...the old man is snoring.

Good afternoon! How are you this fine and rainy day? I hope you've enjoyed some time cozied up inside. I have!

Lately I've been thinking about the Bible story of Jesus and Lazarus' death. Do you remember it? Lazarus is really sick and his sisters send word to their friend, Jesus, to come quickly and heal him. But Jesus takes his time getting there and by the time he arrives, Lazarus is dead and buried. The sisters take Jesus to the tomb and everyone is standing there, sobbing and mourning. And then there comes that famous verse: "Jesus wept." Not cried or had some tears, but he was weeping. Then, Jesus goes to the tomb and calls Lazarus out. And Lazarus obeys...he is raised from the dead.

What really strikes me about Jesus weeping in front of the tomb is that he knew that in just minutes Lazarus we would be alive! It was His plan all along...to show His glory by bringing Lazarus back to life. So even though he knew the sadness of all those people was temporary and that they'd be throwing a party later that day, Jesus still wept. He still cared for them. Their pain mattered to Him.

I believe it's the same now. God knows that our pain and hardships on earth are short-lived. He knows that there is a plan that's way better than we could ever imagine! He sees everything and He knows that one day He will make it more than okay! But, even so, God still cares about your pain. I think that if Jesus were back on earth right now, He would still weep with us when our friends die. The Bible says He is close to the brokenhearted. What a wonderful and gracious God we have!

The God of the Universe, who put the stars in place and has power over death, cares about your pain and loves you. Think on that today, friends!