The Barefoot Evangelist

Read John 11:1-45 with your family.

Mary and Martha sent for Jesus because their brother Lazarus was very sick. They knew Jesus could help. But Jesus didn’t come right away. By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had died. Both sisters said the same honest thing: “If you had been here, this wouldn’t have happened.” You can almost hear the hurt – and maybe even a bit of anger – in their words.

Sometimes we feel that way too. We ask God for something important, and the answer doesn’t come when we want it to. It can feel confusing, sad… or even make us angry. And that might feel wrong – but it isn’t. God already knows what’s in your heart. You don’t have to hide it.

Mary and Martha didn’t pretend everything was okay. They told Jesus exactly how they felt. And do you know what Jesus did? Jesus stayed with them. Jesus listened. Jesus cried with them. Jesus didn’t push them away for being upset.

So if you ever feel angry or hurt because God didn’t answer right away, you can still talk to God. God can handle your big feelings. And God will stay with you – even while you’re waiting.

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