Faith Triumphs Over Doubt

“Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” John 11:32.

Mary had been firmly convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. She had listened to the stories from his disciples about the miracles that had been happening. She had braved the complaining from her sister and the traditions of her culture, to leave the kitchen and sit at Jesus’ feet. Listening to His teachings about the kingdom that were so different from what the scribes and Pharisees taught, she felt love and mercy and hope for the future.

When her brother, Lazarus, got sick she fully expected that Jesus would come, lay His hands on him, and heal him. But even though they sent a message, Jesus did not come. Lazarus died. Surely, Jesus would come now to comfort them in their sorrow. When He did not appear, doubt began to rise in Mary’s heart. Had she been completely wrong? Was Jesus who He really claimed to be?

When the news came that Jesus and His disciples were arriving, Martha went out to meet Him, but Mary stayed in the house. What was the use? Lazarus was dead and hope was gone. When summoned by Jesus, Mary went to Him, fell down at His feet and cried out in anguish, “Why, Lord, did you not come sooner so that my brother would still be alive.”

Jesus wept, and then He asked Mary to take Him to the tomb. We all know the end of the story how Jesus called out to Lazarus, and he came forth from the grave. How Mary must have rejoiced to have her faith in Jesus restored.

Jesus heals broken things, and He delivered Mary from doubt, and restored her faith. Not long after, we see her breaking the alabaster box, anointing Jesus in preparation for His burial. We see her weeping at the Crucifixion, but three days later rejoicing at the tomb. Jesus is alive.

Over the past two years, questions have been asked. Where is God in this situation? Why has he allowed this pandemic to cause such upheaval in our country? Why have so many been taken from us in death? The enemy would like to fill our hearts with doubt and fear. But God is still in control, He has a plan and a purpose, and we can trust Him to work all things for our good.

Prayer: Jesus, we know that the enemy would like to rob us of our faith, plant doubt and fear in our hearts, but we trust you and believe that you are in control.

Devotion by Anne Johnston