My family is going through some circumstances that have caused a lot of “ifs” in our lives. Life has forced us to change employment, housing, and place of worship. It is not a very comfortable place to be. Maybe you can relate to such changes. Perhaps you have been or are in similar circumstances. At times like these our thoughts are taken up with the “If” game.
What if I make the wrong decision?
What if things don’t turn out the way I want them to?
What if I can’t handle this?
If only I had done such and such.
If only I made a different decision.
If only I had more money, time, etc.
Jesus understands. Those two words can give such comfort. I was reminded of the understanding of Jesus when I read in John 11 the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.
Martha and Mary were depending on one big “if” – if only Jesus would get to their house in time to save Lazarus from dying. However, Jesus did not arrive in time. Martha expressed her grief; “Lord,…if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
But Jesus understood more than Martha’s grief. He understood why it was best. He understood what He was going to do. Jesus answered Martha with His own “if”. “Did not I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”
The problems of life dim in the light of the glory of God. Would you rather see Lazarus healed from a sickness or Lazarus raised from the dead? Which one would allow you to see the glory of God?
Jesus answers our “ifs” with His “if”. If we believe in Him we will see the glory of God. We can trust that He understands, knows, and does what it best. Let’s replace our “if” with His. I want to see the glory of God! Don’t you?
-Linda McCarthy
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