John 11: 41-43
Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, ÒFather, I thank You that You have heard Me. V.42 ÒAnd I know that You always hear Me but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent me.Ó V.43 Now when He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, ÒLazarus, come forth!Ó
In this month of October, if you believe you will see the glory of God. Without any doubt, seeing GodÕs glory is an awesome miracle. Miracles bring to life the infallible and undeniable proofs of works of God, such as raising a four-day-old dead.
The fact of the matter is God that was, that is, and will be is still in the business of answering prayer. He has never budged from doing what He says He will do.Taking a lesson from the raising of LazarusÕ death will add and enlighten how God works out miracle. There is clear evidence that God expects a construction from the expectant while He concludes with manifestation.
Take away the stone
The first step to the miracle of restoration is Ôtaking away the stoneÕ.In the life of so many believers, some precious stones have been carried along from Egypt . Until that precious stone (habit, attitude, deception, manipulation, lying, gossiping, pride, etc.) that does not glorify God in a believerÕs life is taken away, God is not granted access to enter in to that cave to release restoration. It does not matter how close the believer has walked to serve Jesus. As long as the stone is yet to be rolled away, miracles will not commence to come forth.
Jesus the Lord of lords could have commanded the stone at the cave to roll away, but this would have not allowed the believer to work out his own salvation. The closest in the walk with God by virtue of serving Him will have a problem identifying the need for a stone to be moved. However, until he makes the first step attempt to remove his own stone, the Lord will not act.
Jesus said, ÒTake away the stone.Ó Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him ÒLord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.Ó (John. 11:39) Martha, a server of the Lord experienced firsthand what it is to let Jesus do His work at will. Martha would not take time to rest when there was a need but would rather serve. Despite all her services, Martha could not identify her place in faith. With all the times she had spent serving Jesus, she forgot that God can also axe stench regardless of how strong the stench is. He is able to turn it to a sweet smelling aroma. Only take away the stone.
Thank Him
After the removal of the stone, Jesus lifted His eyes and gave thanks to God.The most effective thanks offering demonstrated is the miracle provoking thanks offering. Thanking God with the firm belief that you will receive that which you are to ask God is provoking. Thanking God for that which you are to receive can bring forth infallible miracles like that of Lazarus.
When spoken without faith, manÕs word can be inferior. The same occurs when man quotes GodÕs promise without a depth of understanding of the root of the Word of God being quoted. The depth of the Lord can only be obtained when you study the Word. Pastor Adejare Adeboye (General Overseer of RCCG) said when you read the Word you skim the surface. When you study, you discover the treasure. Does the believer understand the direction of his/her thanksgiving? Thanksgiving should not just be a noise making exercise that is without a specific target.
Take away that precious stone of Egypt (i.e. habit, attitude, deception, manipulation, lying, gossiping, pride, etc.) and thank Him more for what you want to ask from Him. Then your miracle will have its way.
Prayer for this month of October:
Father, impart every believer that sets eye on this message with encouragement. O Lord, as direct thanks offering begin to come unto You, let road to miracles be opened. Let the stench be of the old be converted to a sweet smelling aroma. Let the garment of shame be converted to fame and favor. Let every seeming road block to lead to victory. May provision and healing be opened up in JesusÕ name, Amen.
LORD, have mercy.