The Key to Blessing in Trial

The Lord Jesus then speaks to His disciples, and at first glance His words might seem to be unrelated to the matter at hand—Lazarus's sickness. But what He says is a key to blessing in our lives, especially as we go through a trial. "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world." Who is the light of this world? We know that He told us Himself earlier in this book, "I am the light of the world" (ch. 8:12). We must keep our eyes on Him if we are to have a proper perspective on the situations of life. He is the only One who can properly illuminate every step of our lives and thereby guide us through the difficult circumstances so that we do not stumble.
He then tells the disciples plainly that Lazarus had died, but mingled with these sorrowful words are words of hope and comfort.
Upon learning the Lord's intention, Thomas says, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him." Every person's trials and circumstances of life are uniquely ordered by the Lord and perfectly suited to that individual person. He does not give my trials to you nor yours to me. And so we dare not think that we would do better or have it easier if we had the circumstances that He has, in perfect wisdom, given to someone else. Remember the promise in 1 Cor. 10:13—"God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." He does not promise to remove it immediately when we think we have had enough, but He can and does give grace to go through the trial for His glory.
When Jesus arrives at Bethany, Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days and many Jews have come to comfort Martha and Mary. Martha, hearing that Jesus is in the vicinity, runs to meet Him. Relatives and friends can be a tremendous help and comfort in time of trouble and stress, but who can fully sympathize with us like our Lord Jesus Christ? The One who says, "This thing is from Me," is the One who wants to comfort us at such a time, even when no other help is in sight.