3. Lazarus's death and resurrection was in God's perfect timing.
Aren't you glad God doesn't give us everything we want when we want it? I think of all the relationships in my life from the men I’ve dated or wanted to date, to friends, jobs and other things. I am so thankful God didn't give me all that I wanted. I couldn't see it at the time, but now—as I have grown more mature in Christ—I am much better at waiting on God.

Now sometimes while we wait, it can hurt. I can only imagine how Martha and Mary felt when Lazarus had died. They had sent word to Jesus to come. And because they knew Jesus was not only their friend but loved them, surely he would come and save their brother. Isn't that the way it is in our own lives? Why does God allow those we love to die? Why does He allow 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the war in Iraq and the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech? Why does he allow some of us to get married, have children, while others stay single or barren? Why are some of us wealthy while others are poor? Why?

Well, first of all, we live in a wicked world filled with the sin of people. But yes, we have a sovereign God who is in control. And because I know he IS in control, I can only believe he allows all things to happen for his glory. It's not about us, and it never has been. Oh, we try, with our own greed, wanting more and more of everything. But in the end, it is always about God. Yes, while waiting, while seeing the world around us, it can be very painful but the hope in knowing God's way is better gives me the peace I need in all things. Knowing that through our sin, our mistakes, and our separateness, those that are lost spiritually will become believers. It's worth the wait, isn't it?

So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him."
—John 11:14-15

4. Lazarus’s life shows me that friends sharpen friends.
Because of Jesus' example, Lazarus and his sisters had many friends. I believe because of their kindness to each other, their loyalty and support, that many loved them.  So what type of friendships do you have?  Do your friends help lead you to Christ or pull you away? Are they friends who are there in the good times and the bad? How have you helped to grow your friends in Christ?

On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
—John 11:17-20

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
—Proverbs 27:17

5. Even though Lazarus was dead, and there seemed to be no hope, Jesus still produced a miracle. If nothing is impossible, what is possible? Even when things seem senseless to us, we must believe God can do a miracle.