Unhooked: Holy in a Hookup WorldSample

Day 7: Heartbreak

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He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. –Psalm 147:3

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In John 11, when Jesus arrived in Bethany four days after the death of Lazarus, Mary fell at His feet.

“Lord, if only You had been here, my brother would not have died,” she said as she wept.

Jesus wept, too. But Mary was right.

Jesus had the power to prevent her brother’s death, but He didn’t stop it. Although He knew it would break the hearts of Lazarus's sisters, He let it happen anyway.

In fact, “I’m glad I wasn’t there,” He said to the disciples as they traveled.

Remember, His own friend, Lazarus, was gone. Grief crushed his sisters. And Jesus was glad He didn’t arrive in time to intervene.

Why?

Because “now, you will really believe,” Jesus told the disciples—because of what Mary and Martha didn’t know yet: there was more to their story.

Their heartbreak would hurt badly. Recovering from it would take time, but enduring it would be made worthwhile by what they didn’t see coming: their brother’s resurrection.

After He wept, Jesus shouted in front of the tomb.

“Lazarus, come out!”

And Lazarus did. That miracle communicated God’s glory in a uniquely powerful way. But it required the death of Lazarus, which caused pain for Mary and Martha.

While they suffered, they wouldn’t have guessed that God would surprise them like this—that God actually had a plan that wouldn’t disappoint.

After their heartbreak, they couldn’t imagine an outcome more meaningful than the one they had wished for. But they got one.

And so will you.

Pray

Jesus, I trust in You—and in our Father’s plan. And I’m so grateful for it. While I don’t always understand why heartbreak happens, I trust You that someday it will all make sense. In the meantime, please heal my heart and hold me close. I love You.

Reflect

What has been your hardest heartbreak—a breakup, a rejection? What hurt most about it? What, if anything, still hurts?