The Average Jane Journal #38 - Four Days

The Average Jane Journal #38
March 13, 2009

Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."

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."

When Jesus saw her(Martha) weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. "Where have you laid him?" he asked.
"Come and see, Lord," they replied.
Jesus wept.
John 11:1-4; 33-35


Isn't God's timing wonderful? He really is there in all things, even through little things that we might overlook. Isn't it cool how we can be in the right place at the right time? Like hearing from the right friends, being in the right study, reading the right book-all of it God ordained for what you need at that time. God speaks to us through so many avenues, and this past week or so since my last entry I have been hearing the same thing-WAIT and worship!!

The scripture above came to me through my study group and I loved the verse about showing God's glory. It reminded me of a prayer I started so long ago, that I wanted my life to show God's glory. I didn't forget that I prayed it, but I forgot just what that prayer request might require of me. Jesus said that the sickness of Lazarus would not end in death-but in glory for God. Jesus raised Lazaurs FOUR days later. I realized that night in group that I am still in my "four days". The journey I am on will not end in death(failure), but will end in the glory of God-that whatever happens will be undeniable that it was His hand. That is what I have wanted from the beginning of my journey.

I also loved the part where Jesus cried. I have never thought of this before, but Jesus cried for his loved ones even though He knew He was about to bring Lazarus to life. He "was deeply moved in spirit and troubled" for those He cared about. He knew their grief would soon turn to joy, but He still wept for them. Isn't that cool? Jesus knows the outcome of our troubles, He already knows how the story ends. But we are loved so much that when we hurt our Savior is "deeply moved" over our pain. That is very encouraging to me.

I hope that whatever your journey is right now, and you feel like nothing is happening or that you're taking some punches from the enemy that you will remember that God has divine strategy. You may be in a time of waiting, but keep on looking to God and worship Him. Give Him your pain, fears, dreams, etc. God's timing is the best and there will be glory for Him after those "four days". God can see the big picture, and knows how the story(particular journey) will end. Believe me I know it gets hard sometimes, too hard. But don't turn your eyes away from God-it's a daily, sometimes hourly "active turn" for me too. But He never turns His eyes away from us. Some good advice I have had recently is when we are quite overwhelmed with all we are going through and we feel like we are slipping, just keep it simple and remember that God loves us. Remember God's character, His heart and that will help you through your "four days".

God's delays are not God's denials!!

PS-Thanks to you who have prayed for me, given me words of encouragement, and are just there for me. You are part of that right thing at the right time-God's timing!!