“Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” John 11:40

In some of the darkest areas of our lives, in all honesty, it is not so easy to embrace these words: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.

To the broken-hearted and burdened soul, peace seems inevitable, but God knows exactly where His beloved children are in those moments. He succors us, runs to our rescue, and gently reminds us that He alone has the power to provide the very strength we need to endure. And even though we may not understand, there really is a blessing on the other side of through.

Martha, Mary, and Lazarus were followers and close friends of Jesus. In John chapter eleven, we read that Jesus received word of Lazarus’ sickness, but he delayed his arrival in Bethany for a couple of days. Martha was at the peak of one of those helpless moments when her brother Lazarus died of sickness, but God stepped in right on time, not in her time, but in His time. “Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” John 11:40.

Why would Jesus not immediately run to the aid of the ones that He loved in a time of heartache and trouble? The bible tells us, “Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.” John 11:5. Even so, when Jesus saw her weeping, verse thirty-five states, “Jesus wept.”

Jesus had plans for something far greater ahead, which He revealed in the answer He gave in the previous verse: “When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” John 11:4.

Through the sickness and death of Lazarus, his sisters would see and behold the glory of God as Jesus raised him from the dead. Not only Martha and Mary, but God also manifested His power so that all would see and know that He is the Alpha and Omega, the omnipotent, sovereign Lord of all! 

“And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.” John 11:43-45.

My friends, there is definitely a blessing on the other side of through for all of God’s children. No matter how rough things may appear, He loves us, feels our hurts, and understands our heartaches. So let us rest in the comfort of knowing that God is working behind the scenes to manifest His glory in and through whatever we are encountering at this moment.

The Apostle Paul was afflicted with a thorn in his flesh that he just could not shake…but he wrote these comforting words for our hearts: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon.” 1 Corinthians 12:9.

God’s grace is sufficient; let us cling to His powerful hands. He knows what is best in every situation. I can still hear the voice of my father singing these words…you better hold to His hands, God’s unchanging hands!

Time is filled with swift transition.

Naught of earth unmoved can stand.

Build your hopes on things eternal.

Hold to God’s unchanging hand.  -Jeannie B. Wilson

May God’s comforting grace and strength keep us all now and forever as we hold to His unchanging hand.