Our Text John 11:1-44
Special emphasis John 11:24, 39.
Context Setting: The Story of Lazarus
The Illness and Death of Lazarus:
- Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, falls seriously ill. The sisters send a message to Jesus, informing Him of Lazarus’s condition and expressing their hope for His help (John 11:1-3).
Jesus Delays:
- Despite the urgent message, Jesus stays where He is for two more days, explaining to His disciples that Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death but will glorify God (John 11:4-6).
Jesus Travels to Bethany:
- After two days, Jesus tells His disciples that Lazarus has died, and they travel to Bethany. By the time they arrive, Lazarus has been in the tomb for four days (John 11:7-17).
Jesus and Martha:
- Martha meets Jesus as He approaches Bethany. She expresses her grief and disappointment, saying that if Jesus had been there, her brother would not have died. However, she also shows her faith, stating that God will give Jesus whatever He asks (John 11:20-22).
- Jesus assures Martha that her brother will rise again. Martha initially interprets this as a reference to the resurrection at the last day, but Jesus reveals that He is the resurrection and the life, promising that whoever believes in Him will live, even though they die (John 11:23-26).
Jesus and Mary:
- Mary, along with the mourners, meets Jesus and echoes Martha’s sentiment that Lazarus would not have died if Jesus had been there. Jesus is deeply moved by their grief and weeps (John 11:28-35).
Jesus at the Tomb:
- Jesus arrives at the tomb of Lazarus and commands that the stone be removed. Martha hesitates, pointing out that there will be a bad odour since Lazarus has been dead for four days. Jesus reminds her to believe and she will see the glory of God (John 11:38-40).
The Miracle:
- Jesus prays aloud to the Father, thanking Him for hearing Him. He then calls out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” Lazarus emerges from the tomb, still wrapped in grave clothes. Jesus instructs the people to take off the grave clothes and let him go (John 11:41-44).
Don’t Postpone Your Miracle
John 11:24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
John 11:
39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”
Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”
1. Martha’s Initial Faith
John 11: 24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Martha expresses her belief in the resurrection on the last day, showing she has faith but it is focused on the future.
You know, it’s interesting how we often have great faith for the future but find it hard to believe God can work in the present. We trust that God will eventually deliver us, heal us, or provide for us in the long run. This kind of faith is good, but it can sometimes miss the mark when it comes to our immediate needs.
Take Martha, for example. When Jesus tells her that Lazarus will rise again, she immediately thinks of the resurrection at the last day. Her faith is strong for the future but not for the present moment. She believes in the eventual miracle but struggles to see that Jesus can act right now.
I think many of us are like Martha. We trust that God will come through someday, but when we’re faced with a pressing issue or a desperate need, we struggle to believe He can intervene immediately. This kind of faith can limit our experience of God’s power and presence in our lives.
Reading this story again reminded me of how as Christians we can be modest, or we want to edge our expectations so that we do not get disappointed. We should ask ourselves why we think we will be disappointed. There are many reasons. One main one is similar to the father in
Mark 9: 23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”
24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
Jesus tells the father, “If you can believe”, the father answered, “I believe: help my unbelief”. What does that mean? This means that He knew that Jesus has the authority and power to heal his son, but He was not sure that Jesus would do it for him. This is the state of mind many of us have.
I want to encourage you today to shift your mindset from a “someday” faith to a “today” faith. Believe that God can act now. He is the same God who raised Lazarus from the dead after four days, and He is more than capable of meeting your needs at this very moment.
Start by bringing your immediate concerns to Him in prayer. Instead of just hoping for future deliverance, ask God to intervene now. Trust Him to work in your current situation, whether it’s healing, provision, or breakthrough.
By shifting our mindset and embracing “Now Faith,” we open the door for God to work powerfully in our lives today. Let’s believe and expect miracles now, trusting that our God is always ready to act on our behalf.
Let Us Pray
Overcoming the Mindset of Postponed Expectations
Heavenly Father,
I acknowledge that sometimes, I find myself postponing my expectations and placing my faith solely in the future. I believe that You are a God of miracles, a God who provides, heals, and delivers, yet I sometimes limit these beliefs to a distant time rather than the present moment.
Lord, I confess that I have sometimes been like Martha, with faith for the last day but struggling to trust in Your immediate power. Forgive me for any doubts and hesitations that have held me back from fully embracing Your ability to act right now.
I rebuke fears and doubts, past experiences and the effects of past failures, I rebuke the effect of past disappointments that have weakened my faith.
Father today I receive the power to shift my mindset from postponing my expectations to believing in Your power to act in my life right now.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
2. Jesus’ Command to Remove the Stone
John 11:39:
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Jesus asks for the stone to be removed, despite the concerns about the condition of Lazarus’ body after four days.
