SCRIPTURE: John 11:39-46

39: Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
40: Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
41: Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
42: And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me…
46: But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: WHEN WE BELIEVE HIS WORD, WE WILL SEE HIS GLORY

Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days, and from a human perspective, the situation was beyond hope. Yet Jesus stood before the tomb and challenged Martha to believe. This passage teaches us that faith enables us to look beyond the impossibility of our circumstances and trust the power of God. Jesus commanded, “Take ye away the stone” (v. 39). Martha hesitated because Lazarus had been dead for four days. But Jesus reminded her, “Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (v. 40).

Sometimes the “stone” that needs to be removed is not a physical object but fear, doubt, unbelief, bitterness or resignation. God may be asking us to take a step of faith before we see the miracle.

Jesus then prayed to the Father and called Lazarus out of the tomb. At His command, the dead man came forth (vv. 41–44). What appeared impossible became an opportunity for God’s glory to be revealed.

The miracle also produced different responses. Many of the Jews who saw what Jesus did believed in Him (v. 45), while others reported the matter to the Pharisees (v. 46). God’s work calls for a response.

The tomb looked final, but Jesus had the final word. When we believe and obey Christ, we position ourselves to witness the manifestation of God’s glory. Never allow the appearance of an impossible situation to make you doubt the power of Jesus.

ASSIGNMENT
Spend time in the presence of God and ask for His glory upon your life.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, increase my faith when I face impossible situations.