21 Days of Prayer and Fasting: Day 20

Yesterday, we examined Jesus’ ability to slow down amid busyness. He had this extraordinary capacity to be busy without being hurried. While this ability to slow down may not seem inherently spiritual, we should recognize it flowed out of the rhythm of his life that was built on prayer. Seasons of prayer are incredibly beneficial, but real change occurs when we order our lives around prayer instead of trying to fit prayer into our lives.

Some of what Jesus said and did may make little sense from our perspective. Sometimes, we have to take it on faith that his ways are higher than ours. Today we will look at one such example. When facing a crisis involving loved ones, Jesus chose to remain unhurried.

READ

John 11:1-7

“A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord’s feet and wiped them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick. So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, ‘Lord, your dear friend is very sick.’

But when Jesus heard about it he said, ‘Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.’ So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days. Finally, he said to his disciples, ‘Let’s go back to Judea.’”

REFLECT

You likely know how this story ends—if you don’t, read the rest of the story through John 11:45. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, a foreshadowing of his own resurrection. Still, put yourself into the beginning of the story. Jesus hears that Lazarus is sick, yet he stays put for two more days. Even in an emergency, Jesus was not in a hurry.

Now, that was partly because he knew what was coming. However, when we examine the Gospel accounts, we can see Jesus was never hurried. He didn’t exert control over circumstances, despite having the power to do so. In the whirlwind of activity, how can we follow Jesus’ example by refusing to exercise unnecessary control even when things are not what we desire? What can we learn from living like this?

Think of a time during your week when you tend to rush. Intentionally plan to keep yourself from hurrying, even when you have things to do. Imagine what a weekday morning looks like without a feeling of hurry when you have to get the kids to school and then get to work. Or when you leave the office at rush hour to make dinner and get out the door to the next activity. When you feel the tug of hurry in your inner world, take a moment to stop and pray.

RESPOND

In your private time with God, prepare your heart for the circumstances when you are most likely to rush. Ask God to help you turn moments of hurry and worry into times of prayer. Meditate on Philippians 4:6-7.

Prayer: “Lord, I want to live life Your way, even when it doesn’t make sense from my point of view. I want to yield control over to You. I give you control of my schedule, tasks, and all that I have to do. Help me live without hurry, to slow down and be present with You. Help me to replace control over my life with faith. Work in me and through me during this time of prayer and fasting. Amen.”

By Dave Mann

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