Removing Obstacles in Your Spiritual Journey
Do you find yourself facing obstacles that seem insurmountable? It’s time to remove those barriers and experience the breakthrough that you’ve been longing for.
The first step in removing obstacles in your spiritual journey is to identify what is holding you back. Is it doubt, fear, or past failures that are keeping you from moving forward? Take some time to reflect on these barriers and ask God to reveal to you what needs to be removed.
Remember, with God all things are possible, and He is more than willing to help you overcome any obstacle that stands in your way.
Once you have identified the obstacles in your spiritual journey, it’s time to take action. Step out in faith and trust that God will guide you through the process of removing these barriers.
As you begin to remove obstacles in your spiritual journey, remember to stay focused on the ultimate goal – experiencing the deliverance and breakthrough that God has in store for you. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and trust that He will lead you to victory.
You know, it’s often our own barriers and doubts that stand in the way of our miracles. Think about Martha at the tomb. When Jesus told them to remove the stone, her immediate reaction was to worry about the odour. This concern was logical—Lazarus had been dead for four days. But it also represented a deeper issue: her fears and doubts about what Jesus could do in that moment.
We all have these “stones” in our lives. They are the fears, the logical doubts, and the obstacles we put up that hinder God’s miraculous work. Maybe it’s the fear that things won’t change, the doubt that God will come through or the logical reasoning that what we’re asking for is impossible. These barriers can prevent us from fully experiencing God’s power.
I want to challenge you today to identify and remove these “stones” in your life. What are the doubts and fears that are holding you back? What logical barriers have you put in place that stop you from believing in God’s immediate intervention?
Take a moment to think about this and be honest with yourself. Once you’ve identified these “stones,” let us pray.
By removing these “stones,” we clear the way for God to work powerfully in our lives. Let’s embrace a faith that believes in His immediate intervention and expect to see His miracles today.
Let Us Pray
Heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, I come before You today with a heart full of faith and a spirit ready for battle. Lord, You have shown us through Your Word that nothing is impossible for You, and today, I stand against the stones of doubt, fear, and every obstacle that blocks my path to Your miracles.
In the authority of Jesus Christ, I command these stones: Move! Doubt, that clouds my vision and shakes my confidence, I command you to move in Jesus’ name! Fear, that stifles my steps and silences my voice, I rebuke you by the power of the Holy Spirit! Obstacles, that seem insurmountable and block the flow of God’s blessings, I declare you removed!
Lord, Your Word says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Empowered by this promise, I am asking, seeking, and knocking with the expectation of divine breakthrough.
Father, as these stones roll away, let Your light flood in. Fill the spaces they occupied with Your love, peace, and joy. Strengthen my faith as I witness Your hand moving mightily in my life. I declare that I am free from the hold of any barrier that has tried to hinder me.
Thank You, Lord, for the victory that is mine through Christ Jesus. I look forward to the testimonies that will arise from this day, as I experience Your power and presence like never before.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
3. Understanding “Now Faith”
Definition:
“Now Faith” is the belief and trust in God’s ability to act in the present moment, regardless of the circumstances or delays we perceive. It’s about believing that God is not just the God of tomorrow or someday but the God of today. “Now Faith” means expecting and trusting God to intervene right now in our current situations, no matter how impossible they might seem.
Hebrews Chapter 11 puts it this way:
Hebrews 11: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
During our Pray for Girls event, one of our ministers (Tomi Aziegbe) spoke to us about the three Cs of God. His character, His Competence and His Commitment.
Knowing the attributes of God’s Character grounds us in who He is to perform. (By the way, check the new book “Attributes of God’s Character – 25 Attributes Every Christian Should Know) Knowing that God is competent (because He is all-powerful, all-knowing, self-existing, with the ability to call those things that are not as though they are assures us that there is no impossibility with God.
God is committed to honouring His Word. His promises cannot fail, and what He has promised He will surely do it. (If you did not participate in the PFG event check out day 4 “Addressing doubts in God’s Word.”
Let’s look at some examples from everyday life where “Now Faith” is essential.
Financial Difficulties:
Imagine you’re facing financial difficulties. Bills are piling up, and you’re not sure how you’re going to make ends meet. It’s easy to believe that God will provide someday, but “Now Faith” challenges us to trust that God can provide for us right now. Trusting God’s provision means believing He is actively working on our behalf at this very moment.
Healing During Illness:
Another example is trusting in God’s healing power during illness. When you or a loved one is sick, it’s natural to hope for future healing. But “Now Faith” pushes us to believe that God can heal today. We trust that His power is present and active, ready to restore health right now. In fact, Now faith says “I AM HEALED” we are only waiting for the physical manifestation but we do not stop confessing the truth that “WE ARE HEALED “
Personal Challenges:
Whether it’s dealing with personal challenges, overcoming addiction, or mending a broken relationship, “Now Faith” means believing that God can bring about change and breakthrough immediately. Instead of postponing our faith to a distant future, we hold onto the belief that God is moving and working in our lives at this very moment and God has done it.
