What Jesus Did! 'Not for a Lack of Love' — John 11:5-6

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days [even though Lazarus was very sick].
— John 11:5-6 NLT

Key Thought

Most of us will face the long dark night of the soul when it seems as if God is absent and our prayers are nothing more than wasted breath. If God doesn't respond when we want him to respond, his delay in acting seems uncaring. We can feel abandoned and unloved by the God on whom we depend and for whom we seek to live. I claim no great wisdom in understanding the how or even the why of those times. The mystery of God's actions during those times is known only to him, [1] and his actions are as varied as we are. However, I do know three things:

  1. I know we can honestly cry out and share our deepest disappointments with our Father - after all, he gave us many Psalms that do just that.
  2. I know from this story about Lazarus and his sisters that the Lord's apparent absence is not based on a lack of love for us.
  3. I know that in the end, Jesus will triumph in us and through us and for us.
[1] Isaiah 55:8-9.

Today's Prayer

Father of glory and might, please give me the strength to face those times when you seem absent. I pray that you will please make your presence known to those I know and love who are facing just such agonizing times right now. Please use me to be a blessing to them in their time of loneliness and loss. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of John 11:5-6 NLT — So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days [even though Lazarus was very sick].

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Matthew 7:13-14
"Jesus said, "Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads....."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Rescues Us and Carries Us' (Ps. 68:19-21)
"Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death....."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Undaunted!'
"Dear Faithful Follower, Yesterday, I asked you to read about the paralyzed man that I healed through Peter and John. I wanted you to see the..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: John 5:39
"The Greek word here rendered search signifies a strict, close, diligent, curious search, such as men make when they are seeking gold, or hunters when...."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!