Tag: prayer

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous

Finding Grace #166

I love giving God a shout out for what He has done. We don’t do that nearly enough!

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?

This week I saw God’s grace all around me. Work went well but was not very busy. But that gave me the opportunity to catch up on other tasks besides patient care. I’m grateful for God’s provision and my job, despite getting a couple of ‘warning tickets’ for parking in the wrong spot! Thankfully, that means I’ll get a parking pass after two years of asking for one. I’m choosing to be happy about the privilege of ‘getting’ to walk a lot further. 😉

I was able to hang out with and help several friends this week. I watched some neighbor kids, gave a friend a ride after her car broke down, and let another friend come over to do laundry. I also hosted my ladies Bible study and had such a sweet, funny time of sharing. It is refreshing to use the resources God has given me to serve others!

Today, Lydia and I stayed home and did several activities together. We played Connect Four and Hello Kitty Bingo. We had a tickle fest, read books, listened to the rain, and watched a couple of shows. I even supervised Lydia taking a shower on her own for the first time. She was so pleased and had fun. I am proud of the little lady she is becoming!

I received several answers to prayers this week for myself and others. I’m grateful for God’s perfect timing. He always directs our path and blesses us. He is so good!

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Prayer, Wisdom

Insult and Injury

Have you ever felt like just when something got good, it all went bad?

Have you ever felt like just when God started moving, Satan came to steal it all away?

Our enemy wants nothing more to do than to get us off God’s path. He stirs up trouble using fear and uncertainty to make us second-guess what is going on. He lies to us and does anything he can to derail us. In the chaos, he steals, kills, and destroys. 

But don’t throw away what is good, all you have worked for and what remains. There is so much at stake, far beyond what we can see. If we don’t seek God’s Truth and perspective, we risk losing it all. Yet nothing is impossible with God. There is always hope!

He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).

Just about everything in life has the potential to turn sour. A job, a relationship, a home, a vehicle, your health, your plans, or your finances… It’s even worse when these things are all connected. It can feel like the enemy is winning.

Clearly, having healthy boundaries and making wise decisions is important. We have to take responsibility for our choices. We have ‘free will’ to make decisions, but we are not free from the consequences. Occasionally, the circumstances are out of our hands.

For many of us, the temptation is to live by our emotions—to worry about what went wrong or to blame someone else. We want the pain to go away, so we tend to either run away or retaliate. Don’t give in.

In some cases, we choose to move on and hope something better comes along. Yet avoidance can be confusing and depressing if we don’t deal with the problem in healthy ways. It can fester and often becomes worse.

When someone doesn’t meet our expectations, we take offense and want to get even. When we don’t get what we wanted or thought we needed or deserved, we understandably grow mad. Yet, we can choose to offer the grace of forgiveness.

Dear Friend, I don’t know what happened, but I know it hurts. Whatever went wrong, I wish I could take away your pain. I know it may feel unfair, but please don’t give up. Forgiveness is just as important for you as it is for the other person (or people). You can never grow past this if you do not release it and learn from it.

Life is full of challenges. When we get passed over for a promotion, we focus on our failures. When we take a financial hit, we try to figure out how to make ends meet. When our health is affected, we wish things were different. The more we think about the injustices, the more power they have over us. Still, we can choose to think differently.

Many times, we did everything right. What happened as a result is not our fault. But even if we do have legitimate reasons to be upset, we weren’t meant to live under the duress of insult and injury. We were made for freedom!

Our emotions are volatile. There are days when our feelings can change every five minutes! Take some space if needed, but don’t rush a decision. Wait it out.

Imagine what could happen if you stay still and don’t overreact. Your situation might be different than expected, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be turned around for good. Especially if God is in it.

Perhaps you’re going through something that is testing everything you thought was sure. The pain and sorrow are more than you can bear. It’s going to take a lot of patience and effort, but you are not in this alone—bring it to Jesus and let Him handle it. He sees the big picture; our victory is in Him alone!

By faith, do what you can to make things right and leave the rest with Jesus. He knows all about unfairness and can help you work through it. He provides for you, loves you dearly, and always has your best in mind. Forever faithful, He will make a way where there seems to be no way. Trust Him!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for Your constant love and grace. Help us to make wise decisions in the midst of trials. Give us peace and help us trust You more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What if all you’ve been going through will be used to strengthen you and even help someone else? Would that change your perspective and help you endure it? Would that change how you are dealing with it?

