Are there any dead areas in your life? Has death taken place in your finances, your relationship with your spouse or significant other, your relationship with your children, in your vision/purpose or in your physical health? Jesus said in John 11:25 I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: If you are ready to resurrect the seemingly dead promises of God in your life, let’s look how God did it for Lazarus and how He will do it for you!
I was meditating on Lazarus’s account, which is found in John chapter 11 and found 7 awesome principles that the Lord wanted me to share with you. Lazarus, who was a dear friend of Jesus, was sick. Mary and Martha, who were also very close with Jesus as well, sent word to Jesus about their brother being ill. Jesus responded by saying “This sickness is not to end in death, but on the contrary it is to honor God and to promote His glory, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
Key 1. Remember that it’s bigger than you it’s about God getting the Glory! I have to say to myself on a daily basis that “It’s not about me; it’s about God’s Glory.” When I would rather be doing something else than typing this article, if I don’t share it there is someone who God wants to minister to that won’t be ministered to because of me and I can’t let that happen.
Back to Lazarus….
Jesus waited 2 days to begin his journey to go back to Judea where Lazarus was but by this time Lazarus had died. Have you ever felt like God was taking a long time to come and see about you? Jesus told his disciples that Lazarus was asleep and they were like, well if he’s asleep then he’ll be okay and we don’t need to go back to a place where they just tried to kill you, to see about a man who’s only asleep. Jesus then strait out told them “Lazarus is dead!” Wow have you ever waited for God to come through maybe in your troubled marriage but now your divorced, or maybe your finances was tight but now it’s so bad you have to believe for gas money or maybe you were not feeling well and now you can hardly get out of bed? You may be saying “where is God… I need him right now?”
Key 2. Change your perception from a natural one to a supernatural one.
The only way you can do that is by staying in prayer and in the Word of God. Life and all the challenges that it brings can alter your perception and make you think that God doesn’t have your best interest at hand and that He’s not gonna come through for you. That definitely is not the case so change your perception to God’s perception because as I always say “your perception is your reality.”
Let’s continue with Lazarus. Jesus get’s there but by the time He does, Lazarus has been in the tomb 4 days. While Jesus was still 2 miles away, Martha goes out to meet him before He even gets to town.
Key 3. Be in expectation of the resurrection.
Martha expected Jesus to show up, she didn’t know when but everyday she was looking for Him! That’s how we’ve got to be. We can’t sit around looking at the dead circumstances. We got to meet Him with our expectation before we see Him moving in our situations. We won’t see God move until we first expect Him to.
Martha told Jesus, “Master, If you would have been here my brother wouldn’t have died!” You might be saying to God If you had helped with these kids maybe they wouldn’t be so messed up, or if you had been involved in my marriage maybe I would still have one, or if you would have been involved in my finances maybe I wouldn’t be broke, after all I was trying to do your will! Have you ever felt like Martha? After she had her pity party she said to Jesus “even now I know that whatever You ask from God, He will grant it to You.” Jesus told her that her brother shall rise again. She didn’t quite understand that Jesus was talking about today; she thought He was talking about at the end when everyone will be resurrected. In John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Key 4. Have faith in God and trust Him even though you don’t understand
Remember His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. He may give you some seemingly weird instructions, but just trust Him and everything will be alright.
While Jesus was still at the same place talking to Martha, Mary the other sister heard that Jesus was there and she immediately got up went to where Jesus was and kneeled before him. Mary said the exact same thing that Martha said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” When Jesus saw her crying and worshiping, he was deeply moved and he began to cry as well. Then Jesus went to work, asking “where have you laid him?”
Key 5. Worship Him and stay in His presence
I believe that when we truly worship God it opens His heart even more toward us and He will do anything for us. Veggie nugget on the side ladies, men are the same way. Instead of nagging, honor, esteem and respect them and they will do anything for you! Jesus was so moved by Mary that he acted immediately!
Jesus was still crying all the way to the tomb. You would think that because He took so long, the man body is decomposing, that He didn’t really care. You may be saying I know that Jesus loves me, but my finances, my relationship, my health; my purpose is decomposing and where is God? Remember it’s not about you. Jesus didn’t let the love He had for Lazarus and his sisters thwart God’s plan in this situation. Anyway when He gets to the tomb, He says “take away the stone!” Martha began to give Jesus excuses as to why they shouldn’t do that. He’s been dead 4 days, he’s decaying and he stinks. What excuses are you giving God? God this man is crazy. God these kids will never listen. God I can’t even pay attention I’m so broke.
Key 6. No matter how bad it stinks don’t question whatever instructions God gives you
Jesus says to her, “Didn’t I tell you and promise you that if you would believe and rely on Me, you would see the Glory of God?” So they took away the stone, and Jesus prayed openly to the Father for the benefit of the people because He had already prayed in secret. And after He had prayed, He shouted with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” Lazarus came forth bound hand and foot. When God resurrects your promise it might not be pretty. Jesus said to them, loose him and let him go.
Key 7. In order to see the full manifestation of the resurrection power, you must use the power of your words to loose it and let it go!
We have a part to play. Jesus brought it back to life but in order to see it, we must use the power of our words. Mt 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
When you apply these 7 keys to the seemingly dead promises God has given you, His resurrection power will be made available to you, and you will see the
Resurrection Power of Christ to Reign in Your Life!
I pray you were blessed by this word, if so please leave a comment and remember that not yesterday, not tomorrow but NOW is your time to Reign!
Shelita Williams, Minister, Motivational Speaker and Author of “How to Reign in Life!”
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