Do you believe?

John 11: 1 - 45

I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask...

Martha may have been a distracted disciple at one time (Luke 10: 38 - 42) but another side of her shows through in this story. She sincerely believes that Jesus could have prevented the death of her brother...but also that he can still do something, because God will surely answer his request. Actually, after reading about her distractedness, I suppose I had unconsciously 'labelled' Martha as someone not too spiritual who got easily worried and flustered. How easy to assume something about others just by one encounter with them. When I noticed Martha's great faith as demonstrated here by her answer, I was humbled. I guess we can never plumb the depths of another person's relationship with the Lord, unless they tell us. Just by noting the externals, we could make guesses but we could actually be quite off the mark and unfair to them.

I realize that in journeying with others, I need to remain open to what may be happening between them and the Spirit of God....in those who are earnestly seeking, God springs many surprises by his most gracious movements in their lives. There is always creativity and anticipation. He had been at work all along in Martha's life and perhaps that episode of distractedness helped her understand herself better, and allowed her faith to be purified and strengthened. In this situation we see a Martha whose faith led her to declare belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God..who was to come into the world. I can't think of any other report in the Gospels, except Peter, of someone who spoke such a clear recognition of who Jesus was. Martha was able to keep her focus on Jesus rather than allow herself to be distracted even in her grief for her brother who had just died. What a change in her. What a 'miracle' God can work in our lives if we would just allow him to.