There are times in the middle of a crisis when it is difficult to remember that Jesus values each and every one of us. Life is full of suffering, loss, and moments that crush our souls. So often we cry out to God, “If you had just been here.” We are dumbfounded when his answer is simply, “Do you believe?”
Jesus Values You
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
do i believe?
Those three little words can feel crushing and complex in the middle of tragedy. Suffering surrounds us and we feel adrift and alone. Where was God? It’s the same question that Martha asked. She called for him to come, knowing he could heal her brother, and he didn’t. She couldn’t understand and if we’re honest, in the middle of our own crushing suffering, we can also have a hard time understanding.
we weren’t asked to suffer alone
The story of Lazarus and his sisters is beautiful because we see that Jesus is not immune to suffering. He enters in and shares our sorrow. He wasn’t just sad for Mary and Martha. He was sad with them. Yes, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead—a powerful expression of Jesus’s power over death—but before that he came alongside Mary and Martha in their suffering.
John 11:35 says, “Jesus wept.” How powerful those two words are. Jesus loved Lazarus deeply as well as the sisters. We don’t understand why they had to endure the pain of Lazarus’s death in order for this lesson to be taught. Why did it have to be this family? Why did Jesus have to wait so long to make his point and pour out his grace?
Often our suffering has no answers on this side of eternity. We don’t get the big picture view. What we do get is a God who loves us and never leaves us. Jesus entered into their suffering. He saw them in their pain, and he wept. In the same way, he sees our pain and does not ask us to suffer alone. He stands with us, weeping, and offers us compassion and community in one another. Jesus sees all of us and values our lives, our struggles, and our suffering. It is all part of our story and part of who we are. None of it is outside of God’s grace.
do you believe this?
In John 11:26, Jesus asks Martha, “Do you believe this?” It is the same question he asks each of us. Do you believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life? Do you believe his grace is sufficient and his love is unconditional?
God sees you, values you, and loves you unconditionally. Rest in that.
Watch Session Six
Jesus Empowers
Daily Question
Do you believe this?
Comments (15)
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This was so good! During a time of deep grief and sorrow I was challenged with this very question. Yes, I still believe and in that there is healing and hope. There is assurance that all is not ultimately lost and I surrender once again, to His perfect plan because He is the great I AM.
Yes. I do.
This devotional was perfect for me today because of what my friends are experiencing right now. Their 14 year old autistic son has run away from the Boys Ranch were he has been for the past 2 1/2 months. Today is the 8th day he’s been missing. There are a lot of details I can’t go into but it’s been extremely heartbreaking and frustrating. I know the Lord sees right where Nathan is. That he loves him and his family. That somehow in all of this pain God will be glorified and will use it for his kingdom and that he’s with them in this pain. If you feel inclined to share the flyer, the family would appreciate it. Here’s the public facebook page for the search for Nathan. There are multiple copies of the flyer you can share from there. https://www.facebook.com/groups/963160300787442/
Here’s an interview of Carrie his mom to share as well if you feel led. https://wreg.com/news/texas-family-pleads-for-information-on-son-who-went-missing-from-mississippi-treatment-center/
The boy’s name is Nathan Covarrubias and his parents are Edgar and Carrie. Please pray.
Oh, how painful and heartbreaking and scary! Lord, I pray You direct the searchers’ eyes to Nathan. I ask that Nathan would be found TODAY, Lord. I pray for Your supernatural peace for Edgar and Carrie in the midst of this terrifying situation. May Your presence surround this entire family. In Jesus’ name.
NATHAN WAS FOUND SAFE, praise God!!!!! The Lord led a lady to check her property one more time, even though she had looked before and they found him. He was scratched up, bruised, covered in bug bites and dehydrated, but ALIVE after 9 1/2 days in the woods of Mississippi/Southern Tennessee! They air lifted him to a hospital in Memphis where he was reunited with his parents. Please continue to pray for his healing and theirs – his stay at the facility was traumatic and the reason he ran away. Praise God, for delivering and walking with Nathan through that wilderness. He survived on drinking creek water and eating berries. Thank you for your prayers!
Praise God. Autism is very difficult.
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Will pray ??
Yes I have a friend who is suffering for months after loosing her son. I’m praying she will realize GOD allowed this and she has assurance she will see him again. I tell her We must remember GOD is in control. He allowed this. This passage encouraged her for awhile. But she is back angry at GOD. I pray her faith won’t fail. ??❤️
““Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn “ ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”
Matthew 10:34-39 NIV
You know, I’ve found that often a Bible verse, even though it is true, is not always helpful in bringing comfort and strength to friends who are suffering. Romans 12:15 tells us to rejoice with those who are rejoicing and mourn with those who are mourning. It could be that what would help your friend the most in this situation – every mother’s worst nightmare, losing her child – is just your presence, Diane A, as her friend, weeping with her as Jesus wept with the sisters. Thank You, Lord, that You give us community, and friends such as Diane A., to share in our suffering, as You share in it.
Amen!
What a profound yet simple question. I do believe… God is good and faithful and the Great Provider and He will see to it that all my needs are met. AMEN!
Yes. Yes I believe this. Amen
Yes, but it hard on a daily basis as I suffer from so many diagnosises. I am miserable with pain and take so much pains. I get grouchy when I get so much pain. I live on my couch. I can read, pray, watch TV and go to the dr. I try to encourage people on social media and pray for them. This has gone on over 15 years. So much of our $$$ goes for health, ins, copay, medication, vitamins, herbs etc. We could give more, drive a newer car and go see our 6 kids who live all over. God has healed me many times but something else attacks. Rant over. Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.
Yes! I believe. Forgive me Lord because at times whilst in the midst of the storms, I stop believing or allow doubt. Thank you for loving me God.
Though at times what I see tries to challenge what I believe, I do believe he is the resurrection and life! I am resting in the fact that in him I will never die! Though I may physically experience death I will be alive in Christ.
Absolutely! Sometimes I do feel discouraged but in the end , God has showed up for me! The thought alone keeps me going and hold my faith. Sometimes I get impatient and want things done on my time.