Devotionals

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In John chapter 11, Jesus has been notified of the illness of his friend Lazarus. Lazarus had two sisters, Martha and Mary. John 11:5 states that Jesus loved him, so it was not a lack of concern that kept him away. Jesus came a few days later after Lazarus died. Did you ever wonder why he didn’t come to help him immediately? I believe the answer is in verse 4. It was for the glory of God.
The greek word for glory in verse 4 is doksa. The meaning is interesting.. It means dignity, honor, praise and worship. Had Jesus come to Lazarus's aid right, the glory of God would not have been manifested in Lazarus's life. God received all the glory when Jesus brought Lazarus back to life. Imagine those who witnessed such a miracle and the impact on their lives.
Another example of how God gets the glory was in my Mother’s life. Mom was a quiet unassuming type. Not one to draw attention to herself. In the last months of her life God received so much glory from her life. Mom had faced several life threatening illnesses. Each time, I and many other prayers for her were offered up. Dr. W stated she had a chain of miracles. All the physicians, nurses, etc. were amazed at the things they saw God do in her life. Such as the time, she went into septic shock. Her organs all began shutting down. I prayed for her all night. By morning Dr. W announced that her organs were working again. This was not the normal thing that usually takes place. However, in the end, no one could deny that God had worked in her life.
We live in a world of doubt, tragedy, sorrow, sin, etc. Many people are disillusioned with many things. When someone sees God do something like make someone’s organs work again , against all odds, or those that witnessed Lazarus come back to life, they see the glory of God. They cannot deny that God lives and is actively involved in the affairs of mankind.
One never knows the influence someone has had on someone else coming to Christ. I expect when we get to Heaven, we will see how many times God used us in ways we never even knew or expected. God does receive glory, honor, praise, and we worship him when we see special way God works in our lives.
Most of the time Mom was completely unaware of all God had done for her. God even showed me that all things are possible with God.
God wants to use us, he wants our lives to bring glory and honor to him. Let us remember that the meaning of the word glory in John 11:4 is dignity, honor, praise and worship.
Application: The more we trust God and rely on him instead of trying to work out all the details ourselves, the more glory God receives. Do you desire your life to bring glory to God?
Prayer: Lord help me to let you use all the circumstances in my life to bring glory to you. Oftentimes we do not understand when bad things happen to us or those we love, but help me to trust you. Then we arrive in Heaven someday hopefully our lives will have brought glory to you. Help us to bring glory to you. In Jesus name,Amen.
This article is dedicated to my Mom, residing in the safe and loving arms of Jesus. Life is different without you. I am looking forward to being with you again someday. Love you always Mom.
Beatrice Melvina Bailey 11-9-1920 to March 14, 2008
© 2010 by Zorrine Bailey

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