John 11:41

It was beyond the point of hope. It was all over! There was already a funeral. Their hearts were already broken. Dreams were already shattered. Now the nights were long and the days unbearable, especially for Mary and Martha. The pain was indescribable, but Jesus came right outside the tomb and spoke words of life. The gospel writer, John, says they took Him to the place where the dead was laid (John 11:34). What happens next is indescribably phenomenal! Right there in the face of death with all its horrors, Jesus lifted his eyes and said “Father, I thank you that thou hast heard me” (John 11:41). Sometimes, we wait until we are facing the crisis to pray and petition, but it is obvious from Jesus’ own words and example that He had already prayed and secured victory. Now He was no longer supplicating and pleading, but was expressing praise, giving God the glory for what He was about to do. In His mind the victory was already won. The miracle was just about to be manifested and Jesus was so sure about it, that He publicly declared and proclaimed loudly “. . . Father, I thank thee . . .” (v41).

Could it be that He is saying to us that sometimes we need to change the manner and tone of our prayers. There comes a time or there should come a time after we have made supplications and intercession, that we go into praise and thanksgiving – thanking Him for having heard us and for always hearing us. After praying privately, expect God to work publicly! I think it would really bother us if our children or those in need would perpetually come to us with the same requests without ever acknowledging that they know we hear them and are pleased to be able to grant their requests. May the Savior help us today to learn the language of prayer from Him! There is so much faith, positivity and optimism introduced into an atmosphere that was so hauntingly gloomy, and abysmal. They were not having a good day but it the midst of it all, Jesus breaks out into thanksgiving. It is amazing how our actions and words can change the very atmosphere. He spoke the language of faith, which inevitably transitions into praise and thanksgiving!

Jesus lifted His eyes and focused in on the immeasurable power and presence of the One who transcends all time and space, declaring unhesitatingly, unashamedly and unwaveringly – Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me and hear me always!

Today, I am only simply suggesting that sometimes we need to look away from the situation, wipe our eyes just a bit and look up and declare, “Father, I thank thee.” It’s bad but we still thank you! It looks bleak but we know you are “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20). The miracle is about to be manifested! I just want to reassure somebody that even right now that your prayers are heard. God hears us always! Now is no time to go into panic and full-blown depression. The answer is on its way. God, the Almighty Creator and Redeemer is about to turn it around for you and resurrect some things and dreams that you thought were completely out of reach and impossible. “…Father, I thank you…”