Has God let me down? Perhaps it’s something you’re currently struggling with or have struggled with in the past. When life goes sideways, we sometimes wonder, “God, where were You?”
As the story of Lazarus’s death unfolds, you can feel the pain of his sisters, Mary and Martha, as they speak to Jesus after he arrives. John 11:21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”[1] A few minutes later, her sister also questions Jesus. John 11:32 When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” [2]
If Only You Had Been Here
Neither woman was questioning Jesus’ timing so much as acknowledging that, if He had been there, things would have turned out differently. Despite experiencing pain and sorrow, their faith remained strong and unwavering. John 11:22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” 23 Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.” [3] This story reminds us that even in tough times, God hasn’t abandoned us. It encourages us to stay hopeful and keep trusting in His love and guidance.
God Help me Understand
Sometimes, our plans can change unexpectedly, or our circumstances might not turn out as we hoped. There could be many reasons for this, and it’s completely normal to feel confused or disappointed. But what should we do when it seems like God has let us down and we begin to question His goodness or His love?
Remember, it’s okay to have these feelings, and you’re not alone. Many of us experience similar moments of doubt, which can be an opportunity to deepen our trust and understanding. Life is full of losses and disappointments as we walk our journey of faith. When things in my life aren’t going well, I sometimes wonder if God loves me or hears my prayers. However, the Bible clearly states otherwise. 1 Peter 5:7Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. [4]
God, Let Me Be Open to Your Plans
We often focus only on our own situation when we feel disappointed by God. That’s when we ask, “Has God let me down?” Remember, sometimes God allows our plans to change because He has something even better in store for us. Take Joseph, for example—he didn’t expect to spend time in prison, but that experience ultimately helped him save his country and family, as you can read in Genesis. When things don’t go according to our plan, it’s a gentle reminder to reflect on what truly matters to us. It makes us ask ourselves, “Am I more committed to God’s plans or my own?” Even if we don’t fully understand why God allows certain things, His plans are always part of something greater. At the heart of everything, God truly wants to transform our hearts and build a loving relationship with us through life’s trials and surprises. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/podpanel/episode/jesus-said-i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.