Forty Days of Prayer: Day 22
John 11:38-44
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.”
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.
I would say that God raising Lazarus from the dead is indeed one the most amazing comebacks. When I was reflecting on current day comebacks, I was reminded of the book, The Comeback, by Louie Giglio. Louie is a pastor, writer and speaker who founded the Passion Movement and planted Passion City Church in Atlanta. He tells his story of being in a hole of depression, darkness, anxiety, and panic and wasn’t sure he was ever going to get out.
I love how Louie shares the good news that “God is in the business of giving fresh starts to people. He gives hope to the hopeless. Direction to the directionless. Help to those who need help. God is always good, all the time, and God’s plans will always prevail, even when our plans don’t. God already knows what the solutions are. No matter what kind of disappointment or grief or pain or trouble or heartache you encounter, God always offers a new beginning, a change of heart, or a powerful spiritual turnaround. God offers the way forward, and his pathways are always good. Your current circumstances will not get the final say in your life. God is the God of the comeback, no matter what kind of challenge you’re facing.”
Maybe you or someone close to you is dealing with cancer, a diagnosis, death of a spouse, death of a child, loss of a job, depression, some addiction. No matter what…when we feel like we hit rock bottom or life is disappointing us and isn’t turning out like we thought it would, let’s put our hope and prayers in God and then take some action. We can’t just pray about it; we need to do something about it. Listen to God...He may just be asking you to remove a stone or take off the grave cloths!
Today, accept the challenge to take action on your impossible prayers. Take a step. Do SOMETHING and look for God to show up.
Further reading: 1 Chronicles 16:11; Matthew 25:23; and…Jeremiah 32:27 (again!!)
Our Good Good Father,
I am grateful that you know our unique challenges and struggles. When I feel I am at my lowest point and am desperate for a comeback, please show up AND show out. I am committing today to move from a passive prayer life to an active prayer life. I will put my trust in you while I take steps as you direct. For I long to hear your words, “Well DONE, good and faithful, servant” not just “well thought or well prayed.” I love you and praise you for your goodness!
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen
