Video link: HOW TO POSITION YOURSELF FOR A MIRACLE
HOW TO POSITION YOURSELF FOR A MIRACLE
(It is never too late)
There are moments in life when a problem appears to be completely beyond human ability.
The Text: John 11:32–44
Lazarus was not merely sick. He was dead. His sisters had already buried him, the tomb had been sealed, and human hope had come to an end.
The story of Lazarus teaches us an important truth: What looks impossible to you is not impossible to God.
Jesus did not come merely to comfort Mary and Martha. He came to demonstrate the glory of God. “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” — John 11:40
1. DO NOT HAVE LOW EXPECTATIONS OF GOD
John 11:32 “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”
Mary had faith—but her faith had a limit.
She believed Jesus could prevent Lazarus from dying, but she did not appear to expect Jesus to raise him from the dead.
But Jesus was about to show Mary that God is not limited to the level of miracle she expected.
Never reduce God's ability to the size of your experience.
2. RECOGNIZE THAT JESUS IS ALSO PAINED BY YOUR PROBLEM
John 11:33–35: “Jesus wept.”
Sometimes when you are going through trouble, you may feel as though God does not care.
This passage reveals that Jesus is not distant from human pain.
Jesus cares about what concerns you.
You may be crying about your family, your ministry, your finances, your future, your dreams, or your circumstances—but heaven is not ignorant of your tears.
3. GIVE JESUS THE OPPORTUNITY TO REACH YOUR PROBLEM
John 11:34 “Where have you laid him?”
Jesus asked where Lazarus had been buried. Then they said: “Lord, come and see.”
Jesus did not perform the miracle from a distance. He went directly to the place where the problem was.
Do not hide your tomb from Jesus.
4. RECOGNIZE THAT GOD DOES WHAT YOU CANNOT—AND DO WHAT YOU CAN
John 11:39
Jesus said: “Take away the stone.”
Jesus could raise Lazarus from the dead, but He told the people to remove the stone.
This teaches us an important principle:
God will do what only God can do, but He may require you to do what you can do.
Sometimes we wait for God to do something He has already instructed us to do.
Do your part and leave the impossible part to God.
5. ALLOW JESUS TO ENCOUNTER THE REALITY OF YOUR PROBLEM
John 11:39
Martha said: “Lord, there is already a stench, for he has been dead four days.”
Martha was describing reality. Lazarus was dead. The tomb smelled.
Jesus does not need you to sugarcoat your situation. Tell Him the truth.
6. BELIEVE IN THE IMPOSSIBLE SO THAT YOU MAY SEE THE GLORY OF GOD
John 11:40 “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
This is the central message of this passage. Believe—and you will see.
Faith does not mean denying reality. Faith means believing that God is greater than reality.
7. PROVE YOUR FAITH BY DOING THE UNTHINKABLE
John 11:41 “So they took away the stone.”
This was the practical expression of their faith. They did something that appeared unreasonable.
If you believe God, your actions should eventually demonstrate that belief.
Your miracle may be waiting on the other side of your obedience.
8. LET YOUR MIRACLE POINT PEOPLE TO GOD
John 11:41–42
Jesus prayed publicly: “Because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.”
Jesus understood that the miracle was not merely about Lazarus.
It was also about the people who were watching.
God wants to bless you, but He also wants your life to become a testimony of His power.
The miracle is not the destination. The glory of God is the destination.
9. WHEN YOUR PROBLEM HEARS THE VOICE OF JESUS, IT MUST RESPOND
John 11:43
Jesus cried: “Lazarus, come out!”
Jesus did not negotiate with death. He spoke to it. And Lazarus came out.
Do not spend all your time speaking about your problem. Speak God's Word over your problem.
10. RECOGNIZE YOUR ROLE AFTER GOD PERFORMS THE MIRACLE
John 11:44
Lazarus came out of the tomb, but he was still wrapped in grave clothes.
Jesus said: “Unbind him, and let him go.”
Jesus performed the miracle. But the people had a responsibility after the miracle. They had to remove the grave clothes.
God can bring you out, but you must allow yourself to be unwrapped.
Your miracle is not complete merely because you came out.
You must also be released from the things associated with the old life.
Dr Lawi Mshana, +255712924234, Tanzania
