How Time Can Strengthen Our Faith

Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the story of Lazarus and why Jesus delayed his visit, exploring the spiritual purpose behind God's timing in our trials. He explains how periods of waiting are times for deepened prayer, repentance, patience, and endurance. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that struggling can help believers grow in faith, recognize their limitations, and learn to trust God’s divine plan and timing. He also highlights how suffering fosters empathy for others, provides firsthand experience of God's comfort, and reveals that enduring hardship is consistent with God’s love and purpose for our spiritual growth. Fr. Matthias encourages viewing challenges as opportunities to strengthen faith and draw closer to God’s presence rather than something to escape. This sermon offers guidance on trusting God's timing and finding spiritual growth through suffering.