Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe." ...
John 11:14-15
Many of us have children and we experienced those wonderful moments when they come running to us with something in their hands and proudly show it to us. Even when it is the weirdest thing in the world, we light up with joy because we are pleased with their desire see our approval and acceptance. Those are special moments which we treasure.
The Bible tells us that God is pleased with our faith. In fact it says plainly that without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to Him must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6) And again the Word of God tells us that our faith, though it is tested by fire, is much more precious to God than gold which perishes away. (1 Peter 1:7) Faith is the key to pleasing God. No one will be separated from God for doing something bad. People will be separated from God because they refuse to believe in Him.
God has always looked for people to trust and believe what He says. From Adam and Eve to the Book of Revelation is a book where God's plan of salvation is revealed in Jesus Christ. And God was constantly taking His people from faith to faith. (Romans 1:17) When Jesus was walking with His disciples, He was growing their faith in Him. Sometimes they were great believers and left everything and followed Him (Luke 5:1-11) At other times they were completely devoid of faith. (Luke 8:25) In the circumstance above, Jesus was deliberately taking them through circumstances that would cause their faith to grow--they would see Lazarus raised from the dead!
It is the same for us. God wants to grow our faith. He takes us on the journey of life with Him. As we learn to follow His voice, we will experience both hardships and blessings. It is in those circumstances that we will get to see the truth of His Word become evident and the power of His hand in His providence. Then we will run to Him with our little drawings of the faith of our hearts and hear His wonderful words of love and pleasure.
Blessings to you!
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