If only…. then….
Ah Friends, those if onlys! If only this had or hadn’t happened then things would so different.
Sadly this world isn’t perfect, it’s full of the effects of sin and that makes life hard, very hard at times!
Martha and Mary knew this, their brother Lazarus was ill, they’d sent for their Friend, their Jesus, the miracle worker but He didn’t come straight away and now their brother is dead.
When Jesus finally comes after waiting two more days first dear Martha meets Him saying…
‘Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died….’
And then that previously busy, over burdened Martha has the faith to add…
‘But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.’
Martha then calls Mary and she goes to Jesus and says…
‘Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.’
Ah Friends, these women had learnt a sweet lesson. They’d learnt to pour out their hearts before God, to give Him their if onlys. They’d learnt to turn to Him for comfort and help.
How does Jesus respond? Does He reprove them for their if onlys?
No, He goes with them to the grave and He weeps with them!!
Friend have you an if only? If so then give it to the Lord just as these dear women did.
‘Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.’
Give it all to Jesus, give Him your if only, ‘Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.’
He knows, He sees, He understands, He cares and He’s with you in the fire!
Give it all to Jesus Friend…
‘And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’
God may not remove those hard things but He WILL give you the grace to go through them, leaning upon your Beloved Jesus!
.
John 11:1-44, Ps 62:8, Phil 4:6-7.
Encouraging Women to Seek and Abide... 