SCRIPTURE: John 11: 20-27

20: Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
21: Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
22: But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
23: Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
24: Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day…
27: She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: GRIEF IS A NATURAL RESPONSE TO LOSS, BUT FAITH GIVES US STRENGTH

The death of Lazarus brought deep sorrow to Martha and Mary. When Jesus arrived, Martha went out to meet Him with both pain and faith in her heart. Her words reveal that grief and faith can exist together. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died” (v. 21). Her statement expressed disappointment, but she still believed that Jesus had power and that God would hear Him (v. 22). Jesus assured her that Lazarus would rise again. Martha understood the truth of resurrection at the last day, but Jesus revealed something greater: “I am the resurrection, and the life” (v. 25). Jesus Himself is the source of resurrection and eternal life. Jesus then asked Martha a personal question: “Believest thou this?” (v. 26). Faith is not merely knowing what the Bible teaches; it is trusting Christ even when circumstances appear hopeless.

Martha responded with a powerful confession: “I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God” (v. 27). Her grief did not destroy her faith. Instead, she brought her pain to Jesus and continued to trust Him.

When we experience grief, disappointment or unanswered questions, we can follow Martha’s example. We may not understand God’s timing, but we can still hold firmly to who Jesus is. Grief may bring tears, questions, and pain, but it does not have to destroy our faith. Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life; therefore, even in our darkest moments, we have hope in Him.

ASSIGNMENT
Take your deepest concern or grief to Jesus today.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, strengthen my faith in times of grief and sorrow.