There is a reason we say the phrase "growing pains." The truth is that growth is painful at times. But, despite the pain growth can bring, growth is vital. It is only when we grow that we can become stronger, not just physically but also spiritually. For this reason, sometimes God allows painful situations to take place in our lives to, most importantly, bring Him glory and draw us to Himself. When this happens, we become stronger and more rooted in our faith.
At the beginning of John 11, Jesus receives a message from His dear friends Mary and Martha that their brother, also a dear friend of Jesus, was very sick. When He received this news, Jesus 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" (verse 4). Jesus let those around Him know that Lazarus's story would not end in death. This was happening so God and Jesus would receive glory throughout this situation. If I had heard Jesus saying this, I would assume He would heal Lazarus. After all, Lazarus' healing would undoubtedly have brought glory to Jesus and God the Father. Because we have the benefit of knowing the entire story, we know that Jesus had something even more extraordinary in mind. He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. What an incredible story this would be! As amazing as the raising of Lazarus from the dead would be, it would not be without pain. It would be a painful, sorrowful situation for Lazarus' loved ones. It was, however, going to expound their faith tremendously.
Unlike Lazarus' story, we do not have the benefit of hindsight. When we walk through difficult times, we do not know the ending. We do, however, know God's character. We know that He is in control and that He will always use our difficult and devastating situations to point us to Him and help us grow. And, in the end, we know that because of an even greater resurrection than Lazarus's came: the resurrection of Jesus. Because of Jesus' resurrection, we can have hope in even the darkest times.
Take a few moments to think about the difficult time that you are facing. How have you seen God grow your faith during past difficult times? Write down at least three ways you have grown during hard times you faced in the past. How might God be growing your faith even now in the difficult time you are facing? After reflecting, pray. Thank God that He uses even the difficult times you face to strengthen your faith.
"Then he said, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up."
12 The disciples said, "Lord, if he is sleeping, he will soon get better!" 13 They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died.
14 So he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. 15 And for your sakes, I'm glad I wasn't there, for now you will really believe. Come, let's go see him."
16 Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let's go, too-and die with Jesus."
