Raising of Lazarus. Jesus calls out Lazarus from his tomb. Mary and Martha accompany Jesus. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Do you feel like you’re being pressed? Have you thought about throwing in the towel? Do you feel as if you’re on an island all by yourself and the world is passing you by? Know this: You’re not alone. As a matter of fact, I’m having one of those days right now. I woke up this morning with the story of Mary and Martha on my heart. I turned to John 11 and decided to read the familiar story of Lazarus again. And there it was. A simple line. God loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Yes, God loved Lazarus just as much or more than his sisters. They both told him that Lazarus was dead and if He, Jesus, had been there earlier, Lazarus would not have died. But Jesus knew just what He was doing. It was not their timing; it was His timing. He had something up His sleeve.

He was ready to show the world that He was about to glorify His father and He had chosen this family of three, in this particular place to do a marvelous thing. He had a plan. His plan was not understood by man’s mind. His plan was bigger than they could imagine. He, the Resurrection and the Life, was about to demonstrate to the world that death was no foe for Him. This was but a foreshadowing of a major event: His death, burial and resurrection.

Are you disappointed in God? Do you feel as if He has abandoned you or do you feel like you’ve let Him down? That is a lie from the enemy. He has not forgotten you. In fact, He’s interceding for you and me right now. He has a plan to prosper you, to make you whole and to glorify His name.

It’s not over! It’s just the beginning! Run to Him! Call upon Him! And He will surely answer you. This is just a bump in the road. You’re closer to victory than what you think. Encourage yourself. That’s what I’m doing right now! I commit to follow Him, even when my emotions tell me to quit. It will be worth it all, when we see God! There’s too much to do, too many souls to be saved. Come now. Let’s reason together.

      “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.