Hiding What God Cannot Heal

I was struck today by the interaction between Jesus and Martha recorded in the John 11.

Martha's brother Lazarus had died four days earlier. Jesus now arrives on the scene with a very good and wonderful plan. He's going to raise Lazarus from the dead.

First step?

Gotta get that stone away from the tomb entrance.

John 11:39
"Take away the stone," he said.
"But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days."

By Martha's reasoning, the stone is a help and not a hindrance. Why? Because Martha assumes that this is a problem too big for Jesus. Jesus can do wonders, but Lazarus is dead. Even Jesus can't fix that. That being the case, why remove the stone? What's the point?

But Jesus surprised Martha. And I am pondering where I ought to let him surprise me.

What stones do I have over problems and sorrows that I think are too big for Jesus?

Am I afraid of letting the stench of my hidden wounds see the light of day?

Jesus, I lay before you my hidden sorrows. Take away the stones that hide them. Bring to life that which was dead. Bring your fragrance and life to that in me which stinks unto death.

And, as with Larazus, let your healing power displayed in my life be testimony to the world that Jesus conquers all.

Even death.