Life rarely goes to plan – it doesn’t come in nice neatly wrapped packages that we can label and arrange, organise and categorise – it would be nice though – we could get a good grip on it then – we could be ready for it.
Life won’t be wrapped though, if we try it’ll just run out the sides and spill on the ground – and just when we think we have got some situation or circumstance boxed and sorted, our focus clear, our plan intact, our prayers prayed, the bottom can still just drop right out of it – – – life can put paid to the very best of plans.
And that’s where it can get interesting – like it or not – this might just be the place we are meant to be – where God can really get a look in – us out of control – dignity awry, feathers ruffled and our lipstick smudged – and Him in control, His plan afoot. That’s when something amazing can happen, something bigger than us.
In John 11 Mary and Martha are at the pointy end of life – united in their grief and loss, their brother dead – – – and they don’t know why? Jesus could have healed him, they had sent for Him, they had probably told everyone, “its OK we sent for Jesus, He’ll come & heal our brother – – – – and then He hadn’t, humiliated, heartbroken, expectations in a crumpled heap, trying to put together the pieces. Their answer a week overdue and when He arrives they rage at him – if only you had been here this wouldn’t have happened. This wasn’t part of the plan.
Jesus had a plan too – an eternal one – to see the Son of God revealed, His life changing power made known – seen and tasted and felt, talked about, the story told and retold, His message spreading.
Mary and Martha – they went through the devastation of losing their brother, not the easy road, not a road they would have chosen to walk -but they get to witness first hand, with their very own eyes the glory of His goodness, His power at work – their brother four days dead walking out of the tomb alive, beyond big, never the same again, more than anything they could have dreamed – not at all what they were expecting.
“ – – – No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
Thank God
When we are all pulled apart and undone and at the end of anything we can do, that’s when God can do – – – so lets hold onto Him tight, its bound to be a wild ride.
“Its all I know – when we are in over our heads, we touch the depths of God” Anna Voskamp ~ A Holy Experience
Been there? Would love to hear your thoughts
Lv Tracey