Lazarus Moment

by Russ Franklin, R.E.A.L. Men Ministry

So He told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. And for your sakes, I'm glad I wasn't there, for now you will really believe. Come, let's go see him." -- John 11:14-15 NLT

While reading this verse it occurred to me that while people are inherently full of doubt and skepticism, we also seem to have a knack for dismissing Christ's intervention in our lives as "luck" or "coincidence" or "chance;" that somehow our actions had something to do with the outcome.

At times we need impossible odds to experience the God who makes all things possible! He has us right where we need to be. We like to "control" the situation. We "make things happen" and try to manipulate the outcome of situations for our benefit. When good things happen we can easily take the glory for ourselves, and leave the Spirit of God in the dust.

In John Chapter 11, we read that Mary and Martha had sent for Jesus in enough time. We know that if Jesus chose to, He could have shown up and avoided Lazarus' death. But what glory would have Christ received? How many people, including Lazarus' own family, may have chalked it up to natural recovery, luck, or an amazing coincidence? No, the only way Christ would get the glory, the only way people would REALLY believe in Him and trust Him, was for there to be no question of Jesus' power and ability to make the impossible, possible.

When your situation has gotten to the point that there is nothing left to do, when you have no more "control", when you are feeling desperate and you know the situation is impossible, that's when Jesus will show up. Know that Christ understands our nature. He knows our tendencies. And when we start to rely too much on our own abilities, talents, knowledge, or experience, we do not allow room for Christ to have the throne of our lives. But in the moments when all seems lost, when we are quickly losing hope, we seem to find our humility again, fall to our knees and cry out for Him. That is the moment we have given control back to Christ. And when He delivers, (because He always does), we humbly and gladly give Him the glory that He is due.

Whatever Lazarus moment you are facing, remember that what is impossible with man, is always possible with God. You are loved. Jesus always shows up at the right time. He is always in control, and He deserves the glory!