Circumstantial Evidence

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John 11:14-15
“Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe.” – NIV

Circumstances don’t get much worse than this. The loved one Mary and Martha had been praying for had died. Jesus was four days late and under fire from those who had come to expect miracles. Mary’s pointed words are sadly, and obviously, resentful: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (v32). There was nothing but defeat in the air.

How long will it take humanity to understand that circumstances don’t always tell the whole story? How often in the Gospels alone were appearances deceiving? Wind and waves threatened to capsize boats; thousands hungered; disease ravaged helpless victims and demons held hopeless captives. And, let us not forget, the Lord of Lords was executed by men.

In all of these situations, those who stared at the problems were met with nothing but despair. Those who stared at the Truth found hope. Better yet, they found a hope that was fulfilled.

Our human tendency is to feel trapped by visible situations. But, let us not forget that circumstantial evidence is not the truth of a matter, it is deceptive. God’s plan, when believed, is immovable.

Focus on Jesus. There is no deceit in Him. If you don’t believe, just ask Lazarus.