But, Lord...
Scripture – John 11:39-44: “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 believed, you would 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.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What a powerful scene this is! Jesus is about to do something beyond their deepest hopes. The people have to respond first – “Take away the stone.” Martha’s response is more typical than I’d care to admit – “But, Lord…” There are some areas in me where I keep God shut out. I have many carefully placed stones blocking the way. At the same time, I pray for Him to work with me there – to do His transforming work. I pray, “Lord, please change this.” or “Transform this attitude.” His response comes crystal clear: “Okay, I will. Take away the stone.” My response often begins, “But, Lord…” I already have an excuse for not doing what He wants before I even ask what He wants, because when it comes down to it, I usually know what He wants.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will take a chance today. In spite of Martha’s hesitation, the stone was taken away, and something wonderful happened. I will lean into my fear and remove another stone in my heart.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, help me identify these stones, and give me the courage and power to remove one of them. Help me grow closer to the person you created me to be. Thank you for your continuing patience and grace in my life.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What a powerful scene this is! Jesus is about to do something beyond their deepest hopes. The people have to respond first – “Take away the stone.” Martha’s response is more typical than I’d care to admit – “But, Lord…” There are some areas in me where I keep God shut out. I have many carefully placed stones blocking the way. At the same time, I pray for Him to work with me there – to do His transforming work. I pray, “Lord, please change this.” or “Transform this attitude.” His response comes crystal clear: “Okay, I will. Take away the stone.” My response often begins, “But, Lord…” I already have an excuse for not doing what He wants before I even ask what He wants, because when it comes down to it, I usually know what He wants.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will take a chance today. In spite of Martha’s hesitation, the stone was taken away, and something wonderful happened. I will lean into my fear and remove another stone in my heart.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, help me identify these stones, and give me the courage and power to remove one of them. Help me grow closer to the person you created me to be. Thank you for your continuing patience and grace in my life.
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