He's Our Oh-So-Personal God

Jesus wept (John 11:35)

God is oh-so-personal. I'm swept off my feet each time He loves on me in a way that touches me personally. You know those times when He reminds you that He knows you and that He cares about what you care about because He loves you. Whether simple or extravagant, it's personal.

I remember one time in particular. It's was simple, but it touched my heart as if God Himself swept me up in a tangible hug. I was working a temp job at a maternity home as a House Mother for a week, while the permanent House Mother moved in. The maternity home had just opened, and there was only one girl living in the house. One day the three of us took a little venture to town for lunch. Side Note: I was struggling spiritually- I wasn't talking about it, but it was a draining season. Apparently, it was noticeable. Go figure. As soon as we pulled into Subway, and House Mother had cut the engine, she turned around and said, " I feel like God is asking me to pray for you. Can I pray for you". Y'all, I was desperate for someone to take me to the throne because I wasn't making it on my own (that's the way it seemed). I don't remember her words. What I remember is that God remembered me. In His kindness, He laid me upon her heart. I wasn't forgotten after all. His act of love overwhelmed me.

In John chapter 11, we read the story of Lazarus' sickness and ultimate death.

So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”... Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days (John 11:3, 6).

Oh the Lord's timing!

If you know the story, you know that Jesus "drags His feet" and arrives after the death of Lazarus. Most people focus on that fact that Jesus wept in this story, which definitely shows His heart for us, but that's not where I'm focused today. I love what Martha says to Mary after meeting Jesus on the road.

“The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” (John 11:28).

He was asking for Mary. Doesn't that do something to your heart? This was Mary of Bethany, sweet Mary, who tenderly bathed Jesus' feet with her tears.

Did you realized Mary didn't even meet Jesus on the road, like Martha? But Jesus, calls for her.

When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled (John 11:32-33).

Jesus finds Mary at His feet again. 

Where have you laid him?” he asked. Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” (John 11:34-36).

He. Loves. You.

I pray that each of you experience His love in a personal way real soon.

In His Name,
Jennifer