Sometimes For Things to Get Better, Jesus Lets Them Get Worse First!
Dear Friend and faithful blog reader,
Are you tired of things as they are? Has life taken a turn for the worse, or are they really not any better, despite all your prayers, efforts, and faith? You may be finding yourself in a place where things just don’t seem to be improving, no matter how hard you try. Instead of finding relief, it seems like the circumstances around you are only getting worse. You’ve been weary in well-doing, and it feels like the trials are intensifying instead of easing.
We want to start by acknowledging where you are right now. If that’s how you feel, Jesus sees you. He knows the weight of what you’re carrying. He’s not unaware of your pain, confusion, or frustration. Jesus understands the very human emotions that come with suffering, and He empathizes with the exhaustion you’re experiencing. You’re not alone in this struggle. Even when things seem to get worse, His presence is right beside you. He is beside you to strengthen you, encourage you, guide you and help you make it through!
Why Does It Get Worse Before It Gets Better?
Have you ever wondered why it feels like things can sometimes get worse before they get better? Why, when you pray for relief, it seems like your situation intensifies instead of improving? The truth is, Jesus allows things to get worse at times because of the greater work He’s doing in your life, a work that will bring about transformation that would not have been possible without the struggle.
In John 11, we see a powerful example of Jesus letting things get worse before they get better. Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus, was sick. His sisters, Mary and Martha, sent word to Jesus, knowing that He could heal their brother. But instead of rushing to Lazarus’ side, Jesus stayed where He was for two more days. By the time He arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had already been dead for four days.
Imagine how Martha must have felt when Jesus arrived. She greeted Him with words of deep pain: “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” She knew that Jesus could have healed him, but it was too late. Or so it seemed.
But Jesus was doing something much bigger than just healing Lazarus’ physical body. He was about to demonstrate His power over death itself. In that moment, when it seemed like there was no hope left, Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, restoring him to life.
Sometimes, Jesus allows things to get worse in our lives to bring us to a point of no return, where only He can intervene. The delay in His action doesn’t mean He doesn’t care—it means He is preparing to reveal His power and His plan in a way that will bring greater glory to God. The waiting, the suffering, the feeling of loss—it’s all part of the process. Your situation may seem bleak now, but just as Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He is working to bring new life to you, even when everything seems hopeless.
Why Should You Keep Praying and Pressing Forward?
In the midst of these trials, it’s easy to lose heart. But we want to remind you: Jesus sees your faithfulness. The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Your persistence, your prayers, your faith—they matter. Even when it seems like nothing is changing, Jesus is working behind the scenes to fulfill His perfect will in your life.
The Lord also understands that it’s hard to trust when circumstances don’t seem to improve. But remember, Jesus works on God’s divine timeline. His actions may be delayed because He’s waiting for the perfect moment that will bring about the greatest result. Think of the story of the Israelites in Exodus. They were enslaved for 400 years, and it seemed as though God had forgotten them. But at the right time, God raised up Moses and delivered them in a way that showed His mighty power. Sometimes, the waiting is part of His plan to build your faith and to prepare you for something even greater. Some things may never be the way you want them to be no matter how hard you pray, try or wait. In times like those, you have to accept it as part of God’s plan that may never be fully explained.
But while you wait, here are 4 prayers to encourage you and strengthen your faith
During these tough times, we encourage you to pray these prayers often, trusting that Jesus hears you and is working on your behalf.
-
Prayer for Patience and Trust
“Jesus, I trust in Your timing. Though I don’t understand why things are getting worse before they get better, I believe that You are in control. Help me to remain patient and trust that You are working everything out for my good.” -
Prayer for Strength in the Struggle
“Jesus, give me the strength to endure this season of struggle. When I feel weak, remind me of Your promises to never leave me or forsake me. I trust that You are with me through every moment, even in my darkest hour.” -
Prayer for Clarity and Peace
“Jesus, help me to see the bigger picture. When I’m consumed by fear, remind me of Your power to bring beauty from ashes. Give me peace in my heart that transcends understanding, knowing that You are always with me.” -
Prayer for a Fresh Outpouring of His Spirit
“Holy Spirit, fill me with a fresh anointing of hope, faith, and joy. Let Your presence strengthen me and renew my mind. I believe that even now, You are moving on my behalf. Empower me to stand firm and continue pressing forward.”
Keep Going—Help Is on the Way
We know it’s hard to keep going when it feels like nothing is improving. But we want you to hold onto this truth: Jesus is coming. The delay doesn’t mean He’s forgotten you. It means He’s preparing something better. Jesus allowed Lazarus to die so He could raise him from the dead. He allowed the disciples to experience the storm on the Sea of Galilee so they could know His power to calm the wind and waves. In your own life, Jesus may be letting things get worse because He’s preparing to do something greater than you can imagine.
So, don’t give up. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep pressing forward. Your breakthrough is coming, and when it comes, it will be beyond what you could have hoped or imagined. Just as Jesus was faithful to bring healing, resurrection, and deliverance in the Bible, He is faithful to bring His help to you in your time of need.
Rest in His promises today, knowing that your Savior is working on your behalf, even in the waiting. Keep your eyes on Jesus, and keep your heart full of hope. Better days are ahead, and they are coming in God’s perfect time.
In His love and strength,
Evangelist Wendy Evans
Founder and CEO of WIN International Ministries