August 9 – Are You Listening?

In today’s episode, Pastor Jenny Dirmann shares a devotion from John 11 and the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Throughout the passage, both the disciples and Martha hear Jesus speak but struggle to fully understand or trust what He is telling them. When Jesus says Lazarus has fallen asleep, the disciples misunderstand until He speaks plainly and tells them Lazarus is dead. Later, Jesus tells Martha that her brother will rise again, but although she believes Jesus is the Messiah and knows that God can do anything, she does not yet expect Him to literally raise Lazarus from the grave. Pastor Jenny reminds listeners that it is possible to believe Jesus is who He says He is while still struggling to believe He will do what He has said. God is speaking, and our responsibility is not only to listen but to trust Him at His word. When we struggle to understand His direction, we can continue drawing near and ask Him to speak more plainly. Whatever circumstances look like, we can live with hopeful expectation that God is faithful and will accomplish what He has promised.Today's Reading:August 9 – Jeremiah 52; Psalm 143–144; John 11