What if your house was the one Jesus loved to hang out at when He was in town? What if He loved your cooking and always showed up hungry at dinnertime? What fringe benefits would you expect to receive if you had a special friendship with God? Maybe a backstage pass to the universe; Immunity from flu season? Free cable? A special canteen that turns water into wine? Surely you would get eternal life and never get sick or die right? In this passage, we actually do see one of Jesus’ closest earthly friends get sick and die. “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.” (John 11:5-6 NKJV) These two verses seem to be a contradiction. Jesus loved them, so why when they needed Him the most He didn’t come? He had helped so many others but couldn’t take the time to help His friends? Sometimes these are the questions those in pain are prone to ask: Where is God when it hurts?
How many of us, if we’re honest, have felt like God has treated us this way? I know I have. First, God is able to handle our honesty–our gut-level reaction. He can handle how we’re truly feeling. Second, our problem is that our definition of love is incompatible with suffering. But consider the greatest act of love of all time: the cross. It was full of suffering. Jesus’ decision not to heal Lazarus made way for an even greater miracle—raising a man from the dead. That gave Jesus the opportunity to illustrate what He wants to do for our souls: give life and hope to all who will die. It looked like Jesus was late, but God is always on time. He had a plan all along. The disciples and the sisters couldn’t see it or understand how God could possibly use such horrible things for His good, but He had a plan. Mary and Martha wanted a healing, but Jesus had in mind a resurrection.
Sometimes God chooses to deliver us from hardships, and sometimes He delivers us through them. Either way, He is glorified. Being God’s friend does indeed come with fringe benefits one of which is Grace. His gift of grace and Righteousness covers all aspects of our lives. When you receive the continuous gift of grace it means no more condemnation. It means you get to walk in His power over every situation in your life. Sometimes He chooses to deliver us from hardships, and sometimes He delivers us through them. Either way, His Grace is always enough!
Lee | GG Team
