God's Glory

                                                      

"Jesus responded, "Didn't I tell you that you would see God's glory if you believe?" John 11:40

 

In John chapter 11, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, which provides context for this passage. He instructs the people present to go into the tomb, unwrap Lazarus, and bring him out. Martha protests, expressing concern that Lazarus has been dead for three days and that there will likely be a foul odour. Verse 40 captures Jesus's response. As you may know, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, and they all lived happily ever after, right? 

 

Isn't that how we interpret this verse? Everything will be okay if we believe. If we pray the proper prayer with the right heart, God will answer our prayers just as we hope. When our prayers are answered, we will certainly give all the glory to God. The sickness will be healed, the marriage will be restored, and the job we desperately need will come through. 

 

Of course, not much in the Bible ends with a "happily ever after." Truthfully, much of life does not, either. Do we glorify God when our hopes and prayers don’t go our way?

 

Being drawn to this verse made me think about my journey with grief and loss. My daughter was diagnosed with cancer, and we prayed fervently, along with countless people, both at home and abroad, for her healing. Despite statistics showing a 5-year survival rate of only 30%, we believed Jessica could be one of those 30%. After all, God was hearing our cries. 

 

After nearly three months in the hospital, Jessica came home. Contrary to what doctors expected-- a steady progression of disease--she began to thrive. The chemo they called "palliative chemo" started to show positive results.

 

Throughout her treatment journey, she faced many challenges and discouragements. Now, it seemed God was preparing for the healing crescendo in this never-ending song. Finally, a scan revealed no progression of the disease and a decrease in tumour growth! We praised God. We gave Him the glory.

 

During those three months at home, Jessica embraced life. She went shopping, enjoyed lunch with friends, and organized her home. She truly lived life to the fullest. Her oncologist referred to her as her "Miracle Baby."

 

When her condition began to decline again, we prayed harder. We cried out in desperation, pleading for our girl to be healed. Her admission to the palliative ward, in some ways, felt like defeat.

 

After God spoke to me through John 11:40, I began to reflect and see how He was truly glorified, even during the darkest days. In the early stages, an oncologist, not even connected to her case, came into her hospital room to offer encouragement that no one else seemed able to. The x-ray technician, who developed a connection with Jessica, brought her a small bouquet at "just the right moment." 

 

We witnessed God's glory through the people praying and those who sent food, who offered to sit with us or lent an ear to listen when we needed it the most.

 

God's glorification and answer to prayer came during those three months that Jessica spent at home, living life to the fullest. Indeed, she experienced the healing we prayed for during that time, even when the medical professionals had not predicted it. Our precious time with her was indeed a gift from God, for which I will always be grateful.  

 

No, Jessica did not experience complete healing on this earth. In truth, none of us attains complete healing until we are in the presence of Jesus. Knowing that my daughter is with her Saviour, healed and whole, brings me comfort. I hold onto the hope and truth that I will see her again!

 

"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10

 

Although it may be difficult for you to find God glorified amid your grief and loss, He is holding you. He is patient and will give you the strength to take the next step. Focusing your eyes on our Comforter in all you do is a good place to begin your journey to truly see His glory. 

 

Reflection: In John 11:40, Jesus reminds us that if we believe, we will see the glory of God. When our prayers are answered as we hope, it’s easy to give God the glory. But when the outcome is different—when healing doesn’t come, when loss remains—how do we recognize and glorify God in our grief? How has God revealed His presence and faithfulness to you, even in the darkest moments?