

But one of the most powerful.

Because Jesus knew what He was about to do.

He knew resurrection was coming.

And He still wept.

Why?

Because He’s not just powerful…

He’s personal.

Truth:

Jesus doesn’t just understand your pain… He enters into it.

Let’s keep reading John11

John 11:38–44 NIV

38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

John 11:38–44 NIV

40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.

John 11:38–44 NIV

42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”

John 11:38–44 NIV

44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

Here is the 5th and final point

5. Designated Delays Display Jesus’ Power

You ever heard this?

“When people show you who they are… believe them.”

But let me flip it.

When people show you who they are…

it often reveals who you are.

And when Jesus weeps…

He’s not just showing you His heart.

He’s inviting you…

to examine yours.

Because if we’re honest…

we’d rather fix the moment…

than feel the moment.

But Jesus slows down.

He stays present.

And in His presence…

we begin to see:

who He is

and who we are

The Power of Being Present

Here’s the challenge.

We’re always on the way to somewhere.

Our prayers are rushed.

Before meals

Before bed

In the car

We’re always moving.

But proximity requires:

presence.

It requires slowing down long enough to say:

“Jesus, I’m here.”

Not just for what You’ll do…

but for who You are.

Because sometimes…

the greatest thing you gain in the delay…

is closeness with Him.

Jesus Doesn’t Just Weep—He Works

Now don’t miss this.

Jesus doesn’t just feel…

He moves.

He weeps…

and then He works.

And that’s important.

Because some of us…

we want one or the other.

But Jesus is both:

compassionate

and powerful

A Personal Moment: When Plans Fall Apart

Let me make this real.

I had the opportunity to go on a missions trip to Mozambique.

I was leading a group of about eight people.

And we were heading to this orphanage.

But it wasn’t just an orphanage.

It was like a base.

A place of protection.

A place of purpose.

They had a school there…

from elementary all the way through high school.

Kids from the entire community would come.

All ages.

All backgrounds.

And then after school…

some of those kids didn’t go home.

Because that orphanage…

was their home.

And our days were spent:

loving those kids

serving those kids

being present with those kids

And I’m telling you…

it was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

But I’ll never forget the second time we went.

We had traveled almost an entire day.

Flights. Layovers. Exhaustion.

And we finally land.

And we’re excited.

Ready to get there.

Ready to serve.

Ready to step into what God had for us.

But then…

something unexpected happened.

We couldn’t get a hold of the missionaries.

No answer.

No response.

And I’m the leader.

So now I’m standing there…

with eight people looking at me like:

“What’s the plan?”

And I don’t have one.

I’m calling over and over again on WhatsApp.

Refreshing.

Retrying.

Waiting.

Minutes turn into an hour.

An hour turns into two.

And we’re just sitting on the curb.

And I’ll be honest…

I started to panic.

I felt responsible.

I felt pressure.

I felt like I failed.

“Did I mess this up?” “Did I miss something?” “Did I lead us into the wrong situation?”

And in that moment…

what was supposed to be full of excitement…

turned into frustration and discouragement.

When Delay Feels Like Failure

Because delays don’t just test your patience…

They test your confidence.

They make you question:

your decisions

your leadership

your faith

And sometimes…

what looks like a delay…

feels like you did something wrong.

But Then… God Shows Up

After two hours…

they finally showed up.

And just like that…

everything shifted.

But here’s what God showed me in that moment:

The delay didn’t mean:

we were forgotten

we were abandoned

or we messed up

It just meant:

👉 we weren’t in control.

The Connection

And that’s exactly what happens in our spiritual life.

We step into something with expectation.

We’re ready.

We’re excited.

And then God doesn’t move…

when we thought He would.

And suddenly we’re sitting there…

waiting…

wondering…

questioning…

“God, where are You?”

The Deeper Lesson

But what if…

that moment…

wasn’t wasted?

What if the delay…

wasn’t failure?

What if it was an invitation?

An invitation to trust.

An invitation to surrender.

An invitation to remember:

👉 You’re not in control… but He is.

Final Truth

Because here’s what I’ve learned:

Some of the most frustrating moments in your life…

become the clearest reminders…

That God is still working…

even when you’re waiting on the curb.

And just because it feels delayed…

doesn’t mean it’s denied.

Sometimes…

it’s right on time.

Jesus Demonstrates Power: Raising Lazarus

Now we come to the moment.

The one everyone was waiting for.

📖 John 11:38 “Jesus… came to the tomb.”

Picture it.

A cave. A body inside. A stone covering the entrance.

Four days.

Not hours.

Not yesterday.

Four days.

In that culture…

that meant something.

It meant:

This is final. This is over. There’s no coming back.

And Jesus steps into that moment…

and says something unexpected.

📖 “Take away the stone.”

Wait.

If Jesus can raise the dead…

He can move a rock.

So why doesn’t He?

Because sometimes…

God invites you into what only He can complete.

