5 SEPTEMBER

DISAPPOINTED WITH THE LORD

“Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house.” (John 11:20, NKJV)

Mary was the one who had always chosen not to be bothered about many things of life but would just sit at the feet of Jesus, listening attentively to His words. Now was the time to put these words into practice. She did not get up to go to Jesus when she heard He was coming. I can imagine her feelings: “We sent a message to Him when Lazarus was sick, He just ignored us. We watched Him heal all the sick that came to Him, why didn’t He come to heal our brother? What is He coming to do now that Lazarus is dead–not just dead, dead for four days, buried and decaying? I actually thought he loved us, especially Lazarus, that would share his room with Him and they would stay up at night, talking when others had long slept. Oh, the pain in my heart is physical!”

Feeling her pain, Jesus sent for Mary and wept with her. Jesus feels our pain, weeps with us and calls out to us. If you do not know him as Saviour and Lord, Jesus is calling you today. If you know Him but disappointed in your pains, Jesus stretches out His hands in love, “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

ACTION: Say it to yourself aloud–“I am loved, cherished, esteemed and remembered always by God!”

PRAYER: I come to you, my Saviour, with my little knowledge but in faith, to receive rest and grace to act on the words of life even at difficult times.