ODJ: jimmy joy
June 8, 2011
It happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this (v.4).
READ: John 11:1-12, 23-44
When my friend Jimmy’s cancer returned for the fourth time, he made a choice. Though he knew the path ahead would be difficult (another invasive, painful surgery inside his lung), he strove to bring glory to God. So during his week-long, post-operative stay in the hospital, he greeted the doctors and nurses (and anyone who entered his room) with a smile and ever-ready discussions of God and faith. Then, when he began to mend, he walked the halls and poked his head into patients’ rooms, ministering to them. He spread “Jimmy joy” wherever he went.
Jimmy’s journey through cancer has been inspiring to me. He’s lived out what Jesus taught us through the sickness of one of his friends. Although Lazarus was “very sick,” Jesus told those near to Him that some good would come from the illness. There was purpose in His friend’s pain. In fact, Jesus said, “[Lazarus’ sickness] happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this” (John 11:4).
When Jesus later entered Bethany (v.17), the people were grieving. But Jesus pushed them toward believing. He asked Lazarus’ sister Martha if she truly believed that He had power to raise her brother back to life and to provide eternal life to those who trust in Him (vv.23-26). She replied, “Lord, I have always believed You.”
Then, just moments before raising Lazarus back to life, Jesus proclaimed, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” (v.40). It takes true belief to bring glory to God in your sickness and pain.
Will you choose to spread some “Jimmy joy” as you deal with the difficult things God is allowing you to go through? If so, you’ll bring glory to Him and be a blessing to others! —Tom Felten
What makes it hard to bring God glory when you're dealing with personal pain and sickness? How will you strive to glorify God through a current trial in your life?
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Life gives us different obstacles to overcome…….If we can be positive without giving up on what we believe, we can show God working through us and change others’ hearts in to following Christ who 24/7 keeps watch over us………..!!!!