Trusting in God’s Promises
“So then He told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.’” John 11:14-15
We aren’t always privy to see what God is doing behind the scenes in our lives. Grieving over the death of her brother Lazarus, Martha told Jesus, “If only You had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus responded, “For your sake I am glad I was not there.”
At first glance, Jesus almost seems cruel and calloused in His response. But He goes on to say, “...so that you may believe.” Jesus always has a purpose in our pain.
Many times I have been in an excruciatingly difficult situation crying out, “If only You had been here for me, Jesus, I would not have had to experience confusion, loss or pain.”
Excited at the new life growing inside of me, I went to my first doctor’s appointment to confirm what I already knew. “Everything looks good,” she said, “but I know you are dying to have an ultrasound to see your little one. I’ve made an appointment for you for later this afternoon.” My doctor knew me well. After having twins and another pregnancy where they thought I was having twins, she knew I enjoyed that initial ultrasound just to make sure I was pregnant with only one baby.
I looked at the screen. I finally saw my baby and smiled. But just a few moments later, they said they couldn’t find a heartbeat.
“God, if only You had been there with me, I wouldn’t have lost my baby.”
During some of the most difficult times in my life, I wished Jesus had intervened and brought about a different outcome. Instead, He prayed for me. He is always praying for us. He never promised us an easy life, but He did promise us He would never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5).
We can trust God’s promises even when we don’t see them immediately fulfilled. We can also trust His timing. To Mary and Martha, the Ancient Hebrew sisters of the dead brother, Jesus was too late. But according to God’s master plan, He was right on time to bring about glory to the Father. Jesus used this to strengthen Mary and Martha’s faith.
What are you believing in? An easy life? Or the promises of God’s Word in the midst of a sometimes difficult one?
Julie Holmquist is a contributing writer to Wholly Loved Ministries’devotionals and is a contributing author for Devotableapp.com. She’s written and produced video devotionals as well. She graduated from Christ for the Nations Bible school in Dallas, TX and holds an associates degree in practical theology. She enjoys all things personality and has probably taken every personality test there is. You can find Julie online at Stuff of Heaven, follow her on Instagram at Stuff of Heaven and at Twitter at Stuff of Heaven,and connect with her on Facebook at Stuff of Heaven (Julie Holmquist.
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Originally published Wednesday, 27 December 2023.
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