He doesn’t need your help…

but He wants your participation.

Because when you’re close to the process…

you’re close to the miracle.

The Resistance to Obedience

But listen to the response.

“Lord… by this time there is a bad odor.”

Translation:

“Jesus… it’s too far gone.”

“Jesus… it’s too late.”

“Jesus… don’t make us go back there.”

Because that stone…

wasn’t just covering a tomb.

It was covering:

grief

pain

disappointment

And if we’re honest…

we’ve all said the same thing.

“God, don’t touch that.”

“God, I’ve already dealt with that.”

“God, I don’t want to open that back up.”

But here’s the truth:

God never exposes something… that He doesn’t intend to heal.

Believe Before You See

Jesus says:

📖 “Did I not tell you that if you believe… you will see the glory of God?”

Don’t miss the order.

Not:

See… then believe.

But:

Believe… then see.

And then Jesus prays.

Out loud.

Not because He needs to…

but because they need to hear it.

So that they would believe.

The Power of His Voice

And then it happens.

📖 “Lazarus… come out!”

I love what one preacher said:

If Jesus hadn’t said his name…

every dead person in that graveyard would have come walking out.

Because that’s the power…

of His voice.

And don’t miss this:

Nobody asked for this.

Mary didn’t ask.

Martha didn’t ask.

The crowd didn’t ask.

Jesus moved…

because of who He is.

Truth:

Even when you feel like no one is praying for you… Jesus is.

He sees you.

He knows you.

He’s working…

even when you don’t ask the right thing.

From Death to Life

And then…

the unthinkable happens.

The dead man walks out.

Alive.

But still wrapped.

📖 “Take off the grave clothes… and let him go.”

Because Jesus brings life…

but sometimes…

we’re still holding onto death.

Let It Go

Some of us…

we’ve been brought to life spiritually…

but we’re still wearing grave clothes.

shame

addiction

unforgiveness

old identity

And Jesus is saying:

“Take it off.”

“You don’t belong there anymore.”

“You’re not who you used to be.”

Worship in the Dark

And I love this detail in the story.

There was an odor.

The smell of death.

But it reminds me of something.

There’s a flower called a moonflower.

It has these large white blooms…

and during the day…

it’s closed.

You can walk right past it…

and not even notice it.

But when the sun goes down…

when everything gets dark…

That’s when it opens.

And when it opens…

it releases a soft, sweet fragrance.

And here’s what’s incredible:

It’s often planted in what they call moon gardens…

because at night…

it almost glows in the dark.

It was designed…

to come alive in the darkness.

And maybe…

that’s what God is doing in your life.

Because some things…

don’t come alive in the light.

They come alive in the dark.

And maybe…

that’s where some of you are.

In the dark.

In the hard moment.

In the place where it feels like something has died.

But what if…

that’s where your worship rises the strongest?

Not when everything is good.

Not when everything makes sense.

But in the middle of the struggle…

you say:

“God, I still trust You.”

Final Truth

You’re not inviting God into your story.

He’s inviting you into His.

And His track record is trustworthy.

Every grave…

is an opportunity for glory.

Every delay…

is an opportunity for faith.

And every place that looks dead…

is a place where Jesus can bring life.

So whatever you’re facing…

don’t give up.

Don’t close it off.

Don’t leave the stone in place.

Because when Jesus shows up…

He doesn’t just comfort you.

He calls dead things back to life.

Invitation to Trust Jesus Amid Delays

Let’s bring this to you.

Because this isn’t just a story about Lazarus.

This is about your life.

Some of you right now…

you’re in a delay.

And it doesn’t feel spiritual.

It feels heavy.

For some of you…

it’s not money.

It’s emptiness.

For others…

your relationships are falling apart.

For some…

you’ve been searching.

Trying to figure out:

“Is this real?” “Can I trust Him?” “Will He actually show up for me?”

And here’s what I want you to hear:

God is not late.

What feels like a delay…

may actually be a divine moment.

Because Scripture tells us:

He works all things together…

for your good…

and for His glory.

Let’s close out in prayer together tonight!

Prayer

Let’s pray together.

God, thank You.

That You are the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Which means if You did it then…

You can do it now.

For those who are saying yes to You for the first time…

I pray this would be the beginning of new life.

Fill them with Your joy.

Your peace.

Your love.

Surround them with people…

who will walk with them…

encourage them…

remind them who You are.

And for those who are struggling…

those who feel stuck in the delay…

God, You see them.

You know their pain.

You know their questions.

I pray right now…

You would restore:

joy peace hope

That You would bring:

healing forgiveness reconciliation

That You would remind them:

You are still working.

Even now.

God, help us trust You…

even when we don’t understand You.

And use us…

not just to change our lives…

but to impact the world around us.

Through Your Spirit.

Through Your power.

Through Your love.

We trust You.

We believe in You.

In the name of Jesus.

Amen.