Lazarus Awakening

I have not read Joanna Weaver's previous books, *Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World* or *Having a Mary Spirit* so I didn't really know what to expect from this author.  What I did know was that while browsing the list of available books to review, God really spoke to my heart that this was the one I needed.

You see, I, like Lazarus, was dead.  Not entirely dead mind you, but spiritually dead in a few areas of my life.  I was feeling unloved and alone, as if even God had turned from me.  Weaver, however, helped me to realize that God never leaves those whom He loves and that the parts of me that were dead were causing problems.

I began to really start paying attention when Weaver wrote: God knows that if He indulged my insatiable desire to have instantaneous help at each and every juncture, I would never grow up.  Not rally.  Instead I'd be crippled emotionally and unable to stand, let alone walk, on my own.  Growing to maturity means learning to accept delayed gratification...For anyting less results in demanding divas and toddler terrorists.

I was a demanding diva and toddler terrorist.  Jesus waited four days after Lazarus' death before going to him.  All hope seemed lost for Lazarus before Jesus moved.  Why do I expect for my needs and desires that are far short of death to be fulfilled and met immediately.  Weaver goes on to illustrate, using the lives of friends and Bible characters other than Lazarus, the obstacles that can stand in our path to being truly awakened and living the life we were truly awakened to live.

Weaver also includes an 8-10 week companion Bible study in an appendix as well as a comprehensive list of "Resources for Resurrected Living".  The resources include books suggestions to help you get God's love from your head to your heart, being a friend of God, getting out of your tomb, and internet resources as well.  Weaver also includes an appendix of Bible verses to help us identify who we are in Christ (such as I am accepted, I am secure, and I am significant) as well as two other appendixes to assist you with truly awakening.

I have to say that this has been a truly inspirational and much needed book and I thank Weaver for following God and writing it!

This book was received at no cost as part of the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.  The review was not required to be positive.