Our Pain and His Glory

John 11:4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

Isaiah 55:8 reminds us that God's ways and thoughts are not our ways and thoughts. It is often this conflict in ways and thinking that oftentimes leaves us baffled and feeling as if God does not care or does not love us anymore. The enemy knows how to use our circumstances to make us think and believe that God has forsaken us when we are experiencing our greatest pain. Yet, how we feel during those moments often completely contradicts the truth found in the pages of God's Word. In this instance, God's greatest glory would come out of Lazarus' family's pain. However, note that their pain only lasted for a moment. What we do not often think about is that although Jesus raised Lazurus from the dead, one day in the future, Lazarus would experience physical death one more time. In spite of that, let us stop and consider what Mary's and Martha's faith would be like, knowing that Jesus had already demonstrated His power over death. They already believed that they would be resurrected in the last days, but this one act would not only glorify God, but also help them to stand in the strength of their faith, knowing that regardless of how dire the circumstances; in the end, there will be life eternal with their Messiah. Today, we may suffer great pain and suffer circumstances that seem unbearable, but if we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the end for us is only the beginning. Our life here is short, like a vapor, in comparison to eternity with Jesus. Be encouraged in the fact that our suffering is only for a short time, and if God allows it, His ultimate goal will always be His glory; even if we do not see it. Our pain will always work out for good and for the glory of God.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).