“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
the Apostle Paul (Romans 8:28 NIV)

First, let me ask for a little grace from my non-Christian friends and readers. This being Passion Week, leading up to Resurrection Sunday, it warrants a post about events of that time. But if you’ve ever asked, “Why?”, this post is for you too.

Jesus’ resurrection is the seminal event in Christian theology. Yes, Christmas is important, and the virgin birth was a miracle that ushered a very human Jesus into the world. But it was prologue, setting the stage for what would happen some thirty-three years later.

Like us, Jesus had friends. Among them were Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. In the Gospel of John, one of Jesus’ last acts before his journey to the cross was bringing Lazarus back from the dead.

The sisters didn’t see that coming. When Jesus got word Lazarus was sick, he waited two days before leaving for Bethany. Why? On this side of heaven, we’ll never know. Perhaps it was as simple as he realized it wasn’t time for Lazarus to be healed.

When Jesus finally arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days. First Martha, and later Mary, confronted Jesus about his timing and his lack of action. “If you had come earlier, our brother would not be dead, but you didn’t come. They were basically asking, “Why?”

Do we not do the same? When we face challenging times in our lives—an unwelcome diagnosis, a pink slip, the unexpected death of a loved one—don’t we ask, “Why? Why, God, do bad things happen to good people?” Don’t we feel God has abandoned us when we need him the most?

And then there’s the timing of it all. “Why now?” As if there’s ever a right time for tragedy to strike. A time when we’d be better prepared and more capable of handling life’s toughest challenges.

If you’ve asked those questions, take heart—you’re in good company. In a moment of human weakness, suffering the agony of crucifixion, Jesus asked, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46 NIV).

And then he must have realized it was time. Time to fulfill centuries-old prophecies about that very moment, and time for him to concede to the will of God. And look what happened a few days later!

Again, shouldn’t we do the same? Shouldn’t we realize God’s timing is not our timing, and his plans are not our plans? Of course we should, but it’s much easier to state that in a blog than it is to accept it when we’re going through difficult circumstances.

We know some day images that appear blurred in a mirror now will become crystal clear then. God’s perfect timing and plans will all make sense, even though we didn’t understand them at the time. That’s called faith.

And just outside Jerusalem, there’s a blood-stained cross and an empty tomb that prove it.