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Believe, Then See

By Julissa Rivera

Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe [in Me], you will see the glory of God [the expression of His excellence]?” –John 11:40 (AMP)

We began the journey toward our dream of purchasing our first home in February 2000. As we sat with our loan officer, I couldn’t help but kick my husband, Mike, under the table while trying to keep a straight face. I had just heard him confidently say, “We’ll have 20 percent of the down payment for the home in two weeks.” We shook her hand as I silently thought, This man has lost his mind!

After quickly waddling my very pregnant self out of the bank, I looked at Mike and with a very passionate tone asked, “What were you thinking?! Where are we going to get that amount of money in two weeks?!” He looked at me with hope in his eyes, smiled, and said, “I felt faith arise in me. Julissa, there’s nothing impossible for God!” Mike then went on to quote John 11:40, “‘Did I not say that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?’” As I opened my mouth to speak, the Holy Spirit stopped me and asked, “Do you believe I can do this?” I remember taking a deep breath, closing my eyes, and whispering, “Yes, Lord, I believe You can. You have never failed us.”

The words my husband declared in faith that day are the very same words Jesus told Martha as He stood in front of the tomb of her brother and His dear friend Lazarus. Four days had passed, and all hope was lost. Martha and Mary both struggled with the time frame in which Jesus showed up. The people of the village were also perplexed with His delay. Everyone thought He was too late. He wasn’t. God is never too late—He is always on time, even when His timing doesn’t match our expectations.

Jesus purposefully delayed His trip to Bethany so we can believe for the impossible. According to Jewish belief, the soul of a person lingers three days after dying, providing hope for a resurrection. However, if nothing happened on the fourth day, that hope was as dead as the person lying there. Let’s look at the scene:

Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there will be an offensive odor, for he has been dead four days! [It is hopeless!]” Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe [in Me], you will see the glory of God [the expression of His excellence]?” John 11:39–40 (AMP, emphasis added)

What a declaration from Jesus! If you believe, you will see His glory!

When everything within our human strength or effort fails, it’s an opportunity for Jesus to step in and do what only He can do. This is when He demonstrates His love, His power, and His glory.

The next time you see yourself standing before something you deem hopeless, lifeless, or impossible, I want to encourage you to believe and trust in God no matter what you see! Take Him at His Word! The story of Lazarus is a beautiful picture and reminder that God can bring life to any difficult circumstance or situation. We serve an all-powerful, faithful, and loving God who fulfills what He promises. He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above anything we ask or imagine, if we just believe (see Ephesians 3:20). Trust Him! Faith is the key that unlocks His glory—an expression of His excellence and goodness in our lives. “And without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).

The story of Lazarus ends with God receiving all the honor and glory just as Jesus said it would. The miracle displayed through the resurrection of Lazarus caused others to believe in Jesus too.

Oh . . . and as for Mike and me, what seemed “impossible” on that day almost 24 years ago turned into the sweet miracle he had declared and we had believed for. It was the very thing God used to glorify Himself in that season of our lives, and our story inspired others to also believe and trust Him.

Prayer

Father, I thank You because You are faithful, loving, and true. Today I ask that You help me believe and see past the earthly perspective in front of me. Let me see through the lens of faith. Lord, I trust You and Your plans for my life. I know there is nothing too difficult or impossible for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For Further Reflection

• Read John 11:1–44 and underline or highlight the times the word “believe,”or a form of it, is mentioned. Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight any areas in your life (personal, spiritual, or relational) that you need to trust God with or believe for. Make a declaration in writing and place it somewhere you can pray for it.
• Think about a time you’ve seen God come through for you during seemingly impossible circumstances. Take a moment today to thank Him for His goodness and His faithfulness.
• If you need a dose of faith, write out today’s key verse (John 11:40) or one of the For Further Study verses. Then, say it out loud and keep it within sight so you can declare as often as needed. Let God’s Word strengthen you!

Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me?