In John 11 Jesus said “Lazarus, come out.”

I am not quoting all that was done concerning Lazarus’ death because I would hope that everyone reading this has seen “The Chosen” version of events. It is not scriptural but it contains many human conditions that we all can understand.

Thomas was angry that the woman he loved was not special enough to be raised from the dead.

Mary and Martha knew Lazarus was special to Jesus and could not understand why He had not responded to their call for help.

Some who witnessed this account felt Jesus was special and gave Him credit for raising up Lazarus.

Some who witnessed the scene felt special because they got to witness the event. 

A Sadducees’ belief system was put in question because he held the Pentateuch special and if the resurrection was not addressed there, it didn’t exist.

Then there is Lazarus himself who asked “Why me?”

Even though I am one for biblical accuracy, I find myself enjoying the alternate telling of the tale because it addressed some very real human emotions that many of us have to deal with.

In one way or another I myself have witnessed all of these emotions. The question here is what do we do with them when we encounter them?

Do we allow our pain to weaken our trust in God?

When God doesn’t answer our prayers do we question if He is even listening?

Do we believe that Jesus is God in the flesh?

Why does witnessing a miracle make us feel special?

When our beliefs are put into question do we surround ourselves with those who agree with us?

The real question is the last and most important. You were chosen, why do you feel unworthy? 

Life is challenging and these and many more questions will come up that will test your faith, challenge your understanding, and question your trust in God. It happens for two very real reasons. One, we are human. Two, Satan hates all of us.

Hebrews 12:1

Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Sometimes our circumstances are very difficult and we find it difficult to give thanks. That is why we have each other, to support us when we find it difficult to stand.

As I read this I looked around at the preceding passages. Here they are;  Rejoice always, and pray without ceasing. It appears that circumstances can affect both praise and prayer. Lacking in those two areas leads us to the third, thanksgiving.

Finding ourselves failing to do these two things is a sign we are already in need of sound counsel. When we don’t lean on one another we may well find ourselves spiraling downward.

Depression is ahead and the Lord does not want that for any of us. We can read the signs but we cannot avoid that path alone. We need help. If we do not reach out for help we will isolate ourselves and we will end up alone.

The first thing we have to do is recognize we are in trouble. Lack of praise and prayer in our lives is a sure sign. We need to recognize that in ourselves when it happens. That is not always the easiest thing to do when we are in the middle of the storm.

Remember Isaiah 61:6 you shall be called the priests of the Lord; they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God; and 2 Corinthians 2:7 forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.

The Word is given to us to help and comfort one another when we cannot find a way to forgive ourselves.