Day Seven: “Hope in the face of hopelessness”
If ever there was a time when it seemed too late for God’s victory it was when Lazarus died.
Read the story: John 11:1-44
Mary and Martha, Lazarus’ sisters, said to Jesus, “Lord if you had been here our brother would not have died.” They believed that Jesus could have healed their brother but now it was too late. When Jesus instructed them to take away the stone from the mouth of the tomb, Martha objected, “By this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” It’s too late, Jesus. We believed you could have healed him if you had been here, but by now his body has already begun to decay.
Jesus responded, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you would see the glory of God?” In essence, Jesus was saying, my victory is never too late. It doesn’t always happen when and the way you expect, but when you trust me your uncertainties will become victories.
Jesus said with a loud voice, “Lazarus come out.” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
Activity:
Wrap some strips of cloth around your arm representing the grave cloths of uncertainty. After praying for God’s victory in your uncertain situations, unwrap your arm as an expression of faith that the resurrection power of Jesus is overwhelming your uncertain circumstances leading you to God’s victory.