I wonder have you ever felt like Mary once did? Mary felt so awful that she did not even want to bring her problem to God! What was the use; she believed there could be no possible relief for her troubles. From this true story about Mary I hope each of us will learn, like she did eventually, not to turn away from God because troubles come to us.
After Lazarus had died "many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him, but Mary stayed at home." (John 11:19-20) Mary's depression, because of her sadness, must have made her lose interest in Jesus and God. Have you ever felt like that?
Later Martha returned "and called her sister Mary aside. 'The Teacher is here,' she said, 'and is asking for you.' When Mary heard this, she quickly went to Him." Jesus was interested in her need!
"When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw Him, she fell at His feet and said, 'Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died."' (verses 28-32.) Mary had doubts in her mind, and it seems she was saying, "Why? God, why did You not prevent this tragedy?"
Jesus was deeply moved and troubled by the sadness all around Him and by the great distress Mary had brought upon herself by her doubts. "'Where have you laid him?' He asked.
'Come and see, Lord,' they replied. Jesus wept." (verses 32-35.)
The people around Him said, "Could not He who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?" (verse 37.) How sad it was for Jesus that they so doubted the power and love of God!
When things don't go according to our plans it is very easy for you and me to think that God hasn't the love and power to do what is best! But God has said, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9.) God knows, and does, what is best for those who trust in Him. (Romans 8:28-39.)
As Jesus approached the tomb Martha's concern was that "by this time there is a bad odour, for he has been there four days". Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" (verses 39-40.)
You see, no matter how bad or awful your situation might be it cannot take God by surprise, or be too difficult for Him to turn around for His glory if you will only trust Him. (Luke 1:34-38. Jeremiah 32:17-19.)
Soon Mary would have a very different question on her mind. Instead of wondering "Why? God, why?" she would be asking herself "Why? Mary, why didn't you just trust Jesus and believe His ways were best!"
Have YOU learned to trust Jesus and bring all your problems to Him? You must start by bringing all your sins to Him - He alone can take away your sin (John 1:29. Acts 4:12.) so that you then become His child - a person in His special care. (Romans 8:9-18. Psalm 95:6-7.)
Read about Mary and Martha's limited faith in the love and power of Jesus, in John chapter 11, verses 28-40.
John Nixon, Cork, Ireland. P31HD98. Contact: jnixonj@gmail.com
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