Where have you been turning to with the difficulties you are facing? Have you turned to other people, like friends or family members? Have you turned to social media? Have you turned to your power, trying to solve whatever difficulty you face? We all have different things we turn to in our pain, but the reality is these things will never satisfy us or truly help us face the hardships in life. Today, in our Bible study, we will see that Christ is the only One we can turn to during our hard times that will truly satisfy us.
Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were close friends with Jesus. John 11 tells us about a time Lazarus was very sick. He was so sick that Mary and Martha sent for Jesus. They told Jesus, "Lord, you're your friend is very sick" (verse 4). These two women had great faith. They knew Jesus well and had undoubtedly seen miracles he had performed. He had healed many people who were sick. They knew that Jesus could. They sent Him this message because they knew, without a doubt, that Jesus could heal their friend. This belief caused them to turn to Him, the only person with the power to heal. They had seen His power first-hand.
Do you find yourself confused in the storm you are currently facing, wondering why you are having to face the hardships you are currently facing? Where are you turning? Are you turning to a person or thing to help ease your pain? My friend, look to God. Come to Him with your burdens and concerns. He is the only One capable of bringing comfort, peace, and healing.
In the trial you are facing, you may be tempted to turn to another person or thing to help you face your pain. Let me encourage you to turn first to God. Take time to read your Bible, journal, and pray before turning anywhere else during your trial. And remember, He is the One who controls the very waves that may feel like they are crashing over you today. You can trust Him.
"A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. 2 This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord's feet and wiped them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick. 3 So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, "Lord, your dear friend is very sick."
4 But when Jesus heard about it he said, "Lazarus's sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this." 5 So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, 6 he stayed where he was for the next two days. 7 Finally, he said to his disciples, "Let's go back to Judea."
8 But his disciples objected. "Rabbi," they said, "only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you. Are you going there again?"
9 Jesus replied, "There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. 10 But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light."
