In John 11:24 Martha, speaking about her recently deceased brother Lazarus, said to Jesus, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”
Then Jesus threw a bomb that Martha did not fully catch. He told her, “I AM that resurrection; I am life.” That which you are looking forward to is already here. I AM!
The Bible tells us that Jesus delayed not because He did not love Lazarus’s siblings. He delayed for His glory. He delayed to call them into the realm of miracles, faith, and trust in God. He delayed because He loved them.
When God allows certain situations to come our way, it is not out of a lack of love. Rather, He is calling you to come up and experience life like He does. A life that is not bound by situations and circumstances. A life that is under the rule of God, which is a life that listens to and obeys the Word of God.
Jesus asked Martha, “Do you believe this?” In the same way, Jesus is asking you this same question today:
- Do you believe I can bring joy from your sadness?
- Do you believe I can call to life that dead thing in your life?
- Do you believe I can transform your unbelieving child, spouse, parent, or friend?
- Do you believe I am able to make that impossible situation possible?
- Do you believe I can heal you?
- Do you believe I can give you that job or spouse?
Jesus ultimately asks us: When you open my Word and read about my promises, do you believe Me?
Let me be honest with you: There have been moments in my life where the weight of my pain blocks my ability to believe.
But just as the man who asked Jesus to heal his child confessed, I also confess—and I call you to join me: “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).
In the same way, Job 42:2 has become one of my favorite verses in all of Scripture: “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.”
So, I encourage you today, when life hits you in the face, instead of crumbling in defeat, put these two verses together like two sticks of dynamite and throw a bomb into your circumstances.
With conviction, declare out loud over them…
“I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
I believe; help my unbelief!”
– Job 42:2 and Mark 9:24
Dear Jesus, we believe in you. We believe in Your power to turn things around and bring life to things that are dead. Today, as your children, we affirm that we believe. So please work in our hearts and uproot every unbelief. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Shalom,
