Delays, Denials and Deaths serve a purpose greater than our immediate comfort and blessing.

Jesus used Lazarus’ sickness and death to reveal deeper truth to Martha and build faith in the disciples (John 11)

Jesus delayed his trip to Bethany, when Lazarus and his sisters needed him most, though he loved them dearly.  He could have said a word and healed Lazarus without being present like he did  for the Centurion’s servant (Matt 8:5-13).  Jesus did not even show up when Lazarus died.  They had to bury him without his presence and comfort.  So far it does not look like the Jesus they loved and served.  How can we give thanks when our cries for help are ignored, our body is sick and weak, we don’t feel his presence to comfort us or don’t have the help to burry that which is dead in our lives?

When Martha heard Jesus was coming, instead of running to the kitchen to serve him, she went out to meet him.  This time the pain caused her to go to Jesus to be served.  The delay or absence of Jesus made her desperate for his presence and comforting word.  Jesus was ready to impart deeper revelation because she was ready to hear.  Since he had her attention he engaged her in a conversation and brought revelation that he is Christ, the Son of God (John 11:27).  Their unanswered prayer was also to prepare the disciples for his death and resurrection.  Jesus told the disciples, “For your sake I am glad that I was not there, so you may believe (John 11:14).”  He wanted to give them hope that death is not the end, there is a resurrection and life for those who believe.

Mary had to go through pain for the sake of others even though she was always at the feet of Jesus.  God used Martha’s desperation for a deeper revelation of himself.  He used a family who loved and served him to go through pain for the sake of his disciples.  God allows his beloved to go through sickness, death and pain for the sake of others, to bring revelation and most of all for the Glory of God (John 11:4).

In your pain go to Jesus, a deeper revelation is waiting for you.  

In your loss, sickness and unanswered prayers, see others being built and God glorified. 

May this be the best Thanksgiving season! 

Mama is praying that every pain, sickness and loss will reveal the purpose so that your Thanksgiving will glorify God.