Friday: Did I Not Tell You That You Would See the Glory of God?

Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb.  It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it.  Jesus said, "Take away the stone."  Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days."  Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"  John 11:38-40

Questions to Ponder:  When have you waited for God to answer a prayer, or had God answer a prayer in an unexpected way?

As I write this I have a friend who is caring for his wife's recovery from surgical removal of a brain tumor with more procedures on the horizon.  I can only imagine what thoughts and prayers he is offering to God during this time.  The basis of our faith is the resurrection to eternal life but we are so concerned about the present time and our fear of what the future might bring. 

Yet, Jesus reminds Martha that the glory of God will be seen.  As Christians we have a hope in a future.  Our faith joins us with God in the present time and yet connects with that eternal promise so we won't give up.  We do pray for healing.  We do pray for comfort.  We do pray for strength.  And all the while we are calling on God, acknowledging that God is here and is listening. 

And all the while we are surrounded by the many believers who also share this faith.  Those in this present day and those who have gone before us.  Bearing with us.  Praying for us.  Helping us.  And I might even add, cheering for us, because of the greatness of God to fulfill all that God promises. 

Christ is with you Lauri, Keith, and Tyler.