Tasks: When trials come, we want to take matters in our own hands, but don’t do anything you’ll regret. Life is short; don’t spend your days in anger or bitterness. Find a trusted friend and/or seek wise counsel. Take it to Jesus and let Him fight for you. God’s got this!

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Fruit, Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Perfectionism, Wisdom, Worship

Peace Be Still

John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

He said this after he had already healed the lame, blind and sick; fed the 5,000 people (not including women and children); calmed the storm; and raised the dead. He had a pretty good record, but as I wrote last week, His disciples still did not believe.

I’m grateful for the peace Jesus gives. For me, it often means a sense of quiet and calm. Externally, peace can include having growing, healthy relationships and no schedule conflicts. Peace can mean “free” time and flexibility without rushing. For me, living in peace often comes at a slower pace. But that may look different for you!

Internally, I find peace means freedom from fear, anxiety, or worry. I can reject the idea that I have to make quick decisions or be someone I am not. I don’t have to please or impress anyone. Thank God, Jesus set me free!

When everything in my little world is tranquil, though, it can become unsettling if I fail to see it from God’s perspective. Sometimes, I take pride in what I have achieved…and other times, I am waiting for the next storm or catastrophe. But with Jesus’ peace, I can expect good things because He is good and He is with me and for me.

We weren’t meant to live in turmoil. Even in the midst of chaos, holy peace is the sense that everything will be okay because Jesus will make all things right someday.

This begs the question—how does the world give peace?

The world cannot give peace, because real peace comes from Jesus alone. Only Jesus can be our refuge and defense. To refocus on Him, sometimes it can be helpful to pause and unplug from the news, social media, or even extra activities.

As amazing as this world can be, all we see is only temporary. We were meant for more!

Without Jesus, whatever we seem to gain is at risk. If we put all our hope in what the world offers, we will only end up with empty promises. Any sense of peace we do have won’t last. Yet everything we have in Jesus is safe and secure.

Jesus’ peace comes with His presence. In fact, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit, our Advocate, in the verse preceding this one. He never leaves us on the path alone. Sometimes, He clears a peaceful path and sometimes, He enables us to walk it as it comes.

Growing in the fruit of peace is a sign of God moving in our lives.

Jesus’ peace brings new purpose, despite any pain or hardships we may endure. He brings real progress, but never expects perfection. Our fulfillment comes from Him alone.

In addition to His peace, Jesus also protects us and provides for us. His promises are sure and His love is strong. As such, we can rest in His mercy, grace, and forgiveness.

I’m grateful we don’t have to perform or earn this free gift of peace. The world often expects something in return and leaves us disappointed. But only Jesus gives to us freely… Praise God!

Don’t go another minute without true peace. Trust Jesus and rest in His love!

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God, thanks for the free gift of salvation which brings us peace. Thanks for righting our wrongs and forgiving us. Help us extend grace and peace to others as we point them to you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: What does God’s peace mean to you?

Task: Prayerfully listen to this song, “Peace Be Still.”

Posted on in Miscellaneous, Parenting, Wisdom

Bath Bomb Bonanza

On a recent Saturday, I was working on my laptop. I was focused on a big project and didn’t want to be interrupted. There was a deadline involved, and I was crunched for time.

I asked Lydia to read a book or find something quiet to do. Instead, she asked me if we could do a science project, using a kit she received for Christmas. She wanted to make bath bombs. It was more than I wanted to do, and I tried to redirect her.

Maybe she could color or read or do a puzzle…

A few minutes later, I heard Lydia rummaging around in the kitchen. She was only about ten feet away from me, and I sat with my back to her.

As I heard a cookie tray clanging in the cupboard, I walked over to check on her. In the past, I’ve let Lydia use a tray to contain everything from LEGO projects, marbles, beads, and more. But that day, Miss Independent had started making her own bath bombs!

In my best mom voice I said, “Lydia, I didn’t tell you that you could make bath bombs!”

With no delay in her response, Lydia replied, “Well, you didn’t tell me I couldn’t!”

True… but I thought it had been implied.

Nonetheless, Lydia was actually doing a good job reading the directions and putting the ingredients together. She had made a small mess but was trying her best to be clean.

So, in this one case, I let her continue.

On the one hand, I admire how Lydia jumps in to try new things. However, that day, I explained that I was not pleased she took matters in her own hands. I reinforced my role and set up some consequences.

As I coached her, it made me think of the times I do that too. I often ask God for help or for something specific, but how often do I then try to complete it on my own?

