New GROUNDS for Believing

The disciples said, "Master, if he's gone to sleep, he'll get a good rest and wake up feeling fine." Jesus was talking about death, while his disciples thought he was talking about taking a nap.

 ^14-15Then Jesus became explicit: "Lazarus died. And I am glad for your sakes that I wasn't there. You're about to be given new grounds for believing. Now let's go to him." John 11:12-15

So everyone knows the story of when Lazarus died how Jesus was informed, and didn't drop everything to run to him.  But everyone knew that this was Jesus dear friend, and Jesus reacted in such a way that caused some alarm amongst the disciples.   They began to question Him, and above you see the gap between their understanding and Jesus' perspective on what was really going on all along.  So much so that the MESSAGE paraphrasing of the whole conversational exchange was JESUS telling it like it is....You're about to be given new grounds for believing..."

This week for me has been by far one of my most challenging.  Wanting to be two places at once, realizing that I can only be where I can be.   Emotionally wrestling with the realities that my seasons are changing, pre-seperation anxieties.   Comforting others while some others comfort me.    Trying to save a marriage (someone else's), while encouraging a couple on how to establish a marriage God's way.  Realizing again WHO'S CHURCH it is that I am privileged to stand in the gap to pastor at....and being humbled by His presence, His interest in the situation and His compassion over the situation, being reminded what OUR lives are really about....and again and again day after day, situation after situation as I write this blog I realize He has been giving me NEW GROUNDS for believing.  As I process this in cyberspace I come to the place where believing is really about remembering.  Remembering what DOES GOD SAY:  He will never leave us nor forsake us (for starters).   Remembering what GREAT things He has already done in your life, and this alone should comfort us that HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE & DELIVER US.  

The disciples has walked with Christ for awhile by the time Lazarus had died, and one would think DUH...but really....can we say that about them?  Where has GOD provided you with NEW GROUNDS for believing this week?  Where was it you were forced to be reminded who's really in control?   As you chew on this.....don't forget to Love God, and Love People!!!!!!  Have a blessed weekend, find time to celebrate GOD's great work and mighty acts....I am (50th Celebration up ahead...and I'm on 37....now that's a celebration....lol) I love you guys!