Words from Wendy

“When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” – John 11:32 NLT

School is out, Confirmands confirmed, Seniors graduated and many senior parties to attend along with the June weddings. Once again a busy time in people's lives. This verse reminds us that there are no “if onlys” in God’s kingdom. Think about that for a moment…there are no “if onlys” in God’s kingdom. Wow, that gets one thinking.

The “could haves”, "should haves”, and “would haves”, are sayings that each of us have or will live with in a moment of regret. Yes, decisions would be a heck of a lot easier if we could only know what’s going to happen.

We find Mary overflowing with regret when Jesus arrives, sobbing at His feet saying “If only you had been here, my brother would not have died”. But Jesus knew something that Mary had not yet realized: there are no “if onlys”, no regrets, no “should haves, could haves or would haves” in God’s kingdom. This suffering of regret that Mary and Martha were going through was only temporary. As we know, in a matter of minutes Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. The Son of God would be glorified, bringing eternal joy to a mourning family suffering from regret.

Do you have any regrets you’re currently struggling through? Now is the time to lay those “if onlys” at the feet of Jesus. He is the only one to know what’s next, and He can take any situation (even death!) and use it for His glory - and your joy.

So with summer upon us let us remember to pause, breathe before making, or speak of decisions. Here is a prayer for you when we don’t pause to seek God’s guidance and jump to a decision or comment.

Prayer: Regrets, Jesus, I have a few. Forgive me and help me forgive myself. Please use these missteps to Your glory - to further Your kingdom here and for eternity. Amen.

Peace, SAM Wendy