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By Mike Caton

John 11:32, When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

I wonder what thoughts were going through Mary’s mind as she said these words. Was she upset with Jesus, thinking that he should have come sooner? Was she asking for an explanation, knowing Jesus would have come if it had been possible? Was she expressing her faith in Jesus, I know you could have made a difference? I’m not really sure; if we could hear how she said it, that might give us some insight.

But notice that she fell at Jesus’ feet. That was an action of respect, of honor and even worship. It showed the submission that was there in that relationship. There is no need to think Mary was upset or even disappointed in Jesus. She is expressing her faith, her commitment that Jesus is powerful enough to have done something, but she also accepts that he didn’t. And Mary has no idea about what is about to happen. Her faith, her trust is simply in Jesus. And whether she understands it all or not, whether she likes the way it turned out or not, whether she thinks it was a good idea or not, that doesn’t matter. Because she is trusting in Jesus.

That is where we need to be in our lives as well. We simply need to trust in the plan that God has. Things happen to us and to others in this life; some of those things are good and some of those things are bad. And sometimes when those things happen, we cannot be sure which is which. We think this is a bad thing and it turns out to be a great blessing. The real key to all of this is to trust the Lord. To know that God is going to take care of all things and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose, Romans 8:28. We simply need to learn to trust the Lord.

Father, help me trust you completely. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works part time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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