John 11:4 ¶ When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
If there were never any problems we wouldn’t need God’s intervention in our lives. What stood out so clearly in the life and ministry of Jesus? It was the signs wonders and miracles that set Him apart. God’s love for us and the greatness of His glory are clearly seen in the power of God in the ministry of Jesus Christ. If Jesus never performed miracles we would never have even heard of Him. Today’s verse comes after the death of His friend Lazarus. Jesus clearly says that his death happened to give an opportunity to show forth the glory of God. Actually, this miracle, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, was the last straw. From this day the leaders of Israel determined to kill Jesus. His miracles were just too persuasive. Here is how Matthew Henry describes this miracle.
“The afflictions of the saints are designed for the glory of God, that he may have opportunity of showing them favor; for the sweetest mercies, and the most effecting, are those which are occasioned by trouble. Let this reconcile us to the darkest dispensations of Providence, they are all for the glory of God, this sickness, this loss, or this disappointment, is so; and, if God be glorified, we ought to be satisfied. It was for the glory of God, for it was that the Son of God might be glorified thereby, as it gave him occasion to work that glorious miracle, the raising of him from the dead. As, before, the man was born blind that Christ might have the honor of curing him, so Lazarus must be sick and die, that Christ may be glorified as the Lord of life. Let this comfort those whom Christ loves under all their grievances that the design of them all is that the Son of God may be glorified thereby, his wisdom, power, and goodness, glorified in supporting and relieving them;”
What a turnabout, our greatest problems are just opportunities. They are opportunities for God’s glory to be displayed. What kind of struggle are you burdened with today? Sickness is just an opportunity for healing, poverty an opportunity for provision, and contention an opportunity for restoration. Don’t be dismayed, God’s glory is about to shine.