Good Enough: God Sees, Values, Cares, Feels, and Accepts You! A 5-Day Devotional Plan by Dr. Peggie Etheredge Johnson Sample

God Cares About The Things You Are Concerned About

Jesus is already Who you need Him to be!

I considered my prayer to be an emergency! My sister was sick and dying! I had a personal relationship with the One who could heal her and prevent her death. I cried to God, day and night, for healing, only to look into her beautiful brown eyes and hear them say, “Let me go!”

But how could I ever entertain the thought of letting her go?

It would be years before I understood the power of praying, “Your will be done,” and “take her out of her misery.” I learned the peace of loving and trusting God’s will. He was Who I needed Him to be. He cared about all that concerned me. Understanding how difficult it was for me to let her go, He surrounded me with His strength to exchange my will for His. I willingly surrendered to His will with no remorse or regret.

Mary of Bethany’s relationship with Jesus meant she understood some things about His power and authority to do anything within the Father’s will. Imagine how she must have felt when Jesus did not respond to the news of Lazarus’ illness. Like me, Mary knew much about Jesus, but she had so much more to learn. Lazarus’ death for God’s glory was just a significant setup!

I also knew God’s power, so I felt justified in my righteous anger and indignation when my sister died. God knew my heart and patiently waited to reveal Himself in mind-blowing ways I never imagined. My needs were trivial when compared to my sister's desires and the fulfillment of her purpose on earth. My trust in God became a treasure as I learned He heals the physical body and the wounded heart.

Mary’s relationship with Jesus did not prevent the seasons and challenges of life from progressing. She experienced the agonizing pain of the death of her beloved brother, Lazarus. Jesus knew His friend had died, yet He did not rush to see the family in Bethany. Have you ever felt Jesus did not care about what was hurting you? God was with Mary even though she may not have realized His presence. Even in our most tremendous turmoil, Jesus is with us and the answer to all our prayers!

YOU are good enough for God to dwell with you! When He dwells within, you need not send for Him (2 Corinthians 13:5).

Reflection: How will you respond when Jesus’ purpose collides with your reasoning and felt needs? Write down whatever comes to mind!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being with us and caring about what hurts and bothers us, in Jesus’ name, Amen!