Lord, if only...

Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." JOHN 11:17-22

Lazarus had been dead for four days. Since Bethany was only a few miles from Jerusalem, many came to console the family, including Mary and Martha. While it was customary to mourn by sitting, Martha rushed out to meet Jesus when she heard he was approaching. To paraphrase Martha, she cries out to Jesus, "Lord, if only you had been here, the outcome would be so much better."

Martha's words to Jesus are much like our prayers. We want to go back in time, make things right, and undo our mistakes, whether by making healthier changes, choosing a different career, or marrying someone else.

Dear Church, Jesus reminded his disciples that Lararus' illness was for the glory of God.

"This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." JOHN 11:4b

Let us remember that God redeems our mistakes and failures. Instead of "Lord, if only" prayers, let us pray and ask how we can glorify God in our situation.