Sure, when it all falls apart, I’ll ask for help cleaning it up. But Jesus is not my fix-it guy.

Lydia loves to prove herself to me. As soon as she learns a skill, she thinks she is good-to-go in that area. She doesn’t realize there are different levels of learning before mastery.

She feels confident with any art project, especially if it uses paint, markers, scissors, tape, and/or glue. 🙂 She likes making simple meals. She also likes to “surprise” me by cleaning… sometimes without asking and usually on her own terms.

Lydia is not a defiant child. Generally, she tries to be helpful. A couple days ago, she even tried to take a bath all on her own and got upset when I said I was going to supervise. Safety first!

I’m grateful for a child who is so willing and able to do things on her own. But as a parent, I can see that we can accomplish so much more together when Lydia asks for help and listens. We can have more fun if she waits for me and follows my leading.

I’m also glad God’s love for me does not depend on my own merit. Thankfully, He loves me despite my messes and mistakes! Still, His boundaries are there for my protection.

This bath bomb experience was a good reminder for both of us!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for the lessons You teach me through parenting. Give me grace and wisdom each day. Give me strength to be both firm and loving. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Have you done any fun science experiments lately? Have you tried to do life on your own terms? How did that work out?

Tasks: Check in with Jesus before starting your next big project. Invite Him to be involved. See what His plans are first… He only wants the best for you!

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Prayer, Worship

Finding Grace #158

I love giving God a shout out for what He has done. We don’t do that nearly enough!

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?

This was another exciting week! On Sunday, I backed into a snow bank, but on Monday evening, I prayed and God helped me remove the dent from my fender! I appreciated the input of my friends, too. They advised that I heat up the area with a hair dryer, which worked really well! Thank You, Jesus!

Work went well this week. I enjoyed being shadowed by some dietetic interns. It is fun to see their excitement for our field and to teach them about various diseases and conditions. I appreciate being able to influence these students and give back.

This week, we were due for yet another winter storm (aka ‘bomb cyclone’). Our evening activities were canceled and so was school on Thursday. We did get some rain (ice) and snow, but thankfully not as much as predicted. Other areas around us did get hit, however, so it was better to be safe than sorry. We enjoyed another relaxing day at home.

Yesterday, Lydia had a planned day off of school. I took her to my tax appointment, and then we had the whole day to ourselves! We had fun reading at the bookstore, eating at Chick-Fil-A, and going to the dollar store. Later we ran some other errands and did some spring cleaning at home! It was a productive day!

Today, Lydia and I went with a friend to see ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ in Moorhead. We really enjoyed it! The singing and dancing were original yet reminiscent of the first movie. I am glad we saw it in the theater!

It has finally started to be warm enough to start melting. We had about 63 days of below freezing temperatures, so even 33-degrees (F) feels sublime! I’m looking forward to the Spring thaw, but also praying we don’t have a severe flood. Slow and steady wins the race…

I’m grateful for how God always directs our path and blesses us. He is so good!

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Crashing Into Grace

Over the weekend, we got several inches of snow. I spent much of Sunday clearing my driveway so we could get out that afternoon.

Later, as we pulled out of the, my all-wheel-drive Subaru got stuck in the heavy snow. (That doesn’t happen often, but the snow plow had not been through yet.)

I could have made it through but decided to back up instead and turn around. Well, I ended up hitting a big snow bank with a good amount of force and put a dent in my fender! Grrr…

I was pretty disappointed because I try to take good care of my car so it will last.

So, on Monday, I tried to pop out the dent on my own, but it was near my exhaust pipe and kind of awkward. I couldn’t get enough leverage or oomph.

Monday night, I posted online to ask for help (or recommendations) on social media. Two friends commented that I should heat up the area with a hairdryer to make it pliable. Genius idea!

When I put Lydia to bed, we prayed for wisdom to fix the dent. After that, I heated up the area as suggested. I was ready to try anything!

At first, the heat didn’t make much difference. So after a while, I put the hairdryer on a 5-gallon bucket to give my hands a break. Meanwhile, I found a variety of tools/objects to help me pop the fender back into shape.

I prayerfully tried a lead pipe (too long), a hammer (too risky), a bottle emptied of its fluid (not quite strong enough), and a few other items. Nope.

After an hour or so, I was really frustrated. I prayed again, saying, “Jesus, this is not a huge issue in light of everything else. But I’d really like to fix this and I can’t do it on my own. So You’re going to have to help me.”

