Scriptures: John 11:1-45, John 2:11, John 12:23, John 12:9, John 12:10-11

Christ-followers believe that life does not end with death. Because we have eternal life, it ends in the glory of God. Jesus' amazing statement, "I am the resurrection and the life", from the book of John, is confirmation that He is the source of eternal life. What's interesting is the circumstances under which He utters these words, just after the death of someone--Lazarus--that He could have healed. In fact, Jesus actually waited until Lazarus died before coming to see him. Those around Him were grieved and did not understand, but Jesus had a much bigger plan in mind. One that ultimately glorified God.

"When we’re sick what’s far more important than our healing is the glory of God. When we’re poor what’s far more important than money is the glory of God. When we’re unemployed what’s far more important than a job is the glory of God. When we’re bereaved what’s far more important than our comfort is the glory of God. There is nothing more important in this world or in your life than that God is glorified. Another reason why God often times waits and why we have to wait on God. It is so that we may believe, that we may exercise faith and that our faith might be exercised. I want you to remember this; God is in the faith growing business. God is more interested in growing your faith than He is in healing your sicknesses, solving your problems, or satisfying your desires. We don't understand that and see that and that's why we often respond the same way that Martha did." --Dr. Merritt

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