Lord, If You Had Been Here... – John 11:32b
In the face of tragedy, it’s human nature to search for answers, explanations, and sometimes even a scapegoat. When bad things happen, we often question why God wasn’t there to prevent them. Devoted followers of Jesus, Martha and Mary, expressed similar sentiments when their brother Lazarus died, questioning, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:32b).
It’s understandable to feel anger, frustration, and even blame towards God when we experience hardship. We may ask ourselves, “How could God let this happen?” We may point fingers at God, believing that if he had been present, the tragedy could have been avoided. Families often experience similar dynamics when a loved one is absent during a crisis, as if their presence would have been a shield against misfortune.
However, it’s essential to remember that God is always present, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. His love for us is unconditional, and nothing we do or say can separate us from him. God is near the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18).
In the face of tragedy, we can find solace and hope in God’s presence. We can turn to him for comfort, strength, and guidance. We can trust that he will walk with us through the darkness and bring light into our lives.
When we feel tempted to blame God or the absence of God for our hardships, let us remember that he is always with us, even when we don’t understand. Trust in his love and eternal presence.
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