Grace Like Rain
February 3, 2008
The day after my third chemo, God provided a way for me to listen to a series of messages by Pastor James McDonald. It was a great blessing because I was just too tired to do anything…
Please bear with me, because for the next few weeks, I will be sharing with you wonderful and valuable lessons that I learned and still continues to learn from God’s Word through these messages.
The first message was entitled, “Grace When I Am Overwhelmed” and his text was John 11. I encourage you to open your Bible and read the chapter with me.
These are the key points of the message:
1. It is not over until Jesus says it’s over. Verse 4 says, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
2. What appears unloving may be God’s greatest kindness. Verse 6, “So, when He heard that Lazarus was ill, He stayed two days longer in the place where He was.”
3. As long as I or you are in the Light, nothing can hurt me/you. Verses 9-10, Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does now stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”
4. Believe that Jesus is Eternal Life. Verses 17, 25-26, Now when Jesus came, He found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Jesus said to her, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
5. Believe that Jesus cares. Verse 28 & 35, …The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” Jesus wept.
6. Believe that He keeps His promises. Verses 38-40, Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”This is God’s grace in action! In the life of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. And me.
Lord, Your grace is sufficient for me. Help me to live one day at a time, for You. And please lead me to fully trust in Your faithfulness.
Lord, You are Great; much, much greater than what I am going through right now. It is all about You Lord. You are Awesome. Amen.
( Photo by Garret Walker, from allposters.com )
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