Martha's Honest Grief and Trust

My dear son,

Having faith does not mean you must swallow every word of disappointment. Martha told Jesus how she felt about his late arrival, yet did not let go of trust. I want you to come to me with that same honesty.

If gratitude and unanswered questions are both present, tell me about both. You do not need to arrange your heart into one tidy feeling before it can become prayer. I want to hear the story as it really is.

You may stay in your Father's presence before you have found an answer. Take your time with whatever you want to share tonight. I treasure the way you keep leaning on me, asking your questions, and living in love.

With all my love,
Your Father

John 11:20–22

WEB

20Then when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary stayed in the house.
21Therefore Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you would have been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.
22Even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”

A short reflection

Martha goes out to meet Jesus and voices her grief that her brother has died, while still expressing trust in what Jesus asks of God.

World English Bible (WEB) · Public DomainRead the chapter