Ezekiel 37:12-14, Psalm 130:1-8  Romans 8:8-11, John 11:1-45
In the story of Lazarus, we see particular steps being taken before the healing occurs.  God had a plan.  Jesus could have healed Lazarus from afar, without Him waiting a few days, and without the weeping of Martha and Mary - but that was not in God‘s plan. 

My family and I recently had a similar situation. In May of 2022, I was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm. For most people and me, there are no symptoms, and it can be fatal if not found or repaired in time. God had a plan. He made us aware of my heart condition.   I was born with a birth defect in my heart that caused this aneurysm.   I know that God created me and that is how he made my heart.  Some very good Christians prayed that I would be healed without complications or surgery, and God could have healed me with the many prayers of others.  I’ve witnessed His miracles before through the power of prayer and laying on of hands by His anointed servants, but I was not healed by these means.  In December, I finally had surgery to repair the aneurysm. God healed me through the gifted surgeon and staff that He led us to.  Why didn’t God just heal me in the many months leading up to surgery and avoid all this pain and suffering for me and my family?  I just kept thinking “God has a plan”.

Sometimes I believe God wants to get our attention in a particular way. That was definitely the case for me and my family. This moment in time got our attention. We were very alert and willing to listen to what God had to say. We tried everything we could that was Holy.  We ran towards God, we prayed like crazy about every decision, and we accepted His will going forward.  I lived like I was dying.

I’m not sure about my family, but I know what God taught me through this trial.  I was too busy with too many things that didn’t matter, and that didn’t help the kingdom of heaven down here on this earth. God knew I would be getting off track in my fifties, so he allowed me to be born with this heart defect that needed to be repaired. God reminded me of His plan for me, the talents he’s given me, and how to use them more effectively.  Instead of being BUSY (Being Under Satan’s Yoke), I will KISS more (Keep It Simple Saint)! God has a plan. “We” are all in it. He goes before us!

Mike Awtry is married to Buffi and they have three children. Mike is honored to be a part of the Wednesday night Men’s Spirituality Group and been a member of Holy Family Catholic Church for 25 years.