Several years ago I was preaching at a church, and during the invitation a man and his family came to the altar and prayed for an extended amount of time.  When I began praying for them and speaking with them I asked if there was anything in particular I could help them pray about.  The man responded by saying, “No preacher, we are down here just thanking God for bringing us out of Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.  We are so glad that God brought us out of Chapter 11.”

     What was interesting is that I had been preaching from John chapter 12.  This was the chapter when Mary anointed the feet of Christ in worship and adoration.  In the message I must have said something to the effect, “God brought Mary and her family out of chapter 11 and into chapter 12.”  In chapter 11, Lazarus died, the sisters were sorely distressed, and life had taken a serious fall (it’s a terrible chapter), but the Lord delivered right on time and brought them through chapter 11 into chapter 12. 

     We all from time to time go through “Chapter 11.”  But much like the family that endured financial despair, God brings us through; and in Chapter 12 we should be found at the feet of Jesus giving Him praise and honor for the good things He has done.