It was a rainy day—soggy and cold. I had made plans to attend a wedding with a friend, so I stood in the entryway of the church waiting for him. Clusters of guests arrived and I smiled and nodded as they passed by, thinking the whole time, Where is he? My friend never showed up.

Martha must have felt a deep sense of disappointment as she waited for Jesus to come and heal her brother Lazarus. Although some letdowns, like my missing wedding guest, are minor, others—like Martha’s—can threaten the core of our faith.

When Jesus received word about Lazarus’ illness, he waited 2 days before heading to Bethany. Even so, Martha didn’t let disappointment steal her trust in God. Martha was understandably heartbroken when Jesus didn’t show up to save Lazarus. Still, when she heard that Jesus was coming, “she went out to meet Him” (John 11:20). Like Martha, we can run to our Savior when we feel down and disillusioned.

We can also follow Martha’s lead when it comes to expressing our disappointment. When Martha spoke to Jesus, she didn’t hold back. “Lord,” she said, “if only You had been here, my brother would not have died” (v.21).

In the same breath, Martha continued, “Even now, I know that God will give You whatever you ask” (v.22). Even now, when I don’t understand. Even now, in my grief. Even now, when I’m hurting. The words “even now” opened the door for Jesus’ miracle and revealed her faith in Him.

Have you been waiting for God to arrive and take care of your heart concerns? Do you feel like you’re standing alone in the doorway of a church? Don’t allow the discomfort of disappointment to snuff out the fire of your faith. Instead, tell Jesus you believe in Him—even now.