I was reading another blog yesterday, and as I was reading the story, a revelation absolutely jumped out at me. I invite you, read the account below of Jesus in John chapter 12, and see if anything jumps out at you?? (don't worry, no tests will follow)

John 12: 1,2,9-11

1 Jesus, therefore, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him.... 9 The large crowd of the Jews then learned that He (Jesus) was there; and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death also; 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and were believing in Jesus.

Did it jump out at you? Read v.10 again.....But the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death also; because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and were believing in Jesus!!!!

What the heck did Lazarus do? What was it that was so criminal that would warrant his murder, especially by the chief priests? We have no record of him going on the offensive to evangelize the world. He's never mentioned as an author, actor, director, or pundit of his time. He would never write one book that we are aware of.

The simple truth is, He WAS a miracle. He was a reason to believe. He was a reason to put their (and our) faith in a loving, compassionate, caring, and miracle working God; both then and now. They (the chief priests) knew that if his story got out, he would inspire the masses to believe in and follow, the living Christ. They knew that his story was one that could not be refuted theologically, spiritually, emotionally, or mentally. He simply was a walking, talking, living, breathing, unable to be explained away-miracle.

Everyone who Jodi and I have had the painful pleasure of telling our marital story to, has been amazed at how we have seen our marriage restored. Sure, unlike Lazarus, we had to DO a few things. A whole lot of things, actually. We continually have to make decisions appropriately, and stay faithful to a restoration program. We did and do, have a part to play in this miracle, but it was orchestrated by Jesus and His power, surely not our own.

Much like Lazarus, our restored marriages and stories of redemption are miracles. Miracles for other troubled souls to look at, be amazed by, and find faith to continue on in their own journey. Miracles for other hurting spouses to find faith, courage, and most of all hope, that they can truly overcome the seemingly insurmountable effects of infidelity.

Thank God for Mary and Martha, who both wanted Lazarus to live. Often times, but not always, there is at least one who wants to save the marriage. Not always, but many times one spouse wants to make the marriage work and see it live again. Sometimes the relentless faith of one, can be a launching pad for God to do impossible things.

If you read John chapter 11, you'll find that Jesus wept right along side Mary and Martha, before He actually healed Lazarus. I am quite sure Jesus has been incredibly grieved by my sin, and the effect it has had on so many. It's a safe assumption He too has wept over my fall. Over the course of my healing, I have had several moments where the weight of my sin and deception has gripped me in indescribable measure. It seems by design, I am perpetually unable to escape the reality of my sin and fall. I am reminded of it almost every day, and I too, weep quite often at my painful demise.

Though Jesus was heartbroken and grieved at the appearance of death, it didn't stop Him from continuing on in His plan for a resurrection. He too, like any marriage seeking restoration, must "walk by faith, and not mere sight.(2 Cor 5:7)" The appearance of certain death and impossibility didn't stop Him then, and doesn't stop Him now. In fact, He does His best work in the face of impossibility.

Jesus knew how to get the most out of this miracle. He waited, for just the right time, after just the right circumstances unfolded, to resurrect life into a dead soul. No matter what your marriage may look like now, He is not intimidated by it, and He certainly hasn't given up....even if you have. Sometimes death, is a preclude to a resurrection that will inspire multitudes to one day believe.

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO YOU TODAY? Many times we will encounter hateful and venemous resistance like Lazarus did, all because we are a miracle orchestrated by the very hands of Jesus. I believe the enemy knows just how much impact our redeemed marriages will bring, if they are allowed to succeed. Often times we encounter the rage of some, and the strategic attack of others, all because it's part of the plan to destroy any message of hope for troubled marriages attempting to put the pieces back together. I think we sell ourselves short if we do not wake up to the fact that often times in our recovery, we will encounter incredible spiritual resistance. Simply because of the hope that we can be used to bring to other marriages where suffering this same havoc. If we are so naive to think that the enemy, satan himself and all his dark kingdom, is going to sit back and let us be restored, and let our families be preserved, we are incredibly mistaken and naive. If the enemy wanted to kill Lazarus, why won't he want to kill our marriages? Please don't misunderstand me, it's not our power that will bring hope to other marriages suffering from this cancer. It was the power of Christ that resurrected Lazarus, and it's only the power of Christ that will save, redeem, and restore other troubled marriages and families. We are simply the broken and fragile vessels, chosen to be the carriers of such hope for a mass of wounded people who really want to see marital resurrection. Should we continue to allow the grace of God to heal us, we will have endless opportunity to let God use our redeemed marriages to help inspire others, and help them not quit, AT ANYTHING! I want to encourage you today, to know that sometimes the battles you are facing and fighting, are not just about you. They are about a sea of people who need your testimony of endurance, victory, and triumph, all to continue on in their own battle. Know for certain today, that with Christ's power and grace, you can win this fight. You can overcome this war you are facing, and the resistance you are encountering is not just about you; it's about who you will reach and inspire, by your own testimony of a resurrected marriage and family.
WE'RE HERE FOR YOU AND WE'RE PRAYING FOR YOU!!!