Right Now
Ever driven by a place countless times and not really notice it? Read something and miss the story? Thinking maybe our brains are a bit harried in this fast-paced world. We take in what we think is important, but often miss the good stuff.
It’s probably why we think children grow too fast, but they feel like growing up takes forever. Little minds notice just about everything. Time to be like little children.
Little ones look at you intently, sometimes taking pudgy hands and holding your face. Undivided attention. That should be us when we pick up the Bible. Today I read this verse (for probably the thousandth time): “Then Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.’ ” (John 11:41b NIV)
The verse is in the midst of the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus – dead now for four days. Tears of his loved ones still flowing. All wondering why Jesus hadn’t come sooner, He could have healed him.
Stormie Omartian points out: “This sounds like the end of a prayer, not the beginning…Jesus had been praying all along…talking with His Father for days, as He always did…with full knowledge of the upcoming event.”
Jesus said ‘heard Me’ – past tense. He finishes His statement with this: “I knew that You always hear Me,” (John 11:42a NIV) Jesus said ‘knew’ – past tense.
All along the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit are in constant communication. In our tears, frustrations, failures – right there. In all our ups and downs there is purpose, and in all of it – for those who know Jesus as Lord – there is victory. This comes next: “but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they might believe that You sent Me.” (John 11:42b NIV)
With that Jesus called to Lazarus – and out he came from that grave. Maybe in this moment, right now, you think Jesus isn’t coming, it’s too late. Guess what? He’s been praying for you way ahead of right now. And right now you can look up and say to Him – just as He said to His Father – ‘I know You always hear me’. He has His purpose and His plan for you secure in His loving hands.
parisrenae 
That is such an encouraging thought, to keep in constant communication with the Lord knowing that He hears us – thank you, this was a blessing to read. 🙂
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His comfort is always there, we just forget to accept it right? Blessings as you know He hears, He’s on it, and it will be His best…
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This was a word in due season for me today. Thank you.
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He’s always right on time isn’t He? Blessings as you know He hears and is already interceding…
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What a great observation about Jesus’s prayer. I want to live in that assurance.
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So good to know His assurance is ours and we do not have to wonder if He hears us – He’s right there with us! Blessings…
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