Read and mediate upon John chapter 11 today. Let the words and story float through and around you and you let the Lord guide your heart to what He wants you to hear.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2011&version=NRSVCE
“..rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” John 11:4
“”Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.”” John 11:41-42
We have no ideas of what God’s plan is for our lives or any around us. We pray and beg God to come in the moment of despair to heal and rescue us. Sometimes, though He waits at a distance, seemingly allowing the tragedy to fall.
I know this story, I lived it. When KC, our daughter was sickest, I prayed every day that Jesus comes and heal her. Like Martha and Mary, I knew without a doubt He could heal her. My prayer was one of trust in this power. But, lacked total abandoned trust.
The night she went into respiratory failure in the ICU, I fell. I fell because He didn’t come to heal her. How did we get here to this moment when He could have healed her if He had been there?
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Yes, no doubt if Jesus had come two days earlier, Lazarus would have been healed and not died. Yes, if Jesus had shown up and healed KC, she wouldn’t have been lying in the ICU in critical condition. But, God’s plan was beyond our knowledge. His plan was to glorify Himself.
I fell that night but, God rebuilt me on a strong foundation of trust. Finally understanding what true, abandoned trust means. I know beyond a doubt that if Jesus had chosen, He could have healed KC. And. I would have praised Him. But, I would never have moved forward. God was glorified in this as He forced me to see my lack of trust and faith. If Be had healed her, I would have remained as I was. But, because He didn’t, I am stronger, a man of deeper strength. A man whose trust in Jesus is now a foundation of life.
“ “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”” John 11:25-26
Is your faith and trust strong enough to push through the tragedy? Do you believe Jesus is in control?
Believe and trust! Surrender to trusting Jesus, and a new life will dawn like the most beautiful sunrise.