Do You Believe This?

Resurrection and Life - Part 3

I’ve been stirred about how the resurrection of Jesus can make such a difference in life today. Even when Jesus’ friend Lazarus died, God’s ways were undeterred and still active. When Jesus arrived late, He said to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25,26)

Jesus not only said that He was the resurrection, He proved it! This is why we worship Him today. Jesus is saying, "I am the one who has authority and power to overcome the ultimate setbacks." Death is the ultimate setback. If Jesus has power over death then there is nothing He can't do in your life.

Notice Jesus doesn't ask Martha what she's feeling or thinking. There is a difference between what we feel and think, and what we believe. In times of disappointment or struggle, we are often persuaded by what we see or hear. It is easy to be directed by negative people around you. In high school I had learning difficulties and wasn't “college material.” Jesus came into my life my senior year and life changed for me. Jesus gave me a resurrection mentality. If Jesus can raise the dead then there’s nothing He can't do in your life if you believe.

"Jesus came to the tomb. 'Take away the stone,' he said. 'But, Lord,' said Martha, 'by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.’ Then Jesus said, 'Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?’" (John 11:38-40)

Faith puts God between us and our circumstances. Faith gets us what God knows we truly need. However, it is not always what we want in the way we want it. God is not indifferent to your situation. Yet Martha's reaction mirrors most of us. She was caught up in the circumstances. She saw a dead body, a decaying body that smelled. We often live by our senses. Notice Jesus’ response, "Did I not tell you if you believed you would see the Glory of God?" (v.40)

What is it in your life you can't overcome? Following Christ means we no longer live merely “under the circumstances.” Jesus, the Resurrection, still lives, cares and acts. Do you believe this?