"Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” - John 11:41-42

Dear Jesus, I see here that you understand one of my biggest challenges; I doubt that you and the Father are listening when I cry out to you in prayer from my suffering. Sometimes, the silence from heaven is deafening to my faith. But when I read in the above verse that you stood outside of the grave of your friends, Lazarus, and said, “I knew that you always hear me.” that’s when I knew that you know how hard it is for us sinners who live in front of the curtain blocking us from heaven. You know how we feel so lost when we suffer and pray and the relief comes so slowly. I will cling to your words here because they assure me that you understand my doubts that your Father is listening to me. Even so, you still want me as your brother in heaven even though I am weak and troubled. Your love and understanding is my strength. AMEN

It is more powerful to be understood and loved by God than to be relieved by him.

Additional Readings: Psalm 50, Psalm 121, Isaiah 65:17-25, Luke 11:1-13