John 11:41-42 Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
‘What Would Jesus Do’ is a poignant question when we are going through disappointment, grief or suffering. What we think, how we talk and testify when we are in the furnace of a trial would shape our future. There would be times when the wayward child would turn from bad to worse, or the relationship that we try hard to mend would look hopeless and the breakthrough that we have been toiling for would drift away, as we fast and pray. These are times when we must stop our rational and logical thinking and go back to the basics. These are times when we must do what Jesus would do. Faith and Facts are on two ends of the spectrum. Faith will prove what facts disapprove. Faith will reverse an adverse medical report. Faith will call things that do not exist as if they are. As it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”–in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist (Romans 4:17).
Jesus called out to the dead man in the tomb and Lazarus who was dead four days heard Him. WWJD – Do what Jesus would do to the dead, dry and despondent situations of our life. Speak “life” to the dryness in the relationship, weakening organs of the body, to the family member who has gone astray, and the withering financial and business opportunities. Speak God’s Word over the dead circumstances. His Word is like fire and it will ignite the dry and dead dreams into a bonfire.
WWJD – What would Jesus Do?
1. Think: Think like Jesus. Be confident that He is listening to your prayers. “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.” Jesus was praying for Lazarus from the time He heard that he was sick and He knew that His prayers had been heard. Our thoughts feed into our confidence and confidence builds faith.
2. Talk: Talk like Jesus. There was no ambiguity or vagueness in the words of Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40). The words of Jesus were confident as He knew His Father’s will. Wait to hear God and speak only what He speaks to you even if the circumstances are against you.
3. Thank: Testify like Jesus. Thanksgiving was the vocabulary of Jesus. He started His prayer with thanksgiving. Thank God before your prayers are answered.
WWJD – in dejection, despondency and dryness? Jesus will thank, testify and triumph.
John 11:42a “You always hear me.”
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, teach me to think, talk and testify like you. Let only thankfulness overflow even in desperation and disappointment. Amen.
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