Introduction
Sickness is a part of life that we all inevitably face—whether it's our own illness or the sickness of someone we love. In those moments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even hopeless. Yet, there’s a powerful reminder in John 11:3 that can guide us through these times.
In John 11:3, Mary and Martha send a message to Jesus about their brother, Lazarus, who is gravely ill. The message they send is simple but profound:
"So the sisters sent word to Jesus, 'Lord, the one you love is sick.'" (John 11:3, NIV)
This short phrase contains deep truths that can help us navigate our own struggles with sickness. In this post, we’ll reflect on the lessons we can learn from this verse and how we can trust God in times of illness, whether we are praying for a loved one or seeking healing for ourselves.
1. Appeal to God’s Love for Us
When Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus, they didn’t simply say, "Lazarus is sick." They called upon Jesus' love for their brother: “Lord, the one you love is sick.” This simple but powerful declaration speaks volumes about their relationship with Jesus. They trusted that Jesus, knowing His deep love for Lazarus, would respond with compassion and care.
When we face sickness or distress, we too can call upon God’s love for us. It’s not about convincing God to care for us—He already loves us deeply. In our moments of desperation, we can remind ourselves, and even God, that we are His beloved. We are His children, and He cares for us more than we can imagine.
In prayer, we can approach God like Mary and Martha did—not solely focusing on the illness but appealing to God’s heart of love. “Lord, the one You love is sick,” we can say. This reminds us that we are seen, known, and loved by the Creator of the universe.
2. Trust in God’s Timing and Sovereignty
While Jesus loved Lazarus, He did not immediately rush to his side. In fact, He stayed where He was for two more days after hearing the news of Lazarus' illness. This may seem puzzling to us, especially when we’re in the midst of pain or waiting for a miracle. Why wouldn’t Jesus act immediately to heal His friend?
The delay wasn’t because Jesus didn’t care—it was because He had a greater plan in mind. By waiting, He allowed the situation to unfold in such a way that when He did heal Lazarus, it would bring even greater glory to God. Jesus wanted those around Him to witness a miracle that would deepen their faith and understanding of His divine power.
In our own struggles, we may not understand why healing or deliverance doesn’t come right away. We may feel frustrated or confused by God's timing. However, just as Jesus had a purpose in waiting before healing Lazarus, we can trust that God has a purpose in every situation we face, even in sickness. His timing is perfect, and He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28). While we may not see the bigger picture, we can rest assured that God is in control.
3. Pray with Faith, Not Just Desperation
When Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus, their message wasn’t just a cry for help. They had faith in Jesus’ love and power. They believed that Jesus could heal Lazarus, even though they didn’t know exactly how He would respond.
In times of illness, it’s natural to feel desperate. But God calls us to pray with faith—faith in His ability to heal, His wisdom in timing, and His ultimate good purposes for our lives. We don’t pray simply out of desperation; we pray because we believe that God is faithful to His promises.
Prayer is not only about asking for healing but also about aligning our hearts with God's will. We can ask God for healing while trusting that He knows what is best for us. Sometimes, healing comes in ways we don’t expect, and sometimes God’s plan for us involves growth through our suffering. But no matter the outcome, God remains faithful, and our faith in Him is strengthened through the process.
4. Healing May Look Different Than We Expect
The story of Lazarus is one of the most profound demonstrations of God's power in the New Testament. But it’s important to note that the healing didn’t come in the way anyone expected. Jesus didn’t simply come and heal Lazarus from his illness; instead, He waited for Lazarus to die, only to raise him from the dead.
Sometimes, in our own lives, healing may not come in the form we imagine. We may pray for physical healing, and God may bring emotional or spiritual healing. We may ask for a miracle, and God may give us strength to endure. While we pray for specific outcomes, we must also be open to the ways God may answer that are beyond our understanding.
Conclusion
In times of sickness—whether for ourselves or our loved ones—we can find great comfort in the words of Mary and Martha: “Lord, the one You love is sick.” These words remind us of God's deep love for us and His faithfulness to answer our prayers according to His will.
When we face illness, we must:
Call upon God’s love, knowing that He cares deeply for us.
● Trust in His timing and sovereignty, understanding that His ways are higher than ours.
● Pray with faith, not just out of desperation, but with the confidence that God hears us and will respond in the best way.
● Be open to the different ways God brings healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.
● In every circumstance, God is present with us. He sees us in our pain, and He responds in love, whether He heals in the way we expect or in a way that brings even greater glory to His name.
Call to Action: Are you praying for someone who is sick or dealing with illness yourself? Take a moment to bring their name before God, saying, “Lord, the one You love is sick.” Trust that He hears your prayer and that His love for you and your loved ones is unshakable. May you find peace in His presence, knowing that He is with you every step of the way.
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