Wait 11.05.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of John, please read Chapters 11-12 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online.
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Today we will read about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead; the Pharisees plotting to kill Jesus; Mary anointing Jesus' feet; Jesus triumphal entry; and Jesus answering the Greeks. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we need to wait for God. We are quick to want things done right away, but when we wait on Him we will see results.

Jesus got message that a dear friend of His was gravely ill, "Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was." (John 11:1-6).

As Jesus tarried where He was, the weary hours and long days of waiting were sorrowfully ended as Lazarus died. Jesus headed back to Judaea. "Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep." (11:7-11).

Four days later, Jesus arrived and the sisters were overwhlemed with excitement of His arrival and grief over the loss of their brother. "Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. " (11:17-22).

In order to strengthen their faith that He was the Resurrection and the Life, Jesus had delayed His arrival until four days after Lazarus' death. "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." (11:25-27). It is only when we let go of our emotions and hand our lives over to God that we can truly be comforted and at peace. What a blessing it would be that our hearts might learn to truly trust and wait for Him.

Often, we expect to see results quickly and in our own image, however God has other plans. He knows what we need and patiently waits for the right moment in which to give it to us. Just as Martha put her trust in God that He would take care of everything we too need to do the same. Everything that happens is for a reason and although we may not understand it at the time God uses every situation for our good. Trust in Him and wait for Him to answer.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We recognize that our endurance and persistence are attitudes derived from a faith-filled life with You. Our endurance is realized by continuing this race though others may drop out making us feel like we run alone. Our persistence is marked by our determination to finish the race though struggles weigh us down and doubts cloud our vision of the finish line. Thank You for marking the race out for us by showing us the great examples of those who cheer us on as we participate in this Christian race. They finished their race on earth through their enduring faith, though they experienced opposition from sinful men. We endure hardships and struggles as discipline from You, our loving Father, that we may share in Your holiness. We look forward to the harvest of righteousness and peace that comes as a result of our persistence in this spiritual marathon. Strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees as we repent of the sin that entangles us. We lay aside everything that drags us down or tempts us to give up. We persist in the name of Jesus Christ for the heavenly finish line. In your mighty name, Jesus.....Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!
God Bless you,
Christina

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