BIBLE READING: 1 CHRONICLES 23-25, JOHN 11: 1-17
Memory verse: “When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby”. John 11:4 (KJV)
When we are faced with certain trials or challenges, it is very important to find out the mind of God concerning that situation. There is nothing that happens without God knowing and He permits everything that happens. He knows all things and allows them to happen for His own glory. There are certain levels of God we may never experience until we go through certain levels of troubles. How do we experience God as our Jehovah Rapha if we don’t see sickness? or Jehovah El-shaddai if we don’t see lack. Our God does as He pleases and does all things to show forth His glory. If the people of Israel didn’t face the Red Sea, how would we have heard about one of the greatest acts of God in the bible: the division of a mighty ocean for people to pass through on foot? The greater the obstacle is, the mightier the testimony. Hallelujah!
Lazarus was sick and Jesus was notified but Jesus chose to delay for another two days before eventually going. He knew Lazarus was dead but this time He was about to show forth another dimension of him that the people were yet to witness. Mary and Martha told Jesus they preferred he came much earlier because they knew Jesus could heal Lazarus and stop him from dying but unknown to them, Jesus was about to introduce the resurrection power. “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” John 11:25 (KJV).
God is still in the business of showing forth his glory in our lives and situations. The issue is if we trust Him enough. Most times when we stay long in a situation, our faith dampens and we lose hope thereby making it difficult for God to show up. Abraham hoped against hope when he was faced with the predicament of childlessness but was he disappointed? No… God showed up at the right time. God is never late. He said in Isaiah 42:8 (KJV) that “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images”.
What is it that you are going through now? It doesn’t matter how long you have been in it. It is ending in praise… in the name of Jesus! Amen. Keep trusting God. It’s only a delay because God is working out something massive for your good. I celebrate with you in advance. Your testimony will be to the glory of God.
Prayer: Father, advertise your glory in my life. Use me to showcase your glory to the world.
Pastor Chika Nnamdi Ifeanacho
