TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
… he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe.” John 11:14-15
Listen: John 11
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus. But when he got word Lazarus was sick, Jesus delayed going to them. It’s the response we all dread. We have a crisis. We ask for help. But God doesn’t seem to respond.
As the story unfolds, we learn that Jesus has a plan. He is going to respond above and beyond anything those involved could ask or think. Everyone is going to learn something that will draw them further toward Jesus and deeper in faith. Jesus tells Martha and Mary, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (John 11:25). Jesus begins the lesson on resurrection by raising Lazarus from the dead. He completes the lesson when he is raised from the dead a week later.
God is always working in, through and around our suffering for a greater purpose. Our challenge is to believe God is at work in ways we may not understand to increase and deepen our faith.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Maybe you have recently suffered or are suffering now. Tell your heavenly Father today, “I’m hurting. I wanted you to take care of this the way I asked. Thank you for having a greater plan than I can think of—or imagine. Help me to trust you and see the good you are doing in my life.” If you’d like to talk to someone about turning over your suffering to God, send us an email at btw@adabible.org.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
