Have you ever found yourself cruising through life, feeling strong and grounded, only to suddenly hit a wall? Maybe you’ve experienced spiritual dryness or mental exhaustion, or perhaps you’ve faced physical challenges that left you feeling depleted. These moments can leave us questioning, seeking answers, and wondering where God is in the midst of our struggles.
In that moment of feeling utterly spent, it’s easy to feel disconnected from God’s presence, to feel spiritually dry or even dead. But it’s precisely in these moments that we’re reminded of the story of Lazarus.
In John 11:1-2, we read about Lazarus, a man whom Jesus loved deeply, who was sick. Despite being loved by Jesus, Lazarus still faced illness. This challenges the common notion that being loved by God exempts us from suffering. Yet, Lazarus’s story teaches us something profound: we can be simultaneously loved and struggling.
When Lazarus fell ill, his sisters, Mary and Martha, sent for Jesus. They knew that Jesus had the power to heal, and they didn’t hesitate to bring their problem to Him. Is Jesus your first response in times of trouble, or is He your last resort?
In John 11:4, Jesus declares that Lazarus’s sickness is not unto death but for the glory of God. This verse challenges us to see beyond our pain and struggles to the greater purpose that God has in store. Sometimes, our suffering becomes a platform for God’s glory to be revealed in our lives.
Yet, despite His love for Lazarus, Jesus doesn’t rush to his side immediately. He waits, allowing Lazarus to die before He intervenes. This may seem perplexing, even frustrating, but it underscores the importance of trusting in God’s timing.
Romans 8:28 reminds us that all things work together for good for those who love God. Even in the midst of our pain and suffering, God is at work, weaving together a tapestry of redemption and restoration.
As followers of Christ, we are called to suffer well. Like Lazarus, our suffering has the potential to point others to the sovereignty and goodness of God. It’s through our response to adversity that our faith is truly tested and strengthened.
So, what pain are you facing today? Whether it’s a prodigal child, a job loss, a struggling marriage, or illness, know that God is with you in the midst of it all. His timing may not align with ours, but His plans are always for our ultimate good.
In times of waiting and uncertainty, let us remember the words of Jesus: “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up” (John 11:11). Just as Jesus called Lazarus out of the grave, He calls us to rise above our circumstances and trust in His power to bring life out of death.
So, let us suffer well, knowing that our struggles are not in vain. May our faith shine brightly in the darkness, pointing others to the hope we have in Christ.