Trusting God Through Delays and Doubts
Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the unshakable truth that we can trust in God—no matter what we face, no matter how long the wait, no matter how deep the valley. The heart of our reflection was the story of Lazarus in John 11, where Jesus, though delayed, revealed Himself as the Resurrection and the Life. We saw that God’s timing is not our timing, and sometimes He allows things to die—not to punish us, but so that His glory can be revealed in ways we could never imagine. Even when we are frustrated, even when we have questions, even when our faith is mixed with attitude, God invites us to bring it all to Him. He is not intimidated by our honesty; in fact, He meets us right there.
We remembered that God is the great “I AM”—He is whatever we need, whenever we need it. He is not just a provider, but the Provider; not just a healer, but the Healer; not just a promise maker, but a promise keeper. When we look back over our lives and see all the ways He has made for us, all the times He has shown up, we can’t help but trust Him. Our trust is not based on what we see, but on who He is. Even when we don’t understand, even when the situation seems dead and buried, we can declare, “I trust in God.”
We also acknowledged that trusting God doesn’t mean we won’t have questions or moments of doubt. Like Martha, we may approach Jesus with our frustrations, but faith is found in the “even now”—the place where we say, “I still believe.” God’s delays are not denials; they are opportunities for Him to show us His power in ways that leave no doubt it was Him. He loves us, He hears us, He provides for us, and He is always with us. Our response is to surrender, to worship, and to keep trusting, knowing that He will never fail.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Delays Are for His Glory
Sometimes God allows us to wait, or even lets things die in our lives, not because He doesn’t care, but so that when He moves, there is no doubt it was Him. His delays are not denials; they are divine setups for His glory to be revealed. The question is, can we trust Him enough to let Him get glory out of our story, even when we don’t understand the process? [01:02:58]
- Faith Can Coexist with Frustration
Martha approached Jesus with both attitude and faith—she was honest about her disappointment, yet she still believed in His power. God welcomes our real emotions; He is not threatened by our questions or our pain. True faith is not the absence of struggle, but the decision to trust God “even now,” in the midst of our confusion and hurt. [01:14:52]
- Jesus Is Always on the Way
Even when it seems like Jesus is late, He is always moving toward us with purpose. He is willing to risk everything for us, just as He went to Bethany for Lazarus. Our worth to Him is so great that He will show up, even in the places of our deepest loss and disappointment, to bring new life. [01:08:58]
- Trust Is Rooted in Who God Is, Not Just What He Does
God told Moses, “I AM who I AM”—He is everything we need, whenever we need it. Our trust is not just in what God can do, but in who He is: loving, faithful, present, and powerful. When we anchor our faith in His character, we can stand firm even when circumstances are uncertain. [01:00:34]
- Worship and Surrender Are Our Response
When we remember all that God has done, our natural response is worship and surrender. We don’t have to have all the answers or understand every step; we simply say, “I trust in God.” In every season—whether in blessing or in waiting—our answer remains “yes” to His will and His way. [01:45:42]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[21:54] - Praise and Thanksgiving
[37:51] - Finding Your Seat in God’s House
[38:50] - Apostles’ Creed and Declaration of Faith
[47:55] - Scripture Reading: John 11
[52:24] - Martha’s Encounter with Jesus
[58:41] - Why I Trust in God
[01:00:34] - God Is the Great “I AM”
[01:02:03] - The Message to Jesus: “He Whom You Love Is Sick”
[01:02:58] - God’s Delays and Divine Glory
[01:07:41] - The Disciples’ Reluctance and Jesus’ Commitment
[01:11:57] - Martha’s Honest Faith
[01:14:52] - Faith in the Midst of Frustration
[01:18:50] - Jesus Calls Lazarus Forth
[01:27:48] - Reasons to Trust God
[01:31:55] - Invitation to Trust and Respond
[01:43:44] - Worship, Surrender, and God’s Presence
[01:45:42] - Trusting God in Every Season
[01:54:53] - Offering and Communion
[01:59:50] - Holy Communion
[02:03:26] - Final Blessing and Benediction
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Trusting God in Every Season
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### Bible Reading
John 11:17-27 (ESV)
17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days.
18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off,
19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother.
20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house.
21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.
22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.”
