"Being Negative"

"Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him." John 11:16

Why is it that we tend to gravitate to the negative? When something happens, we seem to lean more toward the "bad" instead of the possibility of the "good". For example, when there is an ailment in our body, we automatically start thinking the worse. We tend to "borrow" trouble.

When Jesus told His disciples that He was going to Judaea to raise Lazarus from the dead, their first thought was, "The Jews tried to stone you when you were there before and you want to go there now?" (v.8) Of course they went with Him but under the belief that they were going to die there with Him. (v. 16) All they could see was a negative outcome.

Is there something going on in your life? Are you facing an illness? Do you have a rebellious child? Are things getting slow at work and there is talk of a lay off in your department? Are your thoughts those of fear, hopelessness, despair? True enough bad things happen around us and to us, but for the Christian these should not be our first thoughts or reactions. We serve a God of hope. The situation may give the appearance that it is bad. Attacking thoughts may come that say it is bad. But we should not gravitate or lean in that direction-- a defeated direction. We are people of faith. We should lean toward the Lord and His promises. We should cast down worry, fear and anxiety and wait upon the Lord.

The disciples already had their "funeral" planned before they even started on their journey to Lazarus. Does that describe you? The outcome was not at all what they expected. Even though the people had sought to kill Jesus before, He was still in control of the whole situation. You may be feeling that it is hopeless and the report will be bad. But remember that Jesus is still in control and regardless of how it may appear all things work together for the good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. Don't be like the disciples and give up before you even start.

Have a great day. Do you tend to gravitate to the negative?

For further reading:
John 11:1-44
Romans 8:28
2 Timothy 1:7
Philippians 4:8
<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
Please feel free to
call (601) 833-5278 or
Email: mastersbusiness@bellsouth.net
Visit us on the web: www.mastersbusiness.org
You are welcomed to make copies and distribute them free of charge.
You may also forward them via e-mail or post them to your website - leaving the whole message in tact unless permission is granted to do otherwise. Please remember to give credit to About the Master's Business Ministry.