...For the glory of God...

As I read in John 11 the other morning, I was struck by Jesus' attitude and perspective. The story is about Lazarus' illness - his sisters went to Jesus, telling Him their brother was sick, probably with hopes Jesus would heal their brother (if you haven't read the story, I encourage you to!). For me, an eternal perspective and powerful message came across:

"But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it."

 ... For the glory of God...

This phrase resounded in my heart. Sometimes, things happen that we don't understand or like, they may cause pain and heartache - but may it be for the glory of God...

HE has reasons deeper than we can ever see. Mary and Martha experienced the pain of loosing their brother to death. The heartache, the grieving, the sadness - and it was all so that Jesus could display HIS power by and for the glory of God...

It is important to remember, the Lord hears our cries for help.

"In my distress I called upon the Lord;

to my God I cried for help.

From his temple he heard my voice,

and my cry to him reached his ears." - Psalm 18:6

In the Lazarus' story, Jesus heard the requests of the sisters and  responded to the request in HIS time and ultimately for the glory of God...
 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths." - Proverbs 3: 5-6

... because our Savior always has the best plan and greatest desire for us. And it is in that, though hard to do at times, we should find peace and rest.

A friend recently shared this song with me - it is so great, and it has been my prayer in recent days:

"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders 
Let me walk upon the waters 
Wherever You would call me 
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander 
And my faith will be made stronger 
In the presence of my Savior"