Jesus Wept.

John 11:35

I come from a devout Christian family but when my mother died, I was clueless how the Lord could let that happen. I did the most fervent prayer in my life; cried my heart out to God, yet she did not get well. I almost lost my senses when I was told she’ll be taken out of the hospital—without life.

How many times could you remember being badly hurt? You may have pointed many reasons or simply asked, How could that be? Why didn’t He stop this from happening?

Let me share a short story found in the book of John chapter 11:1-44

Lazarus was a poor man who lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary Magdalene and Martha. They are Jesus’ personal friends and He loves them so much. (John 11:5)

Lazarus became very ill and eventually died. Jesus knew this was going to happen yet chose to minister in the place He’s at; away from Bethany. Lazarus was already four days buried when Jesus returned. Martha and Mary run into Him and mourned. The sisters were saying, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died!” (John 11:21;32). The Lord felt their grief. Jesus cried with them. Thus, He did the wondrous miracle raising Lazarus from the dead! This had caused a number of people to believe in God. John 11:4 says, “[It] is for the glory of God, so the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

Now, could you imagine the pain of Lazarus’ sisters? They have hoped that Jesus would return to heal Lazarus yet did not. Their clamor was, why didn’t the Lord stop what had happened.

At times, when we get hurt, we become downcast and fail to understand God’s purpose for the event. There are many times we thought the Lord has turned His back from us and remained unconcern. He certainly has not. The Lord allowed the death of Lazarus so the miracle of life would take place. Yet again, when we become hurt, He also shares our grief. He knows our heartaches and fears. The Lord cries with us. He loves us and doesn’t want us to get hurt but He has His wonderful plan. And surely, the end will be for our best and to His glory. Sometimes, we just have to feel the pain so God can show us the miracle in the end.

You might be hurting today but don’t trap yourself in mourning! Seek what the Lord plans for you and He’ll show you His purpose. Three and a half years ago, I said the same thing, “Lord, if you had been with Nanay, she wouldn’t have died!” Now I understand. The Lord loves her and took her to rest with Him. Her death made us more conscious of His work in the family. The Lord also opened many doors of joy and blessing to us. And I know He has yet to reveal His plans. Nanay couldn’t be more happy in His presence. And He would do the same to you.

May this be a word of encouragement to every one: God loves us very much!