Have you ever been involved in a medical emergency? Whether it’s an elderly parent falling, a child’s arm fracturing, or a spouse suffering a stroke, the things in common in all emergencies are making quick decisions, reacting swiftly, and getting the person care ASAP.
“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.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days….” — John 11:1-6
Did you catch that– Jesus decides to stay put for another two days– after learning of their need? Jesus was very close to Lazarus, Martha & Mary, yet despite this affection, His response to their emergency is so opposite of mine that I initially question his love of them. In fact, it isn’t until day 4 that he arrives and resurrects Lazarus. Huh??
I can’t imagine what Mary & Martha thought or were doing during these four days waiting for Jesus to show up. My instincts would have been to call doctors to heal him or try various medicines to bring him back to life but definitely do something as I waited. How about you? While waiting on His promises, it’s easy to look for shortcuts. When He is silent, it’s tempting to try to do things our own way or take the means into our own hands.
- Stretch a truth on your resume when applying for a job.
- Adding a virtual layer of management to impress a new client.
- Fabricating your finances to impress someone at a networking event.
Are you becoming something that you’re not in pursuit of what you want? Can you honor God’s process to achieve your dream, promotion or security? The temptation is to compromise in some area believing Jesus needs our help. What I’m finding is;
- How we make our money is more important than how much we have.
- How I get the promotion is more important than betraying a co-worker.
- How I get the deal is more important than hitting my numbers each month.
What’s your Lazarus or It right now? Have you sacrificed your integrity to get it?
Reflection |
What do you need to surrender in your pursuit of “It”?