(John 11:45 NIV) Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in Him.
This morning we continue our new series entitled, “Faith and Patience VOL III – Never Give Up!” by continuing with the story of Mary and Martha. We have walked through the entire Lazarus account. It started off with Jesus receiving word that Lazarus was sick. The first thing Jesus said about the situation was, “This sickness will not end in death, No it is for God’s glory that God’s Son may be glorified through it” when He found out. Lazarus did die along the course of the story, but as we saw, the situation did not end in death (just like Jesus said). This morning’s text brings closure to the whole matter. Many of the Jews who had been there mourning with Mary and Martha were present when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. This tremendous miracle served as evidence to them that Jesus was the Messiah and they put their faith in Him. Jesus’ statement that this sickness was for God’s glory was made manifest. God did get the glory and the Good Shepherd received new sheep because of it. But we also have to remember that for these people to come to God and for God to get the glory, there was a family in the middle of the story that had to go through a tremendously painful ordeal. Lazarus had to experience sickness and eventual death for four days. Mary and Martha had to experience the loss of the their brother and the hurt in knowing that Jesus had received word, but that He had not yet arrived.
So what does this mean to you today? Let’s seek to glean a few final golden nuggets:
1. Being a Christian does not mean that you will never face challenges.
2. God never promised you a perpetual picnic.
3. Sometimes bad things happen to good people.
4. Whenever you face a situation that is bigger than your capacity to handle, get God involved through prayer.
5. When you pray, remember that you are not sending breaking news to God, like a reporter on the front lines. He knows everything that has and will ever happen to you.
6. Unless you are simply reaping what you have sown, there is purpose wrapped up in the challenges you face. If God permitted it, then it will be for His glory. If the enemy attacked you with it, then God can turn it around for your good!
7. God’s timing is not your timing.
8. Delay does not mean denial!
9. Never give up on God, no matter how grim the circumstances may seem!
10. It’s never too late for God and it is not over until He says it’s over.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for this series. I am developing my capacity to remain in faith, no matter how hard situations get. Your Word says that those who trust in You shall be like Mount Zion. One thing I know about Mount Zion is that it will not be moved. I shall remain steadfast, unmovable, and steady, all the days of my life. I shall stand in faith, without wavering, and trust in You every step of the way. When faced with a difficult situation I remind myself that my state is not my fate. I stand in faith… having done all I stand, and when I get tired, I resolve to continue to stand. I am determined to see Your best manifested in my life. I shall not lose, because I refuse to quit! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
