When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. — John 11:6
It is fascinating to me to watch someone that enjoys playing chess. They are always thinking steps ahead of their competitor. They are anticipating their next move. Sometimes, moves are made to get a specific response from their opponent. I heard one chess player say once, “I have them right where I want them.”
No one else around knew exactly where the moves were going. This player had a plan and a purpose and no one knew what was happening and how it was working together to accomplish that goal. Yet, at the end, everyone saw the final result and how the moves were calculated for a purpose.
We see how things work together for a purpose here in John 11 with the story of Lazarus. Word was sent to Jesus that Lazarus was sick and He was needed. Those that sent for Jesus did the right thing. They knew they needed His help and went immediatley to Him. But we see that Jesus waited 2 days.
It was not because Jesus didn’t care. The scripture teaches that Jesus cared and loved them. They didn’t understand. Martha was upset, telling Jesus if He had come, Lazarus would not have died. Mary said the same thing a bit later. They had it in mind for Jesus to take care of the small thing, but Jesus was doing something bigger.
Sometimes, for us to see the magnificence of God’s glory, we must be right where God wants us. It sometimes means that He may not answer right away like we want or expect. But we have to have faith, just as Jesus told them that day. Just because He did not answer, does not mean He is not interested. Maybe He is just waiting until He has you right where He wants you.