Prepare – John 11:38-42
Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said.
“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
Devotional
If I’m completely honest I have been like Martha far more times since the quarantine began than I have been like Jesus. Maybe you to have been struggling with worry about “the bad odor in the tomb” rather than believing “you will see the glory of God” through all that we are facing. I have battled anxiety, depression and fear throughout these past several months. My eyes have turned to the fear in the headlines instead of turning towards the Savior who hears my voice. If only I would believe and turn to Him first.
Stop and dwell on the words of Jesus today, “if you believe, you will see the glory of God.” Do you still believe He is in control? Can you trust him when your livelihood, your health and even your Church community has been taken from you? I have deeply struggled to put these things into practice. I have had to reevaluate my faith and go back to its foundation. My faith cannot be contingent on my circumstances. If it is, my foundation has been laid on the sand like the foolish builder. Today, may you know that God has heard your cries for help. May you know He simply asks us to believe and trust that we will see His glory through all of this. I pray for each one of you daily and I ask that you would also pray for me. Pray that we will keep our eyes fixed on the Author and Perfector of our faith, and trust He is in control!
~ Pastor Nate Drege
Praise
Watch and listen to “Freedom Comes” by Brandon Bee and “Be Thou My Vision” by Audrey Assad.
