Does life seem to be spiraling out of control?

Don't worry, Jesus sees our circumstances

John 11:21-22 (GW) Martha told Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask him.”

Have you ever been in the middle of your circumstances and asked “Jesus I need you! Why aren’t you here?” It seems as if everything around you is spiraling out of control and you just want something miraculous to happen. Perhaps you wonder in these moments if God even cares. 

Have you been there? I know I sure have and so had Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus. In the 11^th chapter of John, the story is told of Lazarus’ death. When Lazarus fell ill his sisters sent word to Jesus for him to come. When Jesus received the message it didn’t shock him at all, in fact he stayed where he was for two more days. Jesus knew exactly what would happen to Lazarus.

I wonder what was going through the minds of Mary and Martha when Jesus didn’t come immediately. “We are his close personal friends, almost family, so why isn’t he dropping everything to come and heal Lazarus? Doesn't he care?”

When Jesus finally made into Bethany, the Bible tells us Lazarus had been dead and in the tomb for four days. Martha, after hearing Jesus was on his way, ran out to meet him. “Jesus, if you had only been here! Lazarus would still be alive!” She knew Jesus had the power to heal, she had witnessed the miracles herself. But Jesus hadn't made it in time. Her brother was dead.

Jesus knew his delay had a specific purpose, look how he responds. “Your brother will rise again.” (v23) Martha thought Jesus was talking about rising again on resurrection day. But Jesus continued “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will have life even if they die. And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” Jesus asks the question “Martha, do you believe this?”

Her response without hesitation, “Yes, Lord.” Martha's statement of faith is exactly what God is looking for from us. Complete and total trust.

The exchange between Martha and Jesus is comforting to me because Jesus knew what was happening. He had the situation in his sight, fully aware the entire time. He wept with them and then brought glory to the Father by bringing life out of death.

No matter how "out of control" our lives may seem, Jesus has our situation in full sight as well. He will meet all our needs according to his perfect schedule and purpose. He does bring healing out of pain and gives us life...eternal life for those who put their trust and faith in him.