- What is the purpose behind your pain?
- In this story, a messenger comes to Jesus with the message that Jesus’ friend Lazarus was sick.
- The message is filled with expectation.
- Mary & Martha sent the messenger to say this, “Lord, he [our brother and Your friend] whom You love is sick.” (v.3)
- Do you see that? “Our brother”, “Your Friend”, the one "whom you love”.
- Here’s the expectation..."If you love us and if you love Him then you will Heal Him and you will heal him right now!”
- Have you placed any expectations on God?
- Maybe its a financial need.
- Maybe its a health concern.
- Maybe it’s a relationship problem.
- If we are honest, we all have expectations of God.
- We say, “here is my problem, God, and here is how to fix it and this is when I want it fixed.”
- Here’s the problem with that, In Isaiah 55:8-9 God says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares
the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
- In other words, He doesn’t think like you or act like you.
- Not only that, His ways are Higher and better.
- His timing is perfect.
- The purpose for your pain or discomfort right now is for the glory and honor of God!
- His purpose if for people to come to know and encounter Jesus in a real way and you are the vessel that he uses.
- You are the conduit or the channel that He wants to work through.
- When you try to do things your way, in your timing, you are just handicapping God.
- You are stealing His glory.
- You will never get a deeper revelation of God.
- I’m not saying that there is never a time to act, but make sure that your actions match up with His way and His timing.
- In this story, If Jesus had spoken the word for Lazarus to be healed, which He had done in the past, they would have know of Him as the “Healer” but not, “The Resurrection and the Life”.
- God had a greater purpose!
- Far beyond anything they could have imagined.
- How about you? Can you “Let Go, and Let God!”
- Can you let go of your difficulty or problem and Let God do it His way, in His timing?
- Can you take it out of your hands and put it in His hands?
- Can you dare to believe that His way is “Higher” and Greater?
- Will you allow God to get the glory?
- Essentially, the question is this, "Can you trust Him?”
- Pray a simple prayer today and say, “God, may you be glorified, today, through my life! Lord, Help me to trust your timing, your method and your way. My Life is yours!”
- I believe that, if you do this, you will see Him do greater things through your life, today!
- Let your expectations become God sized expectations!
- Have a great Monday!