If Only…

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There was a time when after our first child that my wife and I had numerous miscarriages. We didn’t understand why this was happening. I was hurt. I was angry. I was sad for my wife. I was confused.

We prayed time and time again for this to stop happening. Doctor’s didn’t have answers. We didn’t understand why this was happening to us.

Why God…If only God…

Has God ever let you down? Has God ever disappointed you? Have you thought that maybe your life and things would be different if only…?

If only you saved my marriage…

If only you healed my child…

If only you didn’t let me get fired…

If only you didn’t allow the abuse to happen…

If only…

I knew God could do something about it, that’s what was makes it frustrating. There are countless stories of Jesus’ healings: blind man,  lame to walk and one time He spoke a word and someone was healed. He didn’t have to show up.

In John 11:3, Mary and her sister Martha sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one You love is sick.”

They didn’t even mention Lazarus by name…just stated the one You love.  So I’d have to assume, much like many of you that Jesus would stop what he was doing and rush to his side.  Right?

When we get word of a family or close friend is ill, we typically stop what we are doing and get to them as quick as possible…right? Not the case with Jesus this time. In John 11:6, Jesus stayed where he was for 2 more days THEN he left.

When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him. Mary stayed at home. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if only you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.” John 11: 20-21.

Two sisters and two reactions…Martha went to Jesus asking If only and Mary didn’t come out to greet Jesus.

You may be in situation or have gone through something that has effected you greatly. How did you react…how are reacting to it even today? We don’t understand why bad things happen to good people. But here is one thing for sure…Martha went to Jesus. Jesus was there…things didn’t turn out by her timing or by her desired outcome. Nevertheless, she still went to Jesus because He is there.

Martha said, “But I know that even now, God will give you whatever you ask.” John 11:22.  In the middle of her asking why and if only, she still knows that God is powerful and able to do all things.  It may not be through a way that we understand, but God has a purpose and plan.

We may be so close to what is going on that we can’t see or understand His plan, but we have to know and stay faithful even if things are going the way we want them to.

To finish the story, Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave.  He told Martha “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” John 11: 40

Don’t hang on to the “If Only…” God is here.  We may not understand…and that’s ok…sometimes all we need is a new perspective to see beyond the chaos and hurt.