Verse of the Day - John 11:3-7

So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.” But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days. Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.”
~ John 11:3-7 (NLT)

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Here's yet another example of God's sovereignty and plan that supersedes our understanding and comprehension. Mary and Martha sent for Jesus because their brother, whom Jesus loved, was sick. And Jesus didn't ask, "How high?" when they said, "Jump." Does that shock you? Does it anger you?

Because you can read the story and see God's plan unfolded in John 11, you are probably content to accept this story and God's sovereign hand in it. But what about your own story? What about when you have called on God to help you, and He has delayed? Does that shock you? Does it anger you?

Part of real spiritual growth is coming to an understanding and acceptance of God's complete sovereignty in your life and the lives of those in the world. We can ask the Lord for anything, but His response -- whatever that is -- is for teaching us many things, as well as fulfilling His purposes. We need to get this through our heads: We are not the center of the universe...! God's world doesn't revolve around us, despite what our self-centeredness would lead us to believe.

Bigger picture, folks. Bigger picture. We need to be willing to see the bigger picture, and be willing to be a part of it, instead of dragging our feet and stomping the ground when our world gets uncomfortable.

Here's the amazing thing: When we allow our spirits to completely submit to God's authority and accept His hand in our lives, there is a peace that can't be explained. We don't have to wrestle with why He didn't heal this or that illness, or why this or that has happened to us. We trust His judgment in all matters, and our spirits can rest, instead of wrestling. We submit to His teaching, as a willing student to his trusted rabbi.

If you are Christ's follower, trust your Rabbi.

Love,
Joelene