'Courage To Face The Discouraging'
by:(Pastor James Scarborough, Donalsonville Assembly of God)

There is no shortage of examples of the awesome nature of God in Scripture. What is absolutely amazing is the truth that He is the same today as He was when the holy pages were recorded. As we move rapidly into the Christmas season, we must not overlook the great expression of God's love that was perfectly extended through Jesus Christ to a human race horribly corrupted by sin - an intervention of God that brought hope where none existed apart from the gracious provision of Jesus Christ.

One of the great miracles of God demonstrated through Christ as recorded in the New Testament book of John was the raising of Lazarus to life from the dead. We are understandably awestruck when we read of Christ speaking the word that resulted in Lazarus, a man who had been dead for four days, being restored to life. Certainly this is worth our complete attention, yet the account has more to offer than information about an event that took place on the other side of the world centuries ago. It contains encouragement for us today to keep trusting God even when the immediate outward evidence is completely discouraging. Christ came to give us the courage to face the discouraging.

The encouragement that Christ brings shows us that God has authority over everything that wants to destroy us. John 11 begins by stating that Lazarus, a dear friend of Christ was sick. As the story continues, we find that the sickness resulted in death. The sickness and death of Lazarus affected the lives of his family and friends; it had not only physical significance, but emotional and spiritual effects as well. Through His power and authority, Christ spoke the word that not only brought Lazarus back to life, it also restored the joy of those grieving and elevated the faith of many to a new level. His authority remains unchanged today.

The encouragement that Christ brings shows us that God has a personal interest in our well being. Several times in John 11 it is clearly demonstrated that Christ loved Lazarus and his sisters. When Mary and Martha initially summoned Christ to their sick brother, they said, "Lord, the one you love is sick" (verse 3, NIV). In verse 11, He referred to Lazarus as "our friend" and in verse 36 those who observed the compassion of Christ expressed toward the deceased said, "See how He loved him!" Christ is touched by the things that touch His children today; He loves us just as He did Lazarus.

The encouragement that Christ brings shows us that God has included us in His plan. Even though we sometimes walk through deep, dark and rugged valleys, His desire is to use our circumstances to allow us the joy of bringing honor to Him. When Christ heard of the sickness of His friend, He said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it" (verse 4). It is plainly stated in the Biblical account that Lazarus died from whatever sickness he was stricken with, but death was not the end; it was the beginning of a journey of victory that brought honor to God. God can use the most unlikely events of our lives to give us the privilege of being used to bring honor to Him.

As we approach the Christmas celebration and all the activities associated with this great observance, let us not lose sight of why Christ came. He came to win victory that we could never achieve for ourselves. May we be encouraged today through His everlasting gift.