Day 3 | Do you believe it?

Command:

Read:

Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” John 11:21-27 (NASB)

Reflect:

There was so much commotion in the house. Mom was in labor. I was in the carport holding my Lola’s hand, bewildered and realizing Mom was in so much pain. Dad ushered Mom into the car. They drove off. I ran into their bedroom, knelt at their bedside, my five-year old self pleaded, “God, please don't let her die.” God heard me. Mom lived to one month shy of her eightieth birthday.

When I got the call from my brother about Mom being in cardiac arrest and on the way to the hospital, all I could do was plead, wail, and scream out, “Oh God. Please, please don't let her die. She can't die.” He didn't listen. Why didn't he listen? 

Days after Mom’s passing, reflecting on Martha’s interaction with Jesus, I couldn’t help but picture myself in her place. I was angry at God’s seeming neglect of my plea. I kept asking, “Where were you God? Why did she have to die?” Over and over, my heart so heavy with grief, I would ask these questions. Then one day, these words landed in my heart, “Mom will rise again.” Jesus met me in my grief with these words. 

Though I still mourn not being able to see Mom again, or to hear her voice, I hold on to Jesus’ promise of resurrection. His death and resurrection give me hope that she, too, will rise again.

React:

Where does your hope lie? Do you believe that in Jesus we will rise again?

Pray:

Jesus, thank you for eternal life in you. May this promise bring us hope, especially in times of grief.