So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well… - John 12:10Lazarus' response? "Been there, done that; have the t-shirt."
A man who has spent four days in the grave only to be raised back to this world by Jesus is a tough man to scare. My guess is that if Lazarus had been given the choice of staying in the grave or coming back out, he would have chosen the grave - because he had first-hand experience that it wasn't the end.
As Paul put it, "I am hard pressed between the two (living or dying). My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better" (Philippians 1:23). Paul then (actually a couple verses earlier) makes this overarching declaration, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (v.21).
Settled. (As in, Settled! Period!)
Both Lazarus and Paul had something settled that made all the difference. They were not scared of death. And that completely freed them to live out their life purpose without fear. When we have the majors settled, the minors don't seem to have the same earth-shattering impact.
So the question is, what do you fear? And is it draining you; keeping you from boldly living your God-given purpose?
I had breakfast with a friend a while back and told him about a fear I have. I think it was the first time I've ever said it out loud, and definitely not to another human (other than my Golden Retriever Max). I know down deep that this particular fear has disabled me in the past; at least partially. Referring back to John 10 (and my post), I have in some ways become comfortable living with the discomfort of a soul-robber. And that is difficult place to live.
Fear and faith cannot cohabitate. Just as light and darkness cannot. Where light is, darkness retreats. Where faith is, fear shies away. And when the majors are settled, the minors become less the obstacles we thought they were.
"… let us also lay aside every weight... and let us run with endurance
the race that is set before us… looking to Jesus…" (Hebrews 12:1,2)
God, you've already settled the majors in my life, give me the faith to give you the minors also.
For now...
D
