Scripture:
John 12:9-10
9 Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also,

Deeper than the Surface
Sometimes we get so stuck in our trauma, our pain, our suffering, and our situations that we miss the work of God in them, and even through them. We are in chapter 12 of John, but in chapter 11 the whole story of Lazarus’ resurrection unfolds. Jesus said these words: “And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless, let us go to him.” This reminds us that sometimes we miss the story unfolding and the movement of God in it, and it was no different this time, as we see later in this story. See, just like yours and mine, Lazarus’ story was so much bigger than his personal resurrection.

The bigger part of the story was the revelation of Christ in it: how He would be glorified, and how that would change the hearts of so many that the chief priests would plot to kill (get this) a man who had already been raised from the dead. Kind of ironic, isn’t it? The point is that because of Lazarus, many believed. Have you ever thought that your circumstances, your past, and your victories could be the reason others are set free and come to know Christ?

Today our God-Shot is that God is still in the business of turning our past into victory. Our story, our testimony, is the key to many people’s prisons. We have a place in His storyline, and like Lazarus, through your story of the greatness of God, others could come to know Him, be transformed by Him, and seek Him too.

Q: Who have you shared your story with lately?

Lord, let us not keep quiet. Let our story be heard and Your glory be seen. Let us shout it from the rooftops, that all who hear might bring You praise. Let our pain, our past, and our victories not be wasted, but let them serve the bigger plan: to reach the lost, to heal the broken, and to set at liberty the captives. Let it accomplish Your good work. In Jesus’ name, Amen!