Today in the One Year Bible, we read from John 11:1-54. This is the story of the raising of Lazarus. But what's interesting is to realize that if Mary and Martha and everyone in the story but Jesus had had their way, this would NOT be the story of the raising of Lazarus. It would just be another healing.
Jesus knew that Lazarus was going to die. And it's very important to notice THIS: He wept. He wasn't indifferent to the sufferings of His friends, EVEN THOUGH He knew that Lazarus was going to rise from the dead. He waited instead of going immediately to Lazarus and healing him. He waited, and Lazarus died. Then he went and turned what seemed to be a hopeless, horrible situation into an opportunity for everyone in the world, right down to the present day, to praise God.
As you're reading this, you might be suffering. Life does that, right? It brings us pain. And it's sometimes frustrating when Jesus waits. He COULD come and heal us right NOW, right? What's He waiting for?
Well, He's waiting in order to turn our pain, which He shares with us, because of which He weeps right along with us, into an opportunity for us to praise God. He WILL answer our needs, and transform our suffering into great joy.
Hang in there. The joy is coming.
God, thank You for hearing us, for weeping with us, and for transforming our sorrow into such great joy that we can't imagine it.
3 comments:
Amen
I need His healing, tomorrow is the first anniversary of the death of my husband, Leon. I miss his so desperately. I don't cry because everyone tells me it is going to be ok, how can it? Leon is gone and I am here alone.
God will take care of you. Look for Him at your local church. He'll find children who need your help. God bless you.
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