Practical Steps:
To cultivate “Now Faith,” start by praying with expectation. When you bring your needs to God, do so with the belief that He will answer right away. Secondly, look for His hand in your daily life. Sometimes His immediate action comes in ways we might not expect. And finally, speak words of faith. Affirm God’s promises and declare His power over your current situation.
Let’s embrace “Now Faith” together. Trust that our God is the God of the present, ready and willing to act on our behalf today. Believe in His power to change your circumstances now and watch how He moves in your life.
Let’s Pray:
Before you pray are there scriptures you are standing on for your current need? Have them handy.
Heavenly Father,
I affirm today that You are the God of the present moment. I declare my faith in Your power and presence in my life.
Concerning {your situation}, I trust that You are actively working right now. I believe that Your promises are true and that You are intervening on my behalf at this very moment.
I speak words of faith and expectation, knowing that You are more than capable of changing my circumstances today. I see Your hand moving in my daily life, and I affirm that You are providing, healing, and delivering me right now.
I hold onto Your promises and declare Your power over {your situation}, trusting that You have already acted.
(Present the Word of God concerning your situation)
Thank You, Lord, for being a present help in my time of need. I stand in “Now Faith,” believing in Your immediate action and rejoicing in the miracles You are performing in my life today.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
4. The Manifestation of “Now Faith”
Jesus’ Declaration:
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“Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40)
Lazarus Raised:
The miracle occurs immediately when Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb, demonstrating the power of immediate faith.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on how “Now Faith” led to an immediate miracle in the story of Lazarus. When Jesus arrived at the tomb and told them to remove the stone, Martha had her doubts. But Jesus challenged her to believe, saying, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40).
In that moment, Martha and the others acted on their faith. They took away the stone, despite their logical fears and doubts. And it was precisely this act of “Now Faith” that opened the door for God’s power to work. (Jesus still needed them to take action).
Jesus called out, “Lazarus, come out!” and Lazarus walked out of the tomb, alive and well. This miracle happened because they believed and acted in the present, not just hoping for a future miracle.
When we act on our faith in the present, we invite God’s power into our current situation. “Now Faith” isn’t just about believing for something far off in the future; it’s about trusting and expecting God to move right now. It’s about taking steps of faith today, even when the circumstances seem impossible.
I want to encourage you to pray and act with “Now Faith.” Speak to “dead” situations, and exercise your Now Faith and see the manifestation in Jesus’ name.
By embracing “Now Faith,” we open the door for God’s miracles in our lives today. Trust Him to act now and watch how His power transforms your circumstances. Let’s live with the confident expectation that our God and Father is always ready to move on our behalf.
Let us Pray
Heavenly Father, in the powerful name of Jesus, I come before You with “Now Faith.” Just as Jesus declared, “Lazarus, come forth,” I stand in that same authority today. I believe that You are the God of miracles, ready to move in my life right now.
Lord, I speak to every dead situation in my life and declare, “Come forth in Jesus’ name!” I command health and healing to come forth in my body. Every ailment, disease, and infirmity must bow to the name of Jesus. I declare complete restoration and wholeness over my health.
I speak to my finances and declare, “Come forth in Jesus’ name!” I command abundance and provision to flow into my life. Every financial burden, debt, and lack must be removed. I declare supernatural increase, open doors of opportunity, and divine favour over my finances.
I speak to my relationships and declare, “Come forth in Jesus’ name!” I command reconciliation, love, and unity to be restored. Every broken relationship, misunderstanding, and division must be healed. I declare peace, harmony, and God’s perfect love over my relationships.
I speak to my career and business and declare, “Come forth in Jesus’ name!” I command success, growth, and breakthroughs to manifest. Every setback, stagnation, and closed-door must give way to advancement and prosperity. I declare divine wisdom, innovation, and favour over my career and business.
Lord, I trust You to breathe new life into every area of my life that seems dead or impossible. Just as Lazarus came forth from the tomb, I believe that these situations will be transformed by Your power. I stand on Your promise that if I believe, I will see the glory of God.
Thank You, Lord, for the miracles that are unfolding right now. I give You all the glory and praise for what You are doing in my life. I declare that I will walk in the fullness of Your blessings and live a life that testifies to Your greatness.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Give thanks to God for this powerful watch. Every Lazarus in your life comes forth in Jesus’ name.
Let us complete this watch by breaking bread together (Sharing communion). I will be live on YouTube and Instagram at 1 PM EST/ 6 PM WAT (Nigeria).
All handles are @thewatchersprayerministry.
YouTube – Don’t Postpone Your Miracle
Thank you for joining this weekend’s watch you are blessed beyond measure.
Pastor Tee
