When we go through challenging times, it is natural to have questions for God. We want to know why He allows the difficulties we face. We want to know where He is in the middle of our pain. But, as we ask these questions, we are really asking God, "Do you care?" We want to know that God cares that we are hurting and in pain. Scripture answers this question for us. God cares. He feels our pain with us and walks with us each step of the way. One of the most beautiful examples of this is in John 11.
In our Bible study yesterday, we saw Martha tell Jesus in John 11, "If only you had been here, my brother would not have died" (verse 21). Today, let's look at Mary, her sister's response. She says the exact same thing to Jesus. She fell to her knees and said, "If only you had been here, my brother would not have died" (verse 32). But, this time, we see a different side of Jesus. You see, because this time, He did not have eloquent words. Instead, He wept. He did not just get teary-eyed or cry a little bit. He wept. Can you imagine the moment? Jesus, the Son of God, wept at His friends' pain and grief. He wept, fully knowing the final plan that He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. Yet, at that moment, He saw His friends' pain and wept openly. My friend, Jesus is with us in our pain. He even feels our pain.
What is the difficulty you are facing? Maybe you have recently received the phone call that no one wants to answer. Maybe you just received the test results that no one wants to hear. Perhaps you have recently found yourself in the waiting room at the hospital, helplessly waiting and praying for your loved one. Maybe you are struggling with a broken relationship, wondering why everything seems to be falling apart around you. Maybe you are struggling with anxiety and feel like you can't find a way out. Let me assure you that God is with you. He is with you in your pain and feels it with you.
My friend, when you face your trials and hardships, you must know that you are not alone. God is with you, feeling your pain and sadness. He cares deeply for you, and He will never leave your side. Spend time being reminded of this truth by listening to the song I am not Alone by Kari Jobe. As you listen, be encouraged that God is always with you in your pain.
"Then she returned to Mary. She called Mary aside from the mourners and told her, "The Teacher is here and wants to see you." 29 So Mary immediately went to him.
30 Jesus had stayed outside the village, at the place where Martha met him. 31 When the people who were at the house consoling Mary saw her leave so hastily, they assumed she was going to Lazarus's grave to weep. So they followed her there. 32 When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died."
33 When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. 34 "Where have you put him?" he asked them.
They told him, "Lord, come and see." 35 Then Jesus wept. 36 The people who were standing nearby said, "See how much he loved him!" 37 But some said, "This man healed a blind man. Couldn't he have kept Lazarus from dying?"
