January 11 / John 11

Let Faith Arise

What an amazing chapter!! It's so reassuring!!  Jesus reassures us of His great love for us and also that He understands our hurts.  When we weep, He weeps!!  We are not alone in this journey.  We may have our "if onlys" like Mary (v. 32), and Martha (v. 21), but He assures us of His presence.

When we go through difficult times, it's all so much easier if we are able to step back and get perspective, - see the whole picture.  The sooner we can come to the place where we can say, "This is okay Lord, i don't understand, but I accept this trial and desire your name to be glorified, (v.4).  It's almost magical - I remember walking and talking with the Lord on my way to the hospital when our daughter, Brittany, was very ill (prior to her MS diagnosis).  I remember saying through my tears out loud, "God, if this is your will, okay Lord, I accept this.  I just want your name to be glorified!!".

I can't explain how it happened, but I felt a huge load fall off my shoulders, I was able to smile through my tears.  He truly gave me the grace and strength to face the upcoming news that Brittany was diagnosed with MS.

This vivid lesson that I learned came in very handy with the subsequent trials that were still to come.  He really can bring something "good" out of the apparent ugly situation, but ONLY if we let go and let God do His thing!! As someone said, "If He can be trusted for your eternal home, He can be trusted with your difficulty today!!" We must never gauge His love for us by our difficulties!!

As Chris Tomlin best put it:

"Be still, there is a healer.  His love is deeper than the sea.  His mercy is unfailing.  His arms, a fortress for the weak.  LET FAITH ARISE, LET FAITH ARISE.  I lift my hands to believe again.  You are my refuge, You are my strength.  As I pour out my heart, these things I remember.  You are faithful, God, forever."

LET FAITH ARISE.  He can be trusted.  Lazarus was brought to life, Mary and Martha's faith was strengthened and many Jews put their faith in Him (v.45), God was glorified!!

"Let faith arise, He is faithful!!!"

Sharon Mitchell