Lord, If You Had Been Here! (John 11:21)

I know best. This is what the world tells me. The Bible shows that I am in good company.

Mary and Martha were distraught over their brother Lazarus’ death. When they both saw Jesus, they insisted that He could have prevented this.

Now Martha said to Jesus, “ Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.
John 11:21 (ESV)

Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “ Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”
John 11:32 (ESV)

The irony of the sisters’ statements is Jesus could have prevented this. But this was not His plan. Instead, He had a plan that was far more beautiful. As He stood outside the tomb of Lazarus, He prayed to God, His Father.

I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.
John 11:42 (ESV)

In the next moment, a miracle occurred and Jesus brought Lazarus was brought back to life! The Bible tells us that many of the Jews then believed in Jesus.

I am always telling Jesus what He should do. He should have done this because I know that if He did it my way, things would work out for the best. Really? I am so full of pride and arrogance whenever I exert my will over God’s. How many times have I hindered God’s purposes in my life because I was insistent on doing things my way? How much more would God have blessed me if I was only obedient and trusted Him?

Lord, If You had been here! Lord Jesus is always here in my life. And He wants to bless me!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.