The Lord loves to help us and show Himself strong on our behalf.

So once again, I let Him.

Then, the idea came to me to try one more time from underneath with my hands only (no tools). I had tried it earlier but only by kneeling and trying to push/pull it from the outside.

So, finally, I crawled under the car again and just pushed with my fingers.
Suddenly, everything very gently moved into place, like the easiest thing ever.

This all required a fair amount of faith and ‘elbow grease’ but I am grateful it is fixed. If you look close, there might be a slight mark or tiny indentation left, but I’m calling it a sweet Victory in Jesus’ Name!

I was so excited and posted a praise report (similar to this) online.

Several people commented on how God loves to help us with the little things. Yes!

To me, the dent proved just one more way that the Lord works for my good and His glory (see Romans 8:28). Praise God!

As my Aunt Deb mentioned online, “Faith moves mountains and car bumpers.”

I hope this example shows that God can help you do mighty things, too! No problem is too small or too unimportant for Him. Put your faith in Jesus… He loves you so much!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for Your help with my car! You do all things well. Thanks for the sweet reminder of Your love and grace. Help me trust You for greater things as well. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you have a recent praise report? How did God show up?

Tasks: Listen to this song called “Nothing is Impossible!” Don’t wait to pray until a “collision” occurs in your life. Ask God to help right away!

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Miscellaneous, Parenting

Finding Grace #157

I love giving God a shout out for what He has done. We don’t do that nearly enough!

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?

This was a banner week in many exciting ways! God answered a prayer that I first mentioned five years ago. I met Huldah Buntain, a missionary to Calcutta, at church; it was a dream come true for me!

My mom sent Lydia the original Mary Poppins movie (on DVD), and it arrived this week. It is one of my mom’s favorites and I’m grateful she wanted to share it with Lydia. We watched it on Tuesday after school, and Lydia loved it! Soon we will watch Mary Poppins Returns, but I wanted Lydia to see the original first so she would understand the context. Thanks, Mom!! 

Lydia also received her new fitness device this week. It works well and has already out-performed the old, faulty one. She walked 10,000 steps two days in a row! I’m grateful we finally got a satisfactory resolution.

Yesterday, I had my three month (post-Lasik) eye checkup. My eyes look like they should and my vision is good. I still have some healing to do, but that is normal and to be expected. I’m grateful I took step of faith and underwent surgery in December!

Today, we have had another winter storm. But that gave us a good opportunity to stay in and relax. Lydia and I played games, read books, researched black holes, exercised, and watched videos. Tonight, at bedtime we were snuggling, and she said, “Mom, I wish we could stay like this forever!” It melted my heart. So sweet. 🙂

Finally, I set my clocks one hour forward for Daylight Savings Time! I always miss that hour of sleep, but I am glad for the upcoming spring and summer! Woohoo!

I’m grateful for how God always directs our path and blesses us. He is so good!

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Prayer

Meeting a Missionary

On Sunday, God answered a sweet prayer for me. I was able to meet a woman who has been a missionary to Calcutta, India, since 1954! It was such an honor.

Our church is a supporter of Calcutta Mercy Ministries, the organization Huldah Buntain, and her husband, Mark, started. This ministry feeds, educates, and medically assists the poor. They have multiple housing programs, schools, and medical centers that help people in five states around Calcutta.

Despite the modernization of Calcutta, Huldah mentioned that 87% of the population still lives in the slums. The people who receive care are shunned because they are lower caste. Without help, these people living in poverty will never get ahead. But with Jesus, they have a hope and future.

Mark Buntain died unexpectedly in the 1980s, yet Huldah stayed in India when it would have been easier to return home. As a widow, she kept carrying on, and God has blessed her ministry abundantly in the years since.

Through many years in Calcutta, Huldah became friends with Mother Teresa. To some degree, they served their community together.

Mother Teresa always said their work came down to the love of Christ. Without His love, their work was in vain. At the end of her life, Mother Teresa reminded Huldah:

Do All Things Unto Christ.

Back in the spring of 2014, the first anniversary of Dave’s death drew near. At the time, I didn’t really have a plan. I was trusting God but didn’t know what else to do.

Huldah Buntain came around that time to speak to our congregation.

Her message inspired me to let God direct my path and trust Him for greater things. It was just the encouragement I needed.

Huldah’s courage and perseverance also strengthened my own resolve to stay put and let God work through my circumstances. I’m so glad I did and have grown so much.

