11142026 Jesus Wept

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of our caring and compassionate Savior.

We all know the favorite verse for Scripture memory contests! The conveniently brief John 11:35 simply states “Jesus wept.” Verse 36 goes on to state, “Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!”

The story about the death of Lazarus provides a comforting realization about our Savior. Jesus was sensitive to the pain of others. The two sisters, Mary and Martha, had hoped Jesus would arrive in time to heal their brother. Instead, Lazarus had been buried four days before Jesus’ arrival. The sisters were apparently dependent on Lazarus for their livelihood, but they also had great emotional pain at the death of their beloved brother. In their pain they expressed their dismay that Jesus had not come in time to heal their brother.

Jesus was completely in control of the situation, and He was in control of Himself as the situation progressed. Jesus knew what would happen. He was not upset when He had informed His disciples about Lazarus’ death. In fact, He had spoken positively of the greater purposes to be accomplished through the situation.

Jesus’ emotional display came only after He observed the pain of His friends. The passage states twice that He was deeply moved in His spirit and also reveals that He was troubled (vs. 33 & 38). The reason for these responses is clearly stated as being a response to Mary’s tears (v. 33). It was then that Jesus wept. His heart responded to the grief and pain of His friends.

Christ’s compassionate and sympathetic response was the result of love. The narration informs us of His love for the three friends (v. 5), the sisters were aware of it (v. 3), and the Jews present were also impressed with His great love (v. 36). Jesus’ love caused Him to cry as He observed the sorrow of His friends.

Yes, we have a Savior who cares when we hurt. He is moved when we cry in sorrow. Even though He is in control of every situation and knows how He will use it for His good purposes, He still responds tenderly to our pain. We are never alone in our sorrow. We are never unnoticed in our pain. Not a tear falls that Jesus does not see. When we are hurting, the heart of Jesus shares our pain, and He responds in compassion and love.

If you have any pain or sorrow, may you be comforted and encouraged in the knowledge that God sees and deeply cares. He is touched by your grief, and He will respond to it, all the while using it for His good purposes.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

11082026 He Holds You

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the One who holds you.

“My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me” (Psalm 63:8).

There are a lot of uncomfortable things about life and ministry. The most uncomfortable of them do not have to do with outward circumstances or practical challenges. Instead, the greatest discomfort lies within the inner man – the heart, the emotions, and the mind. It is uncomfortable to have questions without answers. It is uncomfortable to have expectations without fulfillment. It is uncomfortable to feel isolated and without communication or fellowship. All of these and many more can create an inner discomfort that you long to assuage.

You need something solid, something firm, something certain, something supportive to help you through these struggles. All of those answers can be found in God. You need Him desperately, and the good news is that He will never let you down. When your soul is sinking and on the edge of drowning, it must cling to God. The phrase “followeth hard” means to cling or adhere. When everything else is swirling and uncertain, and when nothing else gives you a firm place to put your feet, you can cling to God. In the midst of the raging storm, He is the only thing that stands stable and firm.

Cling to Him as tightly as you possibly can. Don’t let go or weaken your grasp for a second. In such a precarious position, and knowing your human weakness, it is important to realize who is holding on tighter. God is also holding on to you. His hand is holding you up. If you no longer have any strength to cling, God’s sure and mighty hand can hold on to you. He can hold you so that you do not sink or drown.

May you have an unquenchable thirst and a desperate dependence on God. And when you feel too weak to cling, may you feel His unfailing hand holding you up.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA