Lazarus’ story and yours (2)

“Even now…whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” John 11:22 NKJV

Here are three more things we learn from the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead: (1) Whatever you have lost, God can restore. One of the great promises in scripture is that God can “restore to you the years” that life has stolen (see Joel 2:25). Claim that promise; take it back to the place where you lost so much, and ask God to replace, restore, and renew. He will do it. (2) Whatever you’re bound by, God can set you free. “He cried…‘Lazarus, come forth!’ And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes…Jesus said…‘Loose him and let him go’” (John 11:43-44 NKJV). Today God’s power is greater than any habit, hang-up, or circumstance that has you “bound.” Even though your mind doesn’t fully comprehend it, let your faith respond to Him. Pray with the psalmist: “Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it” (Psalm 119:34-35 NKJV). When you pray that prayer, your faith will grow and circumstances that seem impossible to you right now will be changed by God’s power. (3) No matter how bad you feel, God understands. At Lazarus’ funeral, “Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, ‘See how He loved him!’” (John 11:35-36 NKJV). This story proves we serve a God who cannot only give you back what you have lost but who cares about what you’re going through (see Hebrews 4:15). So if you’re hurting today, turn to Him and let Him help you.

Bible in a year: Philippians 1-4