Reflections on...John 11:4

For God's glory

Recently my cousin's grandson underwent a six-hour operation to replace a heart valve which he had outgrown. The young boy is five years old, and this is not his first operation. He has been a concern to his parents, his grandparents and his whole extended family since his birth, and a lot of praying has gone into his development. He has become a fine, intelligent boy, with a sensitive, caring nature.

The day before leaving for Toronto Sick Children's Hospital, Samuel told his grandfather: "I am going to have surgery, but I know that people are praying for me."

When we heard that he could already sit up on the day after surgery and that the monitor had already been removed, we could only praise God for answering our prayers. God's mercy and goodness are great.

No parent would choose to have a child with medical problems, especially from day one, but as God's power and grace in such a life become evident, much rejoicing happens and God's name is glorified.

This reminds me of the story in John 11. Jesus did not go to Lazarus and heal him when he was ill. Instead, He waited until Lazarus had died and had already been in the tomb for four days. Then, "for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it", Lazarus was raised from the dead.

Is it not often in the difficulties and hard things in life that God's love shines more brightly? It is good then to glorify His name and to praise Him.

This one is by Martha Janzen of Winnipeg, Man.

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