Right Now

This week during our revival services, Judge Jesse Caldwell preached on the familiar passage in John 11. It is the story of Lazarus, who was ill. I have often thought of this story about Mary and Martha’s brother, as a family love story. I have also looked at it in light of Jesus’ friendship with Lazarus because, “Jesus wept.” It is most commonly taught as a miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.
But Jesse brought to light a “backside.” Perhaps it is a story of Christian “impatience.” Mary and Martha wanted Jesus to come to Bethany immediately. Instead, He waited four days. Isn’t that just like us to expect Jesus to come when and where we want? Why is it so difficult for us to believe? Jesus was there for Mary and Martha. He did not desert them or turn a deaf ear. Quite the contrary, however, Jesus did make them wait.
Is there something in your life waiting to happen? Maybe it is a career decision, a broken relationship to mend, an upcoming graduation, a baby being adopted? Have you tried pleading with Jesus like Mary and Martha did? They wanted their brother healed sooner, but it took four days. When they had lost all hope, Jesus showed up. And He was right on time for what he had planned.
We are impatient too. We want to be healed and fixed, RIGHT NOW. But it may be four days from now, or four weeks, four years or longer. But Jesus has heard you and he is faithful to respond. Will you be faithful to believe?
Isaiah 40:31 says “Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.”

It's the Little Things that Get Me!

Easter Sunday Afternoon, Catherine and I were sitting outside in the sun and were surprised by the over-abundant camellia bush at the side of the house. I must admit I have a "black thumb" so anything alive and blooming on my property is the result of someone else's hard work and TLC. However, I love fresh flowers, something I grew accustomed to from my mother's flower beds. Even after I moved to Gastonia, she continued to cut fresh flowers and arrange beautiful bouquets throughout my house. I continued this tradition for Catherine as she was growing up. She grew accustomed to having fresh flowers on her dresser. Catherine commented that MaMaw B. would really love those flowers and that she would light up if she saw them. Maybe that is the memory which made me get up from my comfy chair, go inside to get snips and cut some of the pretty camellia blooms. I brought them inside and found a small vase for the bright fuchsia blooms. I placed the vase on Mother's dresser and returned to my afternoon in the sun. Later in the evening, Mother came to my bedroom door and said "Bec, thank you for the flowers, they are beautiful." Wow! I almost lost it. My 88 year old mother stiffened by arthritis and debilitated by dementia was mobile and crystal clear with her expression of thought. I don't understand dementia. It has robbed my mother of so much quality of life, but for that glimpse of "my mother", I will be eternally grateful. And during the difficult days, I will recall her deep, abiding faith. I will also go back to the creaking door and Mother's deep voice saying, "Bec, thank you for the flowers, they are beautiful!" It's the little things that getme when I least expect it.

I didn't know there were that many different ways to pray!

Sitting on top of Crowder's Mountain, making a crown of thorn's bracelet, lighting a candle, walking a labyrinth, standing on Holy ground, writing a card to my brother, these are all ways to experience prayer and sabbath time in our busy lives. Yet, walking is one of the most easily available spiritual practices.

Imagine if Jesus traveled by car to do His ministry. How might that have looked? Think of all the distractions we have when we are driving? What opportunities do we miss? As Jesus walked He could pay attention. He could touch people physically and spiritually. I believe Jesus means for us to get out of the car and to walk at a pace where we can see, hear and feel His presence. When someone asks us where we want to be in our lives, the last thing that occurs to us is to look down at our feet and say, "right here."

My challenge to you this Holy Week is to start "right here", look down at your feet, take a deep breath and walk out your faith.