John 11:3–7 (NLT) — 3 So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.” 4 But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” 5 So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, 6 he stayed where he was for the next two days. 7 Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.”

John 11:20–26 (NLT) — 20 When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” 23 Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.” 25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

Five things to do while you wait:

1. Remember it’s a fight.

1. Most of the miracles Jesus did were in direct opposition to a spiritual force.
   1. He cast out demons.
   2. He broke satan's power.
   3. The strong man was bound. 
   4. You have to remember that miracles often are a fight! 
2. Luke 13:10-13;16 (ESV) 10 Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your disability.” 13 And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God. 16 And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?”

2. Don’t get offended

1. Offense becomes a big struggle in the world of believing for a miracle.
   1. Offended that God let it happen.
   2. Offended that it wasn’t an instant response.
   3. Offended that it isn’t how you thought it would be. 
2. Matthew 15:25-28 (ESV) 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
3. Luke 7:23 (ESV) - “And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
4. We will move into an unconditional, relational, and trusting faith!

3. Watch your attitude.

While God works in your situation, let Him also work in your character!

1. Attitudes to focus on while you are waiting
   1. Gratitude - Shifts our focus from what we lack, to what we already have. 
   2. Trust - Places our trust in God’s character, instead of our circumstances.
   3. Joy - Counters discouragement, despair, and spiritual fatigue.
   4. Others - Focusing on others prevents self-centeredness.

4. Stay full of the Word.

1. John 11:26 (NLT) — 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”  John 15:7 (NLT) — 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted
2. Jesus said “Man does not live by bread alone, but every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God”

5. Have a friend.

1. Hebrews 10:39 – “We are the faithful ones…”
2. Faith thrives in community.
3. Find people who will:
   1. Pray with you.
   2. Speak the Word to you.
   3. Remind you who God is when your memory fades.