In the hospital my father-in-law went into a coma; medical technology indicated no brain activity. My godly mother-in-law made the decision to disconnect the respirator and trust her husband to the hands of the Great Physician. Like many other families a difficult decision was faced. Each day is a matter of life and death — facing life and being prepared for death. Do we have the resources for it?

Mary, Martha and Lazarus, close friends of Jesus, experienced a life and death moment. Lazarus became very ill and his sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, behold, he whom you love is sick” (v.3). They probably thought that message was enough, and the loving relationship between them would bring an imme-diate response by Jesus. However, the crisis was an opportunity “for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified” (v.4). Both life and death must be surrendered to Jesus for His glory.

Trust Jesus in your life (vv. 1-22)

The message from Mary and Martha indicates their confidence in Jesus. This influential family had other sources available; they still turned to Jesus. Martha’s greeting, upon Jesus’ delayed coming, further demonstrates her trust. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you” (vv. 21-22). What is your source of confidence when the “even now” experiences of life come? Faith is not just “Forsaking All I Take Him”; faith is also “For All I Trust Him.”

Life brings us the grief of “various trials,” so that “the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:6-7). Our faithful trust in Jesus when life caves in brings glory to Christ and influences all those around us. Trust Jesus; trust His timing; trust His will.

The disciples questioned the wisdom of Jesus returning to Bethany, where “lately the Jews sought to stone” Him (v. 8). Jesus’ response (vv.9-10) instructs us on how to live each day. Seize the moment. Live in the light of God’s will. Walk by faith. Trust Jesus in your life.

Jesus once asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” He issued that query after telling a parable encouraging us always “to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1-8). Pray and trust Him to come. We feel, like Paul, the gradual decay of “our earthly tent” and “groan” with life’s burdens; nevertheless, “we are always confident… for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5: 1-7).