God doesn’t always meet our timetable. What is your response when God doesn’t show up as you expected? Martha and Mary could identify with that frustration. It was a somber day – their brother, Lazarus, had just passed away. Although they had sent word for Jesus to come, for some reason He delayed and now Lazarus was dead. When Jesus finally arrived, Martha expressed her concern,

Martha then said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. “Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” (John 11:21-22)

Many of us can identify with Martha. Martha believed that Jesus could have healed her brother if He would have arrived on time. Although she declared that God could do anything, her emotions belied her response. Martha had hope in a future resurrection, but she was despondent as she spoke to Jesus,

Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” (John 11:24)

Jesus expanded her knowledge of God and reinforced her confidence in His ability to fulfill His promise,

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

Jesus is emphatic in His response, He literally says, “I myself am the resurrection . . .” There are several words that may refer to “life”, but Jesus used the word that refers to life that is real and genuine, a life that is active, and devoted to God. This is the abundant life that Jesus promised His followers (John 10:10).

The question Jesus asked Mary, is the question we must ask ourselves – “Do we believe this?” We may find it easy to trust God with our eternal destiny in the future; however, we may struggle with the day to day situations we face in the here and now. Martha displayed a proper understanding of theology as she affirmed Jesus’ identity,

She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world.” (John 11:27)

We too can have a proper understanding, yet we may not experience the confidence and peace that is the fruit of that knowledge. We know and believe that Jesus is God and that nothing is too difficult for Him, yet, when we face difficulties, we may become despondent and discouraged. When Jesus told the people to remove the stone,  Martha’s faith was limited and she advised against it since he had been dead for four days.

Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40)

No one expected the result when Jesus prayed and then cried out, “Lazarus, come forth!” The people discovered that nothing is too difficult for Jesus. He could not only heal people but He also had the power to raise them from the dead! Are you facing an impossible situation? May you realize that nothing is too difficult for God. The question you must ask yourself is “Do you believe this?”

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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