WHY DIDN’T GOD?
- DAY 222
- FAITH FILE: LAZARUS
- SCRIPTURES: JOHN 11:35-36
Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!” And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?”
I memorized John 11:35 when I was in primary school. It was my quick verse to pull out during Sunday school verse recitation. Today, I love the memories that come up when that verse pops up. Beyond that, I love how it shows more than ever the human side of Jesus. It proves that He is a high priest that understands our feelings. He cried, He grieved, He experienced loss. I find it refreshing to know that my savior gets me.
He showed real feelings when He encountered tough situations. He had a solution but still showed empathy and mourned with those who mourned. Jesus understood their pain, just as He understands yours.
Too Late To Cry
However, His pain was unacceptable to some people in the crowd. They thought He shouldn’t express pain because He did not solve the problem. What happened was His fault somehow, They might have as well accused. Isn’t He a miracle worker, why didn’t he come to heal His friend? Why is He coming to show sympathy, He could have just come early enough to bring healing. In this part of the world, His tears would have been labeled “Crocodile tears.”
You know, sometimes people say similar things to those of us that believe in God, “Could God not have prevented this? Where was He when you were going through all of that? How can He love you and let bad things happen to you?” When Job went through his issues his wife told him to curse God and die. A couple of us have people who tell us this. But sometimes, we are the ones that feel this way and say those things to ourselves.
Ignore The Lies
When we let these words into our hearts, we open our hearts to fear. These accusations, questions, or statements are lies. The truth is, God loves you, He cares about you and what you go through. Your high priest is touched by your pain. But He has to work out His plan and purpose for you. He wants what’s best for you.
Nobody takes away a dangerous toy or thing from a child and then gives it back to the child because the child is hurting. No! You want the best for that child and so even though there is hurt in the process you will hold out until they get something better and safer. So even if sometimes we go through tough times and difficulties that doesn’t mean that God doesn’t care or love us. If we keep believing even through the pain, we will see a miracle.
When people say these to you remind yourself of the love of God. His everlasting love and loving-kindness. Jesus understands everything you’re going through because He went through them too. So He sent you the comforter. As you remind yourself of these truths you will overcome the fear and the doubt that those statements may bring in your heart. Faith will fill your heart instead.
Shalom.
