“This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”

— John 11:4

I know what it is like to lose a brother too young. He had cancer, and it seemed that surgery would help—but then a complication arose, and surgery did not go as planned. The day did not turn out as we expected. He was put on life support so that we could have some time with him. We gathered at the hospital with him and asked God to intervene. We prayed for healing and anything else that would change the outcome. It did not, and the doctor who brought things to a close that day was kind and compassionate. We too wondered, “What if Jesus had been there . . . ?”

A few months later we learned that the doctor who was with us that day had come to faith because of the interaction with our family. Jesus had been at work there in ways we had not imagined, and the glory given to God through this was evident. We had been able to share a hope beyond the walls of the hospital, trusting that eternity in Christ would be ours together, no matter what happened.

Martha believed with the same hope. Yet Jesus had another plan. With tears in his eyes, he asked where they had buried his friend Lazarus. When Lazarus came out of the tomb, I am sure that day wasn’t what the people there expected either. The glory given to God was real, and many came to faith in Jesus that day.

Where will God be glorified in your story today?

God, be glorified in our lives. Whatever we may be facing, we thank you for your compassion and love. Fill us with hope, in Jesus’ name. Amen.