C.Ryenne Thoughts

The story of Lazarus has been everywhere for me the past couple weeks. You’d think I was exaggerating by saying I’ve heard it at least 10 times the past month…I’m not exaggerating. So, I figured I should probably go read it for myself and see what God was trying to get me to understand.

I’ll be very honest. I have been going through a tough season that has not been very fun. It’s been full of insecurity and doubt in myself and lots of comparison. All of these negative feelings about myself and my capabilities led me to not trusting in Jesus.

I’ve gotten so wrapped up in the lies of “well He’s using them and not me” and “He said this to them and not me”.

I’ve learned that I have been relying too much on others to see my capabilities, skills, and gifts.

Mostly because I only recognize those things when someone tells me I have done a good job.

In other words, I’ve been so wrapped up in finding myself in other people and being hurt by that, that I’ve been asleep in my faith.

Not in disbelief about Jesus, but my faith in Jesus. My faith in what He can do and will do.

In the story of Lazarus, the disciples doubted Jesus. They did not have faith that He would be able to raise Lazarus.

“So then he told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.’” John 11:14

Mary and Martha also did not have faith that He would be able to raise Lazarus. They said, “Lord if you would have been here then my brother would not have died.”

They believed He could heal Lazarus, but not raise him from the dead.

They put mental limitations on what He could do.

Instead of being annoyed at the lack of faith in Him, Jesus felt compassion. He entered into their pain.

Yes, He loved Lazarus, but seeing His people mourn made Him weep. He does the same for us.

He’s met me in my frustration and lack of faith. He’s sat with me while I’ve cried and been angry. He feels that with me.

He doesn’t want us to dwell in the lies we feel, see, and hear. According to the type of person you are, He will shut those lies down right away or gently guide you through it…sometimes both.

Sometimes it is hard to have faith in what Jesus is doing in your life, especially when you have not received much in that season. Especially when you see people in different seasons that are receiving.

Do not compare yourself and where you are.

As much as you want to be out of the season you are in, there is a reason your there.

Keep looking to God. Keep praying. Keep living for Jesus.

There is something He is trying to teach you.

If you have fallen asleep in faith, let Jesus raise you up.

Our God is so much bigger than we think He is.

My challenge for you this week is to take 2 minutes or longer each night and list out 3 things you are thankful for. Maybe God did something incredible for you that day, maybe it was an awful day, but you have a roof over your head, and maybe you just got a smile from someone in passing.

He is a faithful God who never stops believing in us. Give Him a chance to show you how much He loves and believes in you.

– C. Ryenne

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:12

“But in fact, God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:18-20

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17