23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”
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### Observation Questions
1. What was Martha’s initial reaction when Jesus finally arrived after Lazarus had died? How did she express both her disappointment and her faith? ([01:11:57])
2. According to the passage, what does Jesus mean when He says, “I am the resurrection and the life”? ([01:14:52])
3. How long had Lazarus been dead when Jesus arrived, and why is that detail important in the story? ([01:11:20])
4. What message did Jesus send back when He first heard that Lazarus was sick? What reason did He give for the delay? ([01:02:58])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to delay coming to Bethany, even though He loved Lazarus and his sisters? What does this reveal about God’s timing and purpose? ([01:05:47])
2. How does Martha’s honest conversation with Jesus show us that faith and frustration can exist together? What does this teach us about bringing our real emotions to God? ([01:14:52])
3. When Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life,” how does this statement go beyond just promising to fix a problem? What does it say about who He is? ([01:14:52])
4. The sermon says God’s delays are not denials, but “divine setups” for His glory. How does this idea challenge or encourage your understanding of unanswered prayers or long waits? ([01:02:58])
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### Application Questions
1. Can you think of a time when you felt like God was late or didn’t show up the way you expected? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([01:05:47])
2. The sermon says God is not intimidated by our honesty—even our attitude or frustration. Is there something you need to be real with God about right now? What would it look like to bring that to Him this week? ([01:14:52])
3. Jesus risked everything to go to Bethany for Lazarus. In what ways have you seen God “show up” for you in your own places of loss or disappointment? ([01:08:58])
4. The message reminds us that trust is rooted in who God is, not just what He does. How can you remind yourself of God’s character when your circumstances are uncertain? ([01:00:34])
5. The “even now” faith of Martha means trusting God even when things look hopeless. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to say, “Even now, I still believe”? What would it look like to trust God in that area? ([01:14:52])
6. The sermon calls us to respond with worship and surrender, even when we don’t have all the answers. What is one practical way you can worship or surrender to God this week, especially in an area where you’re waiting or struggling? ([01:45:42])
7. Looking back over your life, what are some specific ways God has provided, healed, or kept His promises to you? How can remembering these moments help you trust Him with what you’re facing now? ([01:27:48])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray honestly about their frustrations, doubts, and hopes, asking God to help them trust Him in every season—especially in the waiting.
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God in Delays and Disappointments
Sometimes God’s timing doesn’t match our expectations, and we may feel frustrated or even hurt when He seems to delay His response to our prayers. Yet, even in the waiting, God is working for His glory and our good. The story of Lazarus reminds us that God’s delays are not denials; He may allow us to face difficult situations so that His power and love can be revealed in ways we never imagined. When you find yourself questioning why God hasn’t shown up yet, remember that He is never late—He is always right on time, and His purpose is greater than our understanding. [01:05:47]
John 11:17-27 (ESV)
Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”
Reflection: When have you felt disappointed by God’s timing? How can you choose to trust Him today, even when you don’t understand His delays?
Day 2: God’s Glory Through Our Trials
There are moments in life when the challenges we face seem overwhelming and senseless, but God can use even our deepest pain to bring glory to Himself. Sometimes, the trials we endure are not just about us—they are opportunities for God to show His power, faithfulness, and love to the world. When you are in the valley, remember that your story can become a testimony that points others to God’s greatness. Trust that He is working through your circumstances, and that your endurance and faith can bring Him honor. [01:02:58]
John 11:4 (ESV)
But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
Reflection: What is one difficult situation you are facing right now? How might God be seeking to reveal His glory through your response?
Day 3: Faith in the Midst of Frustration
It’s possible to be frustrated with God and still have faith in Him. Like Martha, you may have questions, doubts, or even an attitude about how things have turned out, but you can still declare your trust in God’s power and goodness. God welcomes your honesty and your struggles, and He honors the faith that persists even when you don’t have all the answers. Bring your real emotions to God, but let your faith speak louder than your frustration—believe that He is able to do what seems impossible. [01:14:52]
Mark 9:24 (ESV)
Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Reflection: What honest feelings or frustrations do you need to bring to God today? How can you express faith even as you wrestle with your questions?
Day 4: God’s Love and Provision Are Unfailing
No matter who else may fail you, God’s love never does. He hears your cries, provides for your needs, and keeps every promise He has made. When you feel alone or uncertain, remember that God’s love is steadfast and His provision is sure. He is the One who will never leave you nor forsake you, and He is always working for your good, even when others let you down. Rest in the assurance that you are loved, cared for, and never forgotten by your Heavenly Father. [01:27:48]
Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reflection: Who or what have you been relying on for love and security? How can you lean more fully into God’s unfailing love and provision today?
Day 5: Surrendering to God’s Will in Every Season
Trusting God means surrendering your plans, your timing, and your understanding to Him—even when it’s hard. True trust is shown not just in moments of blessing, but in seasons of obedience, when you say “yes” to God’s will no matter what. As you walk through life’s ups and downs, let your answer to God always be “yes”—yes to His will, yes to His way, yes to trusting Him with your whole heart. In every season, may your declaration be: “I trust in God.” [01:47:38]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to surrender your own understanding and say “yes” to God’s will today?
Quotes
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