John 11:4 (NIV) “When he heard this, Jesus said, ‘This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.’”
Jesus had been told that his friend Lazarus was sick. Lazarus’ family was very concerned and sent for Jesus. However, Jesus delayed and Lazarus died. Yes, there was a death, but the situation did “not end in death.” Jesus controlled the circumstances. Jesus controlled the timing. Jesus controlled the outcome. In the end, the outcome was life. Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb.
Too many times, we allow circumstances to control our lives. We respond to the circumstances instead of leaning on Jesus and His guidance through the circumstances. We try to control the timing of a situation. In our frantic state, we try to delay or hurry the events surrounding us, then wind up not happy with the outcome. We then actually try to control the outcome instead of patiently waiting for the culmination of God’s plan.
Now, don’t get me wrong, we do have a responsibility in these events and situations. There are things that are prudent for us to do and not do. There is action to be taken or avoided. Each situation is different. What I am referring to here is a mindset. Even with good intentions in our attempts to handle a situation, if we neglect God, if we avoid trying to see His hand, if we go on our own, we will be left in despair. We will miss the bigger plan.
The promise in this verse is that negative situations don’t have to end a certain or negative way. Lazarus’ death did not end negatively. God was glorified. As believers, may we always focus those around us on the hope that only God can provide, on the sovereignty that only He can claim, and the glory due His name. When we do this, lives are changed, as we allow God to use us. #pastordaveswm
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