Putting God in a Box

• Luke 7:6 (NASB)
• Luke 7:7 (NASB)
• John 11:21 (NASB)
• John 11:32 (NASB)

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Jesus could have saved Lazarus at any time. Everyone throughout the passage acknowledges that; and eventually he did. Part of the problem Mary and Martha were faced with was a bad assumption. They assumed that Jesus needed to be present for a miracle to occur. Contrast this with the centurion who who told Jesus, "Just say the word, and my servant will be healed." (Luke 7:6-7)

Looking at Mary and Martha in this context reminds me that I need to regularly reexamine my assumptions about God and make sure I'm not sticking him in a box I've created. In assuming things about God, I short circuit opportunities to experience the excitement of what God can and will do in and through my life. I lose the simple expectation and anticipation that comes with waiting and watching for how God is going to respond.

I need to be reminded that God is powerful enough to have created the entire universe, intimate enough to know the numbers of hairs on my head, and loving enough to listen and respond to my prayers.

Thank you, Lord.

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