In today's GB News Daily Reflection, we remember the story of Jesus and the death of Lazarus, which reveals that God may still be working through grief towards deeper faith, hope and new life beyond what people can presently see.
"When Jesus hears that Lazarus is ill in the Gospel of John, chapter 11, he does not rush immediately to Bethany. By the time he arrives, Lazarus has died.
"To those around him, the delay must have felt confusing, even painful. Sometimes life unfolds in ways we do not understand.
"Jesus says,: ' am glad for your sakes that I was not there to the intent that you may believe.'
"These are striking words. They suggest that even in sorrow, something larger may be at work, a deeper revelation, a stronger faith.
"As the prophet Isaiah reminds us, my thoughts are not your thoughts. Neither are your ways, my ways. The rise of Lazarus from the dead does not deny the reality of grief.
"Out of that grief comes a powerful sign of life. The story suggests that difficult chapters are not always the final word.
"Even in loss, there may be a purpose not yet visible to us. Lent often brings us face to face with suffering, our own and that of the world.
"The story of Lazarus does not offer easy answers, but it does offer hope that God's workcontinues even when we cannot see it, and that new life may be closer than we think.
"So we can trust beyond what we see. Let us pray.God of life and resurrection. When we do not understand your ways, grant us patience and trust in times of sorrow.
"Hold us steady and lead us towards eternal hope. In Jesus name we pray. Amen."
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