Day Four: It Ain't Over . . .

You ever wake up and have that infamous question hanging overhead - why? Why even bother to try again? Why bother to get up and put one foot in front of the other? Why bother to stop and listen, smile and offer words of encouragement? Yet there is something deep within you that keeps pushing you forward. Whatever that is for you, allow that motivation to keep propelling you higher.

Recently I visited with a group of fellow believers. An elderly gentleman approached me to offer a friendly greeting and to thank me for coming to be a part of their service. To be cordial I asked him how he was doing. His response was thought provoking. He said, "I am on this side of the dirt, so I am doing fine. Any one of us who is on the top side of the dirt is doing well." I wanted to stop him as he was walking away to ask him to explain that strange reply, but as fast as he turned to walk away the revelation hit me. He was talking about living!

That man's comment set the tone for the rest of my day. My heart and perspective began to lighten a bit. The question of why, which I have been waking up with everyday for more than two months was slowly fading as I sat there pondering his words. There are those moments where we ask why because we become frustrated and weary. We feel as though it's over and it is time to call it quits. The issue is dead and there is no resurrecting to be done.

But the words of one can make a difference. We have entered into a season of new life. The earth is unfolding before our eyes in most regions and popping forth with fresh blooms and bright colors. This did not occur over night but after a time. Remember Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus who was loved dearly by Jesus? When they called for Jesus to come He was not anxious for one thing. Just as when His own mother (Mary) pleaded with Him at the wedding to do something because they were out of wine. Again, Jesus is found anxious for nothing. Why? He clearly understands it ain't over until God says it's over!

In John Chapter 11 it is day four when Jesus finally shows up with Martha greeting Him with her confession of faith. "If You had been here my brother would not be dead." Still Jesus shows no sign of anxiety. Finally, Mary comes to greet Him with the same cry, "If You had been here my brother would not have died." Even though at this point scripture tells us Jesus is deeply moved in Spirit and troubled His response stands firm - it ain't over. As we continue, the reading goes on to release the good news of how Jesus replies, "Did I not tell you that if you believe you would see the Glory of God?" In other words - it ain't over!

Now the next three verses are critical to the concept of being on this side of the dirt - living. First, Jesus instructs the stone to be removed. How many of us have stones in our lives that need to be rolled away? Stones of envy, bitterness, depression, defeat or whatever it is - roll it away. Next, Jesus acknowledges His Father and His faith in the Father. I exhort you today to lean not to your own understanding, but to acknowledge Him in all your ways, (Proverbs 3:5-6). Finally, He calls the dead man forth and instructs the people to unwrap him out of the grave clothes. Are you wrapped in dead issues that are weighing you down? Those are the things we need to release while holding fast to Gods divine will for our lives. For Martha, Mary and Lazarus it was not over and it is not over for you and your family either.

Please get this today! Ask yourself, what day are you in? Are you in your day four where everything seems bleak, dim, dead and unfruitful? Are you still asking why bother? The good news is it ain't over! God is still calling your name! He is in the resurrecting business. Need a jump start, new start, reviving or resuscitating - get connected, fall at His feet and look up - this is where your help comes from. You my sister are still breathing; you are on this side of the dirt. He's calling your name - can you hear Him? Be of good courage and roll away the stone, whatever that hindrance is which so easily entangles, (Hebrews 12:1). It's not over, until God says it's over.