Lazarus

There was a man named Lazarus who became critically ill. His sisters, Martha And Mary, alerted their friend Jesus with the intention of having him visit them and provide healing. They were certain that Jesus had the power to cure the sickness that their bed-ridden brother suffered from. Jesus loved Lazarus, but He decided not to to see him immediately; He stayed two additional days in the same place. He knew that the illness Lazarus was suffering would surely result in his death. However, He planned to use the situation to glorify the name of the Heavenly Father. The Jews that were also accompanying Mary would see this and recognize that He was the Son of God and the promised Messiah. 

Upon arrival Jesus could see the sisters Mary and Martha distressed, mourning the loss of their sibling. “Where is he?” Jesus asked, as tears welled in his eyes. The three proceeded towards the tomb where Lazarus layed, a cave enclosed by a boulder. Without delay, the Messiah asked that the giant stone be removed. Martha, concerned that this opening would let out a foul odor, spoke, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus replied with heavenly confidence: “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” As he spoke, the stone was rolled away and He raised his eyes to the sky as he spoke: “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. And I know that you always hear me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that you sent me.” He then cried with a loud voice: “Lazarus, come forth!” Lo and behold, a miracle was witnessed that day in the town of Bethany. Lazarus exited the cave wrapped in linen cloth and walked towards the voice of the Man who revived him. The people were ordered to unbound him so he could move freely.   

In our lives the Almighty may work in such a manner. Sometimes our walls look to be collapsing, we only see the darkness caving in, surrounding us and we cease to remember the God we serve has an expertise in the realm of the impossible. When man's inventions and scientific advancements leave us wanting, our heavenly Father’s power breaks through the night like the rising sun.

God will work in your life, there is nothing impossible for Him. Don't assume the incredulous position of Martha. God is bigger than your problem. Trust in him because your miracle is on its way and in the end his Name will be glorified.

Think about these questions:

• What was the difference between the faith of the sisters Martha and Mary?
• What was the purpose of Jesus' two-day “delay” in visiting Lazarus and how can we apply this lesson on timing in our lives? 
• What makes you think that your problem is bigger than the Creator of the heavens and the earth?