SHAME BEFORE VICTORY
Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen.
John 11:45 (NLT)
The Scriptures say that many came to believe in Christ after they saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. But that’s not what Lazarus’ sister Mary thought would happen. In fact, Mary was probably feeling ashamed. Why? Earlier, out of her grief, she told Jesus that it was Jesus’ fault that Lazarus had died.
I can imagine friends and family members putting pressure on the sisters, Mary and Martha, at this moment. Don’t you know the miracle worker? Are you connected with that guy who turned water into wine? Why didn’t He show up when you needed Him?
This is how we can feel at times. We don’t have the gift of being everywhere all at once or knowing all things, although some of us act like we have that gift! But God does. Jesus knew that God would use this tragic situation to make more people aware of Him and that their eternities would be shifted forever because of this moment. It can be challenging to trust Christ when we don’t have all the information, but our greatest shame is often a preparation for our most significant victory if we surrender our shame to Christ.
APPLICATION: Is there a situation in your life where you don’t have all the information that God might be working through? Take a moment and share your angst with Him, and then ask if there’s anything He wants you to know about that situation.
PRAYER: God, I thank You that You do not work in incomplete equations. You know what’s happening in my life and what I need. I ask You to help me trust even when I can’t see what You are doing. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?