WHEN THE LORD SPEAKS TO YOU

BIBLE PASSAGE:
After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend 
Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” 
(John 11:11)

MEDITATION:
When Jesus told His disciples about the death of Lazarus 
they misunderstood Him.
They thought Jesus was talking about ‘sleeping’, 
but He meant Lazarus had died.
Jesus had been speaking of his death, 
but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. (John 11:13)
	
Look at their response,
His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” (John 11:12)
Due to their misunderstanding, 
Jesus communicated to them in a way that could not be misinterpreted.
So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead” (John 11:14)

We might think that since they had been spending time with Him, 
surely they would have known what He meant.
But, are we any different?
We may feel we are in close communion with the Lord 
and yet He speaks to us in ways that we don’t understand.

He may want us to do something that is not in our ‘comfort zone’
and of course we have questions about what He really wants us to do.
Sometimes He speaks to us in ways that we do not expect.
We might experience some troublesome times when He wants to get our attention.
It could be financial, social, health, 
job or family issues that get our attention.

We might think that a loving God would not get our attention that way.
But before we pass judgment on His actions, we need to realize that
we also use all kinds of methods to get the attention of our own children.
Why? Because we love them and we want to protect them from harm.
At other times, we want to give them information 
that will benefit them because we want what is best for them.

Since God loves us as much as we love our children, 
we should respond in the same way we want our children to respond to us. 
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, 
having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 
(2 Corinthians 9:8)

ACTION:
Has God been speaking to you in a way that you don’t understand?
Does it seem that He is urging you to do some things 
or make some decisions that make you feel uncomfortable.
How do you get clarity on what He wants of you?

Follow the example of His disciples and talk to Him.
Of course they could talk to Him face to face, 
but you can also talk to Him through prayer.
Ask Him to help you understand what He wants of you.
If you are experiencing a difficult time, 
ask Him why He wants your attention.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me enough to be a part of 
my life. When I am confused about Your desires for me, help me to 
understand what You want of me. When I am tested, help me to 
realize that You want my attention so You can provide me with what 
I need to receive Your blessings. Teach me to thank you in all things, 
including the ones I don’t understand and those which make me feel 
uncomfortable. Remind me often of Your love for me.”

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