LOVE THROUGH CONFLICT

 

LOVE THROUGH CONFLICT When Jesus had heard therefore that Lazarus was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was — John 11:6 At the beginning of this marvelous chapter we read that, “Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus,” as if to teach us that at the very heart and foundation of all God’s dealings with us, (however dark and mysterious they may be) we must dare to believe in the infinite and unchanging love of God. Love permits pain? The sisters never doubted that Jesus would speed to their side and keep their brother from death, but, “When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.” What a startling “therefore”! Jesus abstained from going, not because He did not love them, but because He did love them. His love alone kept Him from going at once to the dear and stricken home. Anything less than infinite love would have rushed instantly to the relief of those loved and troubled hearts. Who can estimate how much we owe to the problems that have come to us? Without them we should have little understanding of the virtues of the Christian life. Where were faith, without trial to test it; or patience, with nothing to bear; or experience, without tribulation to develop it? What are the most precious victories that you have won in life? It is there that we find the greatest testimony of God's grace in our lives. From Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles Cowman.