Some of my favorite memories are of my boys showing off their strength. I have a picture in my office where my two eldest and a neighborhood friend ‘muscle man’ for the camera. Faces all scrunched and arms flexed showing off their muscles.
Today though, my desire is for God to show off His muscles. Friends and family are traveling down some painful and difficult roads. I’m calling on God to show off.
Unlike the picture of my boys hamming it up in front of the camera, where their muscles are displayed on cue; the omnipotence of my God’s muscle is constantly flexed.
I write in my Bible. So when God grabs my attention and sends me into His Word, I rarely leave without jotting a note or circling a verse. Those moments spent with God are precious because as He shows off His mighty power, I come away refreshed. I want that for my friends and family.
Currently, I’m reading through the Book of John. In the margin next to John 11:6, I found an old written note- Praise God for silences-that means God trusts me with Big Trials! It’s the story of Lazarus. Jesus loved him and he has just died. ‘Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.’
Upon hearing of Lazarus’ sickness, Jesus intentionally stayed away. Jesus only moves when the Father directs Him to move.
It’s not about you and me; it’s about bringing glory to God. So as I struggle with the needs of loved ones, I must also be careful that I don’t dethrone my Lord and put myself in His place – in the middle of the universe. That space belongs to Him that created us.
Feeling like I should ‘do something’ to show loved ones that I care about their troubles, I followed Jesus into His Father’s Throne room. (Luke 5:16) Lord, some of these trials are heavy. Thank you for carrying them for me. My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow and I know that You understand. (Mark 14:34)
As we maneuver rocky cliffs, whether for ourselves or interceding on behalf of others, remember God’s promises. As difficult as it may seem at times to not see progress or to understand how situations will get fixed; God promises to work things out; to never leave us; to supply our needs. He will deliver. And, what’s our part? Our part is to remain faithful in His ability to ‘do something.’
How do I know? He’s shown His muscle to me many times. He has called me to come; to trust Him with my trials and He has never once disappointed.
So how can we help friends and family when they are suffering in painful trials and need God’s strength to endure?
First, do they know that they need God? Do they know that God is the solution? Until they seek His counsel, we can intercede in prayer and then step back and allow the Holy Spirit to work.
Next, we can pray that they will grow more and more aware of their desperate incompleteness.
Ultimately, make the Bible your final authority. Keep pointing them to Jesus and watch as He shows off His muscles!
Let’s pray. Father, apart from You, there’s so many misconceptions. When we think we have to ‘do something’ in order to see Your Strong Tower, calm us and allow the noise and clamor to cease; allow us to remember all that You have done. May we be amazed knowing that You never change; may we be speechless at Your Mightiness. May Your unfailing heart of love constantly calls us to be still and know that You are God. In Christ’s strong name we pray. Amen
Until next time~
Blessings, Nancy
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