How often do you equate what God is doing in your life, how He answers your prayers, with whether He loves you or not? I think that is an understandably common feeling. I want to take a moment to assure you, that God shows His love by not responding when and how we ask just as often as He displays His love by fulfilling our requests.
‘This He said, and after that He *said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, so that I may awaken him out of sleep.” The disciples then said to Him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was speaking of literal sleep. So Jesus then said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let us go to him.” ‘ John 11:11-15
Jesus loved Lazarus, Mary and Martha, of that we have no doubt, because scripture repeats it. So, if He loved Lazarus, why did He let Him die? Why did He let Mary and Martha suffer the loss of their brother? He didn’t answer their request in the way they expected, so that it would serve much greater purpose stated in verse 15. This was not an easy thing for Jesus to do. Verse 35 reflects His heart with the statement “Jesus wept”. This is difficult for Him, but necessary.
How often in your life have you prayed, cried out to Jesus, to rescue you from something, to alleviate your pain, to lift your burden, or take care of someone you love? When He hasn’t, did you wonder if He loved you, or do you look for the ways He might be glorified by not responding? I assure you, “Jesus Wept”. Have a blessed weekend.
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
