God is NEVER late!

Hello, Harvest!

In the Gospel of John, we encounter a powerful story that challenges our understanding of God's timing. Martha and Mary send urgent word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus is gravely ill, expecting Him to rush back to Bethany immediately. Instead, Jesus stays where He is for several days. By the time He arrives, Lazarus has been dead and buried for four days.

From Martha and Mary's perspective, Jesus was too late. Their brother had died, and they believed the opportunity for healing had passed. But they were about to witness something extraordinary that would forever change their understanding of God's perfect timing.

When We Think God Has Forgotten Us

How often do we find ourselves in Martha and Mary's position? We pray desperately for healing, for breakthrough, for God's intervention in our circumstances. Days pass, weeks pass, sometimes years pass, and it seems like God isn't listening or has forgotten about our situation entirely.

We begin to think that God is late, that He's missed His opportunity to work in our lives. But this story reminds us of a fundamental truth: Jesus is never late, and God is always on time.

A Story of Unexpected Grace

Consider the story of Alice, a woman who spent decades as a harsh critic of clergy and church leadership. For over 50 years, she attended church but remained bitter and judgmental toward pastors and bishops alike. She was quick to speak harshly and slow to show grace.

When Alice became terminally ill, it seemed too late for change. She was confined to her bed, her life drawing to a close. But in those final weeks, something miraculous happened. Alice experienced a profound transformation.

The Power of Repentance

From her deathbed, Alice began making phone calls to people she had wounded over the years. She spoke words that don't come easily to most of us: "I was wrong in the way I treated you. I am sorry, and I hope that one day you'll be able to forgive me."

These aren't words that stumble across our lips every day. For most of us, admitting we're wrong and asking for forgiveness requires tremendous humility and courage. But Alice found that courage in her final days.

In that moment, Alice moved from death into life, from sin into loving Jesus and loving her neighbors enough to seek their forgiveness. She got right with Jesus, she got right with God, and she was restored to her family, friends, and neighbors.

What Needs to Change in Your Life?

Alice's story isn't just about one woman's deathbed conversion. It's a mirror that reflects something we all share in common. During this season of Lent, God has been speaking to each of us about things in our lives that need to change.

Maybe it's not hatred toward church leadership. Perhaps it's not treating fellow church members shamefully or speaking poorly of your spouse. But there are things in your life and in mine that God is highlighting during this season.

The Uncomfortable Truth

If you're married, ask your spouse if there's anything in your life that needs to change. Ask close friends who would be willing to tell you the truth. The simple reality is that on the inside of every one of us, God has been saying there are things that need to change.

There are things in our relationships that need attention. There are attitudes in our hearts that need transformation. There are ways we live our lives—or ways we don't live them—that God is calling us to address during this season of Lent.

The Miracle of Perfect Timing

Alice's transformation was a miracle, but not just because of the dramatic change in her heart. It was miraculous because it happened at exactly the right time—before it was too late for her to get right with Jesus, with God, and with one another.

This reminds us of the truth from Luke 15:7: "There is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who have no need for repentance." There was much rejoicing in heaven when Alice repented of her sins and returned to the Lord.

Heaven's Celebration

When you and I repent of our sins, turn our backs on our wrongdoing, and turn back toward God and Jesus under the power of the Holy Spirit, there will be much rejoicing in heaven. We become one of those sinners who repented and returned to the Lord.

Martha and Mary were right about many things, but they were wrong when they thought Jesus was too late. Because Jesus is never too late, and God is always on time.

Life Application

This week, take time to honestly examine your heart and relationships. Just as Alice found the courage to make difficult phone calls and write challenging letters, ask God to show you where you need to seek forgiveness or make things right with others.

Don't wait for the "perfect" moment or assume it's too late to change. Remember that Jesus is never late and God is always on time. Whether it's a strained relationship, a persistent sin pattern, or an attitude that needs adjustment, now is the time to act.

Consider these questions as you reflect on this message:

• What has God been highlighting in your life during this season of Lent that needs to change?
• Is there someone you need to call or write to ask for forgiveness?
• What relationships in your life need restoration, and what steps can you take this week to begin that process?
• How might you be limiting God by thinking He's "too late" to work in a particular situation in your life?

Remember Alice's example: it's never too late to get right with Jesus, to get right with God, and to get right with one another. The miracle of transformation is available to each of us, and heaven rejoices when we take that step of repentance and restoration.