Jesus would perform the miracle, but He asked for someone else to take away the stone. A demonstration and a need for human obedience. Situations like this often have a place in God’s supernatural work of prayer in our lives, even if it has a stick of disdain in our thinking. In praying for others about Jesus, the follower of Christ may need to ‘roll back the stone’ of fear, error, prejudice, or even despair; because it is still God doing the work, not the effectiveness of a person’s witness that raises the spiritually dead to bring new life, (a second birth).

 
Martha was fearful and anxious for Jesus to come, leaning upon her own strength. It becomes very difficult for us too, at times of high emotional unrest to let our Lord take the lead and to trust Him. Whether or not it’s the passing of a brother or other loved one of our own, the quiet heart, listening to the voice of God’s presence, will bring a calm that Mary, Martha’s sister came to recognize.

 
From recent tragedies, both in Ukraine and Texas, I’ve been listening more and more in prayer and resting to a greater extent in His presence when praying for those who have suffered so much. Then, as the Spirit leads, I make my petition through God’s preeminence, asking for His extra measure of grace, strength, and hope, especially for those who are filled with sorrow and need.

 
Father… bring us to the throne room of your Blessed Assurance, and for those we pray for, may they with us, witness your power — the wonderful glory of God.

 
Robert Lives in Sunnyvale, CA serving in a Sharing and Caring Ministry. Contact