Warning!
Long read

Lessons from Lazarus

John 11

The story of Lazarus contains essential lessons that are invaluable to anyone who wants to walk with God.

We can deduce from this passage that about four to eight days after the news of Lazarus' sickness came to Jesus, Lazarus died... Now hold on.

John 11:5 (KJV) Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

Jesus loved Lazarus. There is no logical way Lazarus would have been around Jesus long enough to be loved by Jesus that he will not know a thing or two about faith and prayer.
We do not know what sort of illness he was under or how long, but let's assume it was an infection or maybe something like malaria or cholera. None of these kill instantly. So the timespan between the start of his illness and when the news was sent to Jesus was probably not short.
It is plausible that in this timespan, Lazarus and his sister's were not sitting about idle, they were probably praying, exercising their faith and believing in the Heavenly Father for healing.

But despite all these; the love Jesus had for them, their faith and prayer to God etc. The scripture says Lazarus still died. It must have been heart crushing to his sisters.
Isaiah 14:27 (KJV) For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

There are times that no matter what we do or how we do it, it seems like God is not paying attention. I want to encourage you, don't lose faith, never give up, His ways are not ours neither His thought. God is always mindful, as shown here...
John 11:14 (KJV) Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
Jesus was many miles away from their location but He knew exactly Lazarus's condition.
God always comes through, no matter the weather no matter the prevailing circumstances.

And another piece of advice, when it seems like everything you are doing is in futility, just start thanking God, trust me you can never go wrong thanking God. Also, profess your submission to His will, ask Him to take charge of your circumstance. It works.

Let's see the concluding part of Lazarus saga.
John 11:44 (KJV) And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
John 12:10-11 (KJV) But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

Wow! Out of Lazarus's death came life to many. His story which would have been a tragedy became an inspirational and evangelical one. Lazarus didn't need to go around preaching, anyone that heard his story was compelled to follow Christ.

God knows what He is doing, He is the master strategist. Don't give up.

Peace