As we have said before, in the midst of these difficulties we are expecting miracles. It seems there is no other way for us to follow unless He miraculously makes the way. Remember when the Israelites were running for their lives to escape Pharaoh and God parted the Red Sea so they could go across? Amazing miracle right?! Have you ever thought about what it would be like to actually cross between two walls of water with nothing visible keeping them and their inhabiting creatures from crashing down on you? Our Pastor presented that concept and in a lot of ways I feel like that’s where Jon and I are. He has hedged us into a tight space and given us the task of running toward Him despite our fear of the walls caving in around us. He did deliver the Israelites, though that was after they had suffered for years and was it just the beginning of another long faith journey.

He has also raised men from the dead. But when He raised Lazarus (John 11) it was after his sisters watched him die without a discernible response to their call for Jesus. Jesus chose to be late, chose not to heal Lazarus as seemed logical to Mary and Martha, and chose to let many mourn a great loss. His reason? ”So that the Son of God will receive glory from this” (Jn. 11:4). Jesus was still affected by the pain of those who trusted Him and He cried with them. But even when Jesus arrived to the scene He didn’t immediately reveal his plan to Lazarus’ grieving sisters. They had been waiting in what I can imagine seemed like agony. I imagine they were struggling with feelings of disappointment. They could recount what they knew to be true about spiritual resurrection but the reality of physical death still hurt. Then Jesus finally responded to their previous cry for help. He gave direct instruction that seemed absurd and Martha questioned Him. As the reader we know that He was getting ready to raise her brother from the dead, but I can relate to the confusion she must have been feeling. She was trying to manage God’s miracle. She would have just had Him heal her brother before he died, or raise him from the dead before opening the tomb with its terrible stench, but He had other plans and reminded her “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” And he raised her brother to life.

I don’t know about you but I want to manage God’s miracles right now. I see ways that He could provide deliverance and bring Himself glory, but He may not choose to do it that way. So I will keep listening and walking, trusting that He will guide in His time and in His way. “I will walk by faith. Even when I cannot see. Because this broken road, prepares [His] way for me.” (J. Camp)

Jesus, thank you for the road of suffering you walked for me. For loving me unconditionally and for being the ultimate example of what it means to lay down your life for God’s glory. This Easter I humbly remember your sacrifice and celebrate Your victory over death and sin. May I remember You are my Way, my Truth, and my Life! 

In His grip,

Erika

Enjoy this song which has been a great encouragement to me and often a necessary reminder:

Lyrics:

Would I believe you when you say

Your hand will guide my every way

Will I receive the words You say

Every moment of every day

[chorus]

Well I will walk by faith

Even when I cannot see

Well because this broken road

Prepares Your will for me

Help me to win my endless fears

You’ve been so faithful for all my years

With one breath You make me new

Your grace covers all I do

Well I’m broken- but I still see Your face

Well You’ve spoken- pouring Your words of grace