Louise called Basic Gospel wanting to know why God had not healed her of her physical ailments. I could hear the pain, disappointment and discouragement in her voice. She felt her prayers to God were going unanswered.

Her story reminded me of how Martha and Mary responded to Jesus concerning the death of their brother Lazarus. They too were disappointed with Jesus and felt that he had ignored their plea to heal Lazarus.

They had sent urgent word to Jesus to come heal their brother. Lazarus was growing worse by the minute and time was running out for a miraculous healing. To their dismay, Jesus didn't come right away. And the longer he stayed away, the more their hope vanished. When Lazarus died, any remaining hope was wiped away. They never dreamed that Jesus could bring Lazarus out of the grave. That was an impossibility in their minds.

Jesus proved them wrong. You see, God doesn't want better people. He wants new people - people who are fully alive in him. When Jesus did show up he shared this truth: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

Hope isn't tied to the here and now. Yes, Jesus can heal us physically, or better our earthly circumstances. But if that's all you think Jesus can do, you are missing out on the real hope that can anchor you through the trials of life. This life-changing hope is tied to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For my friend Louise, this hope made a difference.