About a year ago, Huldah was supposed to come back to Fargo. I prayed, asking God if I could somehow meet her. However, the weather caused delays and the airports were shut down. I was a little disappointed but it was for the best.

I knew God had heard my request and left it with Him. No worries.

Huldah returned to our church on Sunday to share another message. Then, to my great surprise, it was announced that she would be in the church lobby after the service. I figured there would be a line to meet her, so I casually walked that direction with a friend, hoping to meet her before it was too late.

Turns out, I was one of the first people in line. Woohoo!

It was a dream come true to meet Huldah. Five years had passed since I first prayed about meeting her. If it had happened sooner, I might not have been able to appreciate the magnitude of God’s faithfulness!

With tears in my eyes, I finally got to say ‘thank you’ for the example Huldah has set for me. She was so gracious and encouraging.

She is now in her 9th decade of life and has dedicated around 65 years of ministry to the people of Calcutta. Yet she appears to still have a lot of energy to serve…

The joy of the Lord is her strength.

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God, thanks for answering my prayers in unexpected ways. You are so faithful. Continue Your work and draw the people in and around Calcutta to You. As their physical needs are met, let them meet Jesus, the Giver of all good things. In His Name, Amen.

Questions: Have you ever met someone you really admire? Who is the most inspirational or iconic person you have met?

Task: Check out Calcutta Mercy’s online store. Huldah’s books cost $15 a piece. If you order one, that will feed a child for two weeks! Two books will provide food for a month! 🙂

Posted on in Being Gracious, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom

Holy Help

For most of February, I’ve been in contact with customer support at one of my favorite fitness companies. Unfortunately, I had several issues that were not easily resolved!

Previously, I received a special voucher for a new fitness tracking device…

I have had one for several years, with minimal problems, so I thought I would get one for Lydia. She loved the idea and we discussed how it could be a fun tool for her.

Note: Lydia does not have access to any of the technology—I am the one logging in for her and seeing the information, so it doesn’t become a problem or obsession for her.

Technically, Lydia may be a little young for her own device, but they do have one model available for her age group. I had planned to give her a fitness tracker for her next birthday, but this opportunity came a little earlier. We decided to try it out.

First, I asked about getting the children’s device, but it was not included in the voucher requirements. I called both companies to see if they could agree to add the device I wanted… and was on hold for at least an hour altogether. Nope.

Eventually, I decided to get Lydia the adult device. It is essentially the same as the children’s version, but with a few more ‘bells and whistles.’

To my surprise, the device has not worked well for Lydia. It doesn’t track data correctly and does not charge or sync correctly. So disappointing.

Over the last few weeks, I have called customer service 5 times about the device, trying to make it work. I have been on the phone for at least three hours total.

I have emailed three times asking questions and replying. At least they’ve been polite…

I could focus on the problem and remain frustrated. I could feel sorry for myself, or I could throw a fit and make threats.

But thankfully, with Jesus, our problems don’t stand a chance! He has the final authority and has already done the difficult work. It is finished.

When we have needs, we can come to Him at any time. Most of the time, life isn’t easy or fair, but Jesus is available day and night. He takes our burdens and eases our pain.

Jesus leads by example, excelling in both service and support. He has our back and keeps us on track. He doesn’t leave us to fend for ourselves, but through His Word and the Holy Spirit, He teaches us how we should live.

Sometimes I have to wait for the resolution, but the Lord always hears me and answers my prayers. True, my prayers may not be answered quite how I want—but He wisely gives me exactly what I need.

The Lord’s love is not something we have to earn. I don’t have to beg or bargain with Him. It is freely given. The Lord is gracious and does not give me junk!

Jesus always comes through for me and gives me what is BEST.

Sometimes I can prolong my struggles if I am not obedient, but Jesus never changes the rules halfway through. He doesn’t make it difficult or make me jump through hoops.

He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Finally, after a month of my patience levels being tested, I finally succeeded in ordering a replacement (yesterday). I am trusting God that this one will work correctly!

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Father God, thanks for all You do for me. Thanks for faithfully leading me to Victory. Please continue to refine me and build patience. Help me be kind to others, even when I am frustrated. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Do you have any tips for getting through customer service with minimal frustration?

Task: Listen to “More Like Falling in Love” by Jason Gray.

Posted on in Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Prayer, Wisdom

Regarding Lazarus

Last year I began scribing the Gospel of John with several friends. A handful of people have finished but I’m about halfway through. I recently completed John Chapter 11 word-for-word.

