Early in this series, we saw the Apostle Paul lay out two key steps to persevere through trials or crises: stand firm in what we know and hold fast to the traditions taught in God’s Word. We boiled those down to (1) Remember key principles and (2) Obey practical steps to fuel our perseverance. This is our ninth principle to remember, and it is a lifeline when the pressure mounts.

God is patient with your growth (John 11:1-44).

In the chaos of a crisis, it’s easy to feel like God expects instant maturity – like you should have it all together the moment the storm hits. But the Lord’s patience shines through in how He works with us, even in our delays and doubts, because God is patient with our growth. This truth unfolds beautifully in John 11, the story of Lazarus’ death and resurrection. Here is the scene:

Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany… Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God…” Then Jesus… stayed two more days in the place where He was… [Later] Jesus said to [the disciples], “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.” … When Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days… Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” … Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” … [Then] He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he who had died came out… (John 11:1-6, 11, 17, 21, 25, 43-44)

John does not gloss over the rawness of this crisis. Lazarus is sick, then dead. Martha and Mary are grieving, confused, even frustrated. Yet Jesus doesn’t rush on his way to see them. He waits. Why? Because God’s timing – and His patience – reveals a purpose bigger than our immediate relief. Let us unpack this principle and see how it helps us in our crises.

Patience: God’s Way in Your Crisis

When Lazarus’ sisters send word to Jesus, they expect Him to come quickly. He loves Lazarus, after all. But Jesus stays put for two more days. From a human perspective, that delay looks like indifference – or worse, abandonment. Martha’s words sting with honesty: “If You had been here…” Ever felt that? “God, if You had acted sooner, this would not have happened.” Yet Jesus is not late; He is patient. He is not panicked by Lazarus’ death or the sisters’ pain. He knows the greater purpose of God’s plan for these three dear friends: “This sickness is… for the glory of God.”

In your crisis – maybe it is a health scare, a family rift, or a dream that’s dissipated – God’s patience is at work. He is not demanding you grasp the whole picture right now. He is not frustrated by your questions or tears. Instead, He is walking you through the process, growing your faith at a pace you can handle. Lazarus’ story ends with a miracle, but the growth for Martha and Mary happens in the waiting. Jesus meets Martha in her “if only” moment and lifts her eyes: “I am the resurrection and the life.” God’s patience does not mean inaction; it means He is building something eternal in you, step by step. Further, as He does it, He is patient with your growth.

Trust: God’s Gift in the Delay

Notice Jesus does not leave Martha and Mary to stew in confusion. He speaks truth into their pain: “Your brother will rise again” (v. 23). He invites them to trust Him, even when the tomb has been sealed four days. That is a long time – long enough for hope to fade. But God’s patience includes provision. He gives what we need to endure the wait. For Martha, it is a declaration of His power. For Mary, it is His tears – proof He feels their sorrow (v. 35). For us, it might be a Scripture that anchors, a friend who listens, or a quiet sense of His presence.

When you are stuck in a crisis, wondering why God has not “shown up” yet, trust His timing. He is not aloof; He is patient – giving you space to grow into Christlikeness through the Word of God in the midst of your suffering. The delay is not denial; it is preparation and growth. Lazarus walking out of that tomb was not just a miracle for him; rather, it deepened the faith of everyone watching. Your growth in whatever your trial matters, and God is patient enough to see it through.

Don’t Miss the Process

Here is a key: don’t assume God’s patience means He is only working toward some far-off resolution. I have heard folks say, “One day, you’ll see why God let this happen.” Sure, hindsight might clarify things, but John 11 demonstrates God’s purpose unfolding now. Jesus tells the disciples up front: “this is for God’s glory” (v. 4). Martha’s confession of faith happens before the miracle (v. 27). The growth is not postponed; it is active in the crisis. To push it all to “someday” risks missing what God is doing today.

Say you are facing a stalled career move. Someone might say, “God’s got something better later.” Maybe. But the real work is happening now – patience teaching you reliance, trust replacing anxiety. God’s glory shines in your growth today, not just in a future outcome.

Questions to Ponder Today

Therefore, in your current struggle, ask:

• Where is God being patient with me right now? How am I responding to His timing?

• Am I trusting Him in the delay, or fighting for my own quick fix?

• How can my actions and attitude reflect His patience and purpose in this moment?

God is not in a hurry with you. He is patient, crafting faith that endures. Whatever trial you are in – big or small – know this: God is with you, pacing it perfectly, growing you step by step in His timing, and promising life on the other side. “He who believes in Me… shall live.”