Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days."
Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" John11:39-40
Lazarus had died four days before Jesus came to their home. It was too late to save him. He had died and by now there would be a stench. That is what it looked like to all who were present. When Jesus told Martha to take away the stone her reply was to explain why this couldn't possibly be the answer to their heartache.
I see myself so clearly in this story. How often have I questioned God when He has told me to do something, explaining to Him why His way couldn't possibly be the answer to my situation? What must He do to convince me His Word is right and what He tells me to do I can trust, even when I don't understand.
He tells me to bless those who persecute me. Romans 12:14
He tells me to commit my works to Him, and He will establish my thoughts. Proverbs 16:3
He tells me to cast all my burdens on Him and He will sustain me. Psalm 55:22
He tells me to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let my requests be made known to Him; and His peace which surpasses all understanding will guard my heart and mind through Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7
How often have I treated these promises as suggestions? Could it be I doubt His Word?
He tells me to bless those who persecute me; I resent them.
He tells me to commit my works to Him and let Him establish my thoughts; I try to figure life out on my own.
He tells me to cast my burdens on Him; I carry them around with me, allowing them to weigh heavy on my heart.
He tells me to be anxious for nothing; I worry.
His promises for my obedience are endless, providing what I long for; peace, direction, hope, and a calm in my soul. Could this be what He meant when He said, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10
Have I allowed the enemy of my soul to steal, kill, and destroy what Jesus died on the cross to give me? When my response to His leading is to explain to Him why His ways couldn't possibly be the answer, am I missing out on the abundant life He has for me?
Martha rolled away the stone and as Jesus promised, they saw the glory of God as Lazarus was raised from the dead.
In our lives we have choices. We can choose to do as Jesus tells us to do and live the abundant life of peace and hope regardless of our circumstances, or explain to Him why His way couldn't possibly be the answer and do things our way.
"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." May that be our chose.
Lord Jesus,
Thank you for the abundant life you offer so freely. May I be willing to trust and not doubt, and walk in Your ways. Help me hear Your voice saying, "This is the way walk in it," and follow You always.
In Your precious name I pray,
Amen
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