Resurrection of Faith

Have you ever been in a situation that seemed hopeless? A situation that no matter how hard you tried to fix, it just couldn't be fixed? Situations like that can be very overwhelming and disheartening. They also can bring us to our knees in desperation, thinking there isn’t any hope. During those times our faith is severely tested and yet very much strengthened in the end, because of God’s compassion and faithfulness to us.

The Bible story of Lazarus being resurrected from the dead is a story that should be representative of the fact that nothing is impossible for us with God’s help. Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus and brother to Martha and Mary. He became very sick one day and was near death. Word was sent to Jesus from Martha and Mary asking for Jesus and His response was “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified.” Jesus ended up not coming to where Lazarus was until four days later. When He arrived, Mary was the first one to greet Him and was upset. She said to Him “Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus’ reply to Martha was “Your brother shall rise again.” She didn’t understand Jesus meant that statement for that particular time. She then went on to say, “Even now though I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” As Jesus then approached the tomb of where Lazarus was buried he saw everyone grieving and crying. Jesus told the people to remove the stone that was covering the tomb of Lazarus. Martha spoke up at that point and said “Lord, by this time there will be a stench for he has been dead for four days.” Jesus replied to Martha “Did I not say to you, if you believe you will see the glory of God?” by this time the stone was removed, and Jesus cried out and said “Lazarus, come forth” and he did. He came out of the tomb with cloths around his hands, feet and face. Jesus then told the people to “Unbind him and let him go.”

This story truly is about faith- faith in Jesus no matter what the situation looks like. Did Jesus care that Lazarus was ill and ready to die even though he didn’t rush over to heal him? Absolutely He did, however, He also knew Lazarus’ situation was only temporary, and he would live again. Jesus knew that because of Lazarus’ resurrection, many would end up believing in Him and that is exactly what happened.

So often we find ourselves in situations that just seems to be getting worse and we wonder why Jesus isn’t doing something about it. We sit and think and cry out to Jesus saying, “If only you had been here this wouldn’t have happened- why won’t you help me?” The situation becomes so hopeless to us and even as they said about Lazarus it seems to have a “Stench” to it. The story of Lazarus though should bring alive our faith in Jesus and His compassion for our sufferings along with His power. Whatever the situation we may be facing that seems “Dead and hopeless” we have to have the faith that He is going to bring us out of it, bringing new life to our situation. Even though the situation seems to have a stench it does not mean it is permanent. When Martha said Lazarus would have a stench about him she probably totally believed it because that would have been a logical thought given the situation. However, when he came out from the tomb not one word was mentioned about him having that stench- maybe because there wasn't one! The focus was never how he smelled, but on the powerful miracle that was performed, which then caused people to believe in Jesus. What others assumed would come out of that situation was not at all what had happened. 

We need to be encouraged that Jesus is aware of what we are going through, and it is not His intention to make us suffer. Often our situations are meant to bring glory to Jesus and make others believe in Him because of the miracles He performed for us. To show others that Jesus is in control and is always working on all of us.

Perhaps Martha and Mary didn't know for sure Jesus was going to resurrect Lazarus that day, but they did have faith in Jesus and the power of Him. They still looked to Him during their situation and Jesus brought them the greatest reward that day.

For us, we need to have faith that Jesus knows everything we are facing and has compassion for us in those situations. To look to Him for strength and courage during these times believing He will bring us out of it. We also need to remember the same Jesus that resurrected Lazarus that day is still alive and will do many miraculous things in our life. He will resurrect all those “Seemingly stench situations”, bringing them out causing new life to be brought forth for us and those around us. We must keep our faith alive in every situation relying on him to handle whatever situation that seems hopeless because in reality, nothing is hopeless when we have Jesus on our side!

From Gardens of Splendor by Gina Burns