Be present. Pay attention. Make the most of your time here.
These were the instructions I whispered to myself as I toured the Holy Land. Weary and worn-out from all the preparations prior to the trip, I did not want to miss the wonder and weight of where my feet were planted—where Jesus had once walked.
Thousands of years ago, Jesus walked back to Bethany, where his friends Martha and Mary were grieving the death of their brother, and His friend, Lazarus. This sibling trio was near and dear to Jesus’s heart. They had experienced life together—through shared meals and fruitful teaching. But now, death was served, and grief was their portion.
Martha went out to meet Jesus upon his return to Bethany. John 11:21-22 records what she said to her friend. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
Martha, once rebuked for being distracted by all her preparations (Luke 10:40), acknowledges that Jesus’s Presence could have changed the grave outcome. More than the incredible miracle that is about to take place, Jesus reveals His true identity to Martha in John 11:25. He goes above and beyond what is seen and understood in the natural, and gives Martha a greater revelation of Who He is before He demonstrates what He can supernaturally do. Jesus points His friends to Himself—living hope, beyond their current circumstances. Jesus does not just offer Martha, or us, resurrection and life, He is the resurrection and the life!
True hope for our loneliness and losses is found in the Presence of Jesus. He understands the loneliness that comes from being misunderstood, mistreated, and accused. He knows the thrust of grief from losing loved ones. Through His own death on the Cross and His resurrection from the grave, Jesus serves lasting hope and eternal life as our portion—for those who believe in Him by faith. And He provides the Holy Spirit to be our ever-present help here on earth—our Comforter, our Advocate, reminding us of Jesus’s promises, example, wisdom, and commands (John 14:25-26).
Wherever your feet walk today, whether in sorrow or joy: Be present. Pay attention. Make the most of your time here.
Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” – John 11:25
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank You that I have lasting hope in Your Presence. You provide peace as my daily portion even when life serves up loneliness and loss. You are compassionate toward me and supply me with Your promises, example, wisdom, and commands. I do not walk alone for You are with me. Thank You for Your comfort and Your patience. Help me draw near to You in each season, to entrust my loved ones to you fully, and to experience Your resurrecting power in areas that seem dead. Nothing is too hard for You! You are more than able to do anything. Thank You that You are not too busy for me. Help me to be more aware of You and trust You more each day.
Amen.
What is one way you can be more present in your relationship with Jesus and others?
Katie M. Reid writes inspirational rom-com fiction (and non-fiction too). She is the author of the Very Bavarian series, Made Like Martha, and The Digital Peace Pact. She inspires audiences to live out their purpose with tenacity and grace through her books, speaking, songwriting, and The Martha + Mary Show podcast. As the Inspiration Doula, Katie coaches creatives as they bring life to their projects.
Katie’s favorite rom-com movie is “Sweet Home Alabama,” although Katie, her leading man, and five lively kids call Michigan home sweet home. She is a fan of musicals, happy (and realistic) endings, and cut-to-the-chase conversations over iced tea.
Connect with Katie and subscribe to her Good News-letter at katiemreid.com
Holly Noel Brigham is thrilled about her boyfriend’s upcoming visit to Bavarian Falls. What could go wrong?
Navigating a long-distance relationship is no picnic. Work demands, a wildfire, and insecurities threaten Holly’s and Nik’s summer plans and future goals.
What was supposed to be a season of carefree dates and tender kisses is complicated by unexpected loss, a surprise visitor, and the pressure of the Christmas in July Festival.
In an effort to strengthen their relationship, Holly and Nik decide to ask each other twenty questions…
What do you dream about?
What makes you cry?
What are you second-guessing?
What makes you angry?
Why do you love me?
The questions eerily parallel reality, causing a roller coaster of emotions and a high-elevation argument.
Is Holly’s and Nik’s relationship strong enough to endure some twists and turns or is this the end of the road?