I stayed in Chapter 11 through the holidays. You could say I “sat” with Lazarus for about two weeks because I could relate…

Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha, were close friends of Jesus. They lived in Bethany, about two miles outside Jerusalem. Somehow, I had previously missed that small detail—Bethany was nearby.

Jesus received word that Lazarus was sick, but surprisingly He didn’t go there right away. In fact, He postponed his arrival for two days. By then, Lazarus was dead.

Now I don’t know about you, but a two-mile walk would take me around thirty minutes or less. It might take me longer if I stopped to chat or run another errand. But I could easily make it in an hour.

So why did Jesus delay? He could have easily just spoken from a distance and Lazarus would have been healed. Jesus did not procrastinate but stayed where He was on purpose. He knew the Father’s plan and He knew the final outcome.

To gain some insight, I re-read the story several times.

At one point it hit me: I could understand how Martha and Mary must’ve felt when they questioned Jesus. Perhaps they felt some sense of betrayal, anger, or abandonment… He was only 2 miles away. I’m sure they felt desperation and the pain of unbearable grief. IF ONLY Jesus had shown up, when they thought He should, things would’ve been different.

My paraphrase: “Lord, if you had been here, this would never have happened!!” We so easily question God with our limited understanding, but His ways are not our ways.

When Dave was sick, there were so many times when it felt like God wasn’t listening or wasn’t working on our behalf. Often, we prayed about a test or symptom only to have the opposite happen. It was very frustrating!

I know God never leaves us nor forsakes us, and He certainly did not betray me. But my feelings sometimes got the best of me…

Yet, because Jesus stayed put and didn’t rush, He was then able to explain that He is the Resurrection and the Life. He was able to do one final miracle, which pointed to His own death and resurrection. He was able to increase His followers’ faith. He was able to bring His Father glory. He was able to give us hope 2000+ years later as well.

A short while later, in John 12, Jesus once again hangs out with his friends, Mary, Martha, and the resurrected Lazarus. I bet they all rehashed what they had been through together.

I wonder what Lazarus thought about all of this. I’m sure he and his sisters were grateful to be able to understand God’s love for them in a more personal way.

Time for a quick disclaimer: Our Heavenly Father wants what is good for us and is eager that we should be whole and healthy. And while I do believe we should seek God’s healing, healing should not be our primary goal (in and of itself).

Healing is certainly wonderful, but it’s not the end-all be-all. (Hey, Lazarus died twice!)

To be clear, sickness is not from God, and it is important to take care of our bodies in whatever way we can. For example, healthy food, exercise, adequate sleep, stress reduction, medicine, prayer, and counseling are all good. Absolutely!

For some people, healing happens in an instant, but for others, it takes time. Unfortunately, when healing doesn’t come on our terms or in our timing, some people are lead to believe they don’t have enough faith. They can even feel ashamed of being unwell.

Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Judging someone else’s faith or experience is unfair and unkind... not to mention inaccurate. Let’s be careful not add to someone’s suffering or burden them with ‘if only’ scenarios. Instead, let’s offer grace and support.

Some of the godliest and most faith-filled people I know live with chronic pain or health issues. I admire them and learn so much from them! They’re tough!

Anyway, no matter what happens, whether God heals us on our terms or not, our sole focus should be on Jesus. How can He use us for His glory?

Just remember: God can use us in whatever condition we are... dead or alive!! 🙂

Jesus wept when He saw Lazarus’ tomb. It brought Jesus great sadness, and He told His disciples He was glad for their sake that He was not there when Lazarus died. But if He had “only” healed Lazarus, we ALL would have missed so much.

Lazarus was dead four days before being resurrected, which proves nothing is impossible for Jesus! If you need healing or another form of help, Jesus is able and willing! Trust Him!

Dave and I prayed for healing, yes. And though it came differently than expected, God was (and has been) ever-faithful. Dave received FULL healing when he went to Heaven. Thankfully, God has been healing my heart as well.

I am grateful that Jesus isn’t bound by my timeline (what I think He should do and when). I don’t have all the answers, but I do know God excels at bringing dead things to life. He resurrects and restores!

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Heavenly Father, You are so faithful. Thanks taking such good care of us. Help us trust You when we do not understand. In You, We have Victory! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: What is your ‘Lazarus?’ What do you need God to resurrect or restore?

Tasks: Listen to “Still Rolling Stones,” by Lauren Daigle. Check out the Journibles here!