GOD ALWAYS HEAR WHEN YOU PRAY

 "... And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said it because of the crowd standing around, that they may believe that you sent me. " John 11: 41,42

Jesus deliberately delayed his arrival at the tomb of his friend. When Lazarus became sick, his sisters sent him a message, but he stayed where he was for two more days, saying to his disciples, "This sickness will not end in death" (John 11: 4), and then: "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him "(John 11:11). They did not understand what Jesus meant, then finally he told them: "Lazarus died" (John 11:14).

When Jesus arrived, Lazarus was buried for four days. Mary and Martha found it difficult not to express their disappointment with him. Jesus then said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth in me, though he die, yet shall he live "(John 11:25).

When it came to the tomb, Jesus asked to be opened. Removing the stone, He prayed, "Father, I thank you for having heard me." John 11:41 It seemed the end and not the beginning of a prayer. Jesus evidently been praying all the time.

It was certainly hard for Jesus not being with friends that tragic period. But he talked to God and waited for the right moment, that the Father may be glorified.

Jesus knew that the Father always heard. He knew days before Lazarus would be resurrected. How wonderful to be sure that God always hears us when we pray, trust fully that we are children of God and co-heirs with Christ! (Romans 8:17).

God wants us to remember that Jesus brings life, no matter how dead the circumstances seemed. We just need to pray and believe in your ability and your desire to respond.

Stormie Omartian "