Do you remember how, in [The Chronicles of] Narnia, the white witch turned the living creatures into stone? It wasn’t until Aslan came and breathed on them that life was restored.
Some of you have written me privately telling me that your heart became cold and withdrawn during a period of enormous loss. When loss comes into our lives, Satan also comes prowling in with his lies, hissing: YOU SEE? GOD DOESN’T LOVE YOU.
One of the most moving scenes in all of Scripture is the one when Jesus comes to Mary, in the midst of her tremendous suffering. I pray you will see Him coming to you in your suffering you will feel His warm breath, and be willing to relax in His arms, letting Him be your Comfort, your Control, your Approval.
What Satan wants to do is cause “attachment disorder” between you and your heavenly Father.
“Attachment disorder” occurs when the person who should have protected you hurts you. One of our adopted daughters suffered with this, having experienced abuse in her childhood—so she had a wall up and a stony heart, trying to protect herself. But I see Aslan coming to her in so many ways, breathing on her! In this short but powerful passage, “Aslan” comes and breathes on Mary. If you are suffering, how I pray this will minister to you.
Each of us need Aslan’s warm breath, for this is the power of expulsive love. Unless we truly believe Jesus loves us, we will fear giving up our idols.
1. Read John 11:28-32
- Describe Mary in this scene. What do you think she was feeling, thinking, and why?
- Have the actions of Jesus ever confused you? Has your confusion made you withdraw?
- Why does withdrawing work with Satan’s scheme?
2. Read John 11:33
- Dr. Tim Keller says the words that describe the emotion of Jesus are underplayed by the translators. He is deeply grieved, He is angry—He is groaning in His Spirit. Why, do you think? Write down everything you can think of.
- Put yourself in Mary’s place now—for indeed, He loves you as He did her. He sees your suffering. He sees your tears. He knows your pain. Write down everything you feel.
- Now write down your fear in giving up an idol and also write down the truth you can speak to your soul.
