He Always Shows Up

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“I am the resurrection and the life, He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

John 11: 25-26

Our group was discussing showing up for one another and sharing in sorrow and celebration. How to be present even when it is awkward, uncomfortable and you don’t have a clue what to do. Our focus turned to the story in the Bible of Mary and Martha sending word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus was sick. Jesus agreed to go, but then He waited two days before going.

He waited!

While He waited, death knocked on the door of the ones that He loved and snatched Lazarus away. Jesus showed up for Mary and Martha, but it was too late. Well, too late according to the sisters. Now Lazarus was dead and buried.

“If you had only been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:21

I too have experienced the much too long wait. I bet you have also. have cried out for help, but He waits. And while He waits, the situation grows worse, and hope turns south as death peeks around the corner. Faith deflates and unbelief sneaks in. Disappointment and blame move into the darkness and we stand at the tomb not so sure about this Jesus who always shows up for us.

But today's reading of the story rattled me in a different way. Right there in John 11, I saw Jesus standing in the middle of all the emotions of those gathered at Lazarus’ tomb. He showed up at just the right time because there was something greater He came to reveal. He doesn’t just show up to wave a wand and keep life from happening, He shows up to give us a greater revelation of the Father and His kingdom. He waited and he withheld to show up in their grief. He didn’t tell them what they should feel or do. He stood in the moment. Right outside the stench-filled tomb, Jesus wept with his friends. He paused and felt what they felt. I have to believe He does the same with us.

Even though He knew what was about to happen he was very present with them in the moment. They were filled with sorrow, despair, shock and yes, great disappointment. Mary’s steadfast faith believed that if Jesus had shown up in time, her brother would still be alive and healed.

It didn’t happen the way that they wanted or expected. But Jesus came and showed himself to not only be the healer, but the resurrection and life. He gave them a beautiful and powerful gift of the presence of Himself in all of His powerful glory.

Jesus knew something that Mary and Martha did not know. He always knows something we don’t know. He knew that on the other side of this death story awaited an amazing life story!

He withheld the miracle long enough to be in the moment with them, yet He knew life was awaiting to rise. He would thank his Father, call Lazarus from the grave and the dead man would come walking out.

Jesus was not overwhelmed by death for He is the overcomer of death. He wasn’t concerned about the smell that Martha was certain to point out. He stepped right into the middle of their mess, just like he does with you and me. Be encouraged today that He is right beside you. He feels with you. He grieves and celebrates with you. He shows up at just the right time longing to reveal himself in a new way.

It may not be when you want or how you want or even what you believed to be true. But with confidence I can say, He will show up and you will know that you have been in His presence. His presence always brings life out of death. He turns darkness into light and He lifts you from the depths of despair to give you new hope.

Don’t give up. He always shows up.

When we have been in His presence, then we will go take His presence to others standing in grief, disappointment, shock and unbelief. Look beside you, He stands with you. Let Him meet you and minister to you so that in turn you may go and minister to others.

Chased By The Enemy

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“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

1 Peter 5:8

My reading abruptly stopped as I heard my little Shih tzu, Kobee barking a strange bark from somewhere close outside the door. I never heard my husband’s voice calling him from their morning walk. I knew something wasn’t right, so I quickly ran outside to see what was going on. There on the top step was Kobee and two steps below was a strange, big, black dog. Kobee’s collar was not attached and my husband was no where in sight. After carefully getting Kobee through the gate and then safely inside, leaving the stranger on the step, I grabbed shoes to search for Ed. He suddenly came through the door panting heavier than the dog.

The story unfolded that as they were at the bottom of the cul de sac, this big black dog came from nowhere and Kobee took off running, leaving Ed with leash and collar in hand. Big dog chased little dog, while Ed called for Kobee to stop and took off running attempting to rescue our much loved pet. Ed lagged behind unable to catch up with the chase, but Kobee knew to go straight home and bark for Mama’s rescue.

The strange dog lingered on the step as Kobee stood safely inside barking and growling at the window. Many hours after the big dog was long gone, Kobee continued to step over to the window growling and barking. He didn’t quickly forget the morning taunt and chase, but stayed alert to the possibility of the return. It was as if he was saying, “I remember you and in case you don’t know, this is my home. Back off, you don’t belong here.”

I watch and learn, because often the enemy chases us in the same way: running at our heals, barking lies and leaving us paralyzed in fear. The chase will wear us down and can stop our abundant living if we are not sober and alert to his plot. We must know where to run; straight home into the Father's safety.

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower;

The righteous runs into it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10

Like Kobee, we need not quickly forget, but continue returning to the window and warning the enemy: “This is my house and you may not come in. You are not welcome here.”

How often do we allow the big, black dog to come right into our territory ruling and reigning over our lives, while we cower in the corner controlled by fear and lies?

Speak up!

You have a voice.

Your voice is full of God’s power to speak against the enemy.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Bark on big, black dog. My God reigns here!

Just One Word

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Simple words splatter the walls of our homes and offices. No longer do we only decorate with beautiful painted pictures, but with simple words. Words causing you to pause and think. Words that shift your perspective. Words that make a declaration about your life.

Just one word is powerful enough to change your direction.

I have meaningful signs in most rooms of my house. There perched above the cabinet in the sunroom is the word, “RELAX”. High above on the cathedral bathroom shelf is the word, “BELIEVE”. The kitchen wall reminds me to: “ENJOY THIS DAY; BE PRESENT; BREATHE DEEPLY; SHOW GRATITUDE. The nearby candle glows with JOY.

As I was reading the Old Testament Bible story it was just one word that gripped me. There stuck in the midst of the story was the outstanding, “NEVERTHELESS”. What did it have to do with the story?

“The king and his men marched to Jerusalem in attack the Jebusites, who lived there. The Jebusites said to David, ‘You will not get in here; even the blind and the lame can ward you off.’ They thought, “David cannot get in here. NEVERTHELESS, David captured the fortress of Zion, the City of David.” 2 Sam. 5:6-7

NEVERTHELESS! It didn’t matter what they thought or said, David did it anyway. A few verses later we understand the how.

David became more and more powerful,

because the Lord God Almighty was with Him.” 2 Sam. 5: 10

God had called, appointed, anointed and positioned David. His hand was upon David’s life and he had success in everything that He did. He didn’t let the words and thoughts of anyone control him. The words of others didn’t deter him, discourage him, or cause him to waver. He believed what God said.

And what about us? Why do we allow the taunting words of the enemy stop us? Why do we give into fear and bow to his voice? And yes, the voice of the enemy can be expressed through those around us?

“It can never be done.”

“It’s too late.”

“You’re too old.”

“Things will never be any different.”

“If it hasn’t worked by now, you might as well give up.”

Let’s put an overarching sign over our lives...”NEVERTHELESS”

The enemy lied; NEVERTHELESS, she did it anyway, because the Lord God Almighty was with her.