Want Spirit-filled commentary delivered right to your inbox every morning? Sign up here: http://bit.ly/1K5n2g0
Wednesday, May 20th, 2015
CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
1 Samuel 26:1-28:25
John 11:1-54
Psalm 117:1-2
Proverbs 15:22-23
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1j3PSwd
Commentary from Pastor Mike White:
When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” – Jn 11:4
Sickness had arrived to claim Lazarus. Sickness is one of the enemy’s tools; Satan wreaks havoc with sin, sickness and death, which John G. Lake called the devil’s triumvirate. But Satan does not win when God desires victory.
God can win the victory through any trial: all we have to do is invite Him into our lives and get out of His way. Jesus promised Mary and Martha that He would use their brother’s sickness to glorify God. Jesus knew that Lazarus was not dead; only sleeping. Even though the report looked grim, Jesus promised to raise him back to life!
God does not cause sickness and suffering. He does not pour His contempt on us to teach us a lesson. All His wrath was poured out, once and for all, on Jesus Christ on the Cross. That means there is no wrath left for us. He will, however, use our misfortune to work on our behalf:
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. – Rom 8:28
Whatever you are going through: love God. Trust Him, and ask Him to use you for His glory. Wait in patient expectation as He delivers you!
Prayer:
Father, I know you don’t cause suffering. We live in a fallen world, and war with an enemy who would seek to take us out. But You can use any situation for Your glory. Use me! Use what I’m going through! I know I will see Your goodness: NOW!