When people hear about the things I have gone through, especially at such a young age, they applaud me for my strength. And not to sound self-absorbed, but I liked the recognition for my perseverance. But coming to Christ has humbled me immensely, realizing that I am only victorious through Him.

I want to take you into the book of John, chapter 11, where we learn about this guy named Lazarus. He was sick so his sisters, Mary and Martha send a message asking Jesus to heal him.

“When Jesus heard it, he said, ‘This sickness will not end in death but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.'”

John 11:4

Jesus stayed where He was for two days and then travelled to them, only to hear that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. When Mary saw Jesus she fell to His feet crying, saying that had He been there, Lazarus wouldn’t have died. Jesus knew what He would do. He knew Lazarus would be raised from the dead. But even though He knew that joy was coming, seeing Mary and Martha in such pain affected Him.

“Jesus wept.”

John 11:35

Why did Jesus wait two more days? We suffer in the waiting. We have to go through it to grow through it.

Of course He could have been there to prevent Lazarus’ death, but He didn’t even need to be there to raise him up. He could have done that from anywhere. But Jesus chose to meet Mary and Martha so that He could be with them, weep with them, and comfort them. He is present in our problems.

They got to the tomb and He told them to remove the stone. He shouted, “Lazarus, come out!”

“The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, ‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go.'”

John 11:44

Without affliction there is no aid. Without burden there is no benefit. Without hurting there is no healing. Without payment there is no profit. Without trial there is no testimony.

Am I not stronger for my hardships? Is God not glorified through my victories? Is the God that commands the seas not the same God who rescues you because you believe? He is! Had I not gone through the valley I would have no evidence of the existence of Christ. The product of painful losses is growth, which makes my victories even sweeter. I’m glad it happened.

Even when you feel like there is no hope for you. Even when you feel like you are too far gone. Even when you feel like there is no going back. The Resurrected King can, and will, resurrect you.