Former Blackout Artist

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
– John 11:40

How often we stand where Martha stood. Surrounded by difficult situations and circumstances, we are so stubborn to trust the wisdom of our Lord’s ways, aren’t we?

The stone set before her brother’s tomb – the situation seemed hopeless. Nothing could be done.

If only you had been here, Lord.
He’s been in there four days and the odor of death has overtaken him.

Martha, Martha.. you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one:

Belief.

Notice that Jesus doesn’t promise us that we shall always understand His ways. He doesn’t say that we will see the glory of God before we believe.

“Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

There are at least a dozen instances recorded in the Gospels where Jesus explicitly calls for, commends, tests, or highlights faith immediately before or in connection with a miracle. The reason why Jesus didn’t heal many people from His hometown? They had no faith.

J.C. Ryle once observed that faith is not the cause of Christ’s power, but it is the hand that receives His mercy. Again and again, Jesus draws attention to faith—not because faith is powerful in itself, but because it lays hold of a powerful Savior.

Today’s question for us is this:

How many times do we miss some of God’s richest blessings because our eyes have remained on the stone instead of Christ?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive my unbelief. When I see only obstacles, help me to trust Your word. Teach me to believe before I see, and to rest in Your power when all seems impossible. May my life display the glory of God through steadfast faith in You. Amen.