Day 13

11 Feb Day 13

The Resurrection and The Life-The power of resurrection is in Jesus and is the source of eternal life

WRITTEN BY: Kayla Shelley

Scripture: John 11:25-26 (NLT) “Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?’”

To access the full passage, click here.

Observation: Once Lazarus, Mary and Martha’s brother, fell ill, Martha had limited faith in God’s ultimate promise of keeping her brother alive. She had come to trust God’s word and looked to an omnipresent Father while keeping her eyes set on him in the midst of grief. When seasons of uncertainty arise in our lives, our faith can seem small in the moment. However, even during those difficult circumstances, the Holy Spirit is still working in and through us so that we can learn to fully depend and lean on God. When Jesus kept his promise to Martha, it not only demonstrated his almighty power, but also expanded her faith and trust in him. Through Lazarus’ resurrection, Martha realized, as we all should, that God holds all things together and, in Jesus, life is everlasting.

Application: Think back to a time when you had called out to God but felt like you couldn’t hear him. Or maybe a time when you couldn’t see our Heavenly Father working, and as a result, you thought he wasn’t going to show up for you. Maybe you didn’t land the job opportunity you so desperately prayed and longed for. Or maybe you fell short of the grade you hoped for on the exam that you studied day and night for. Maybe you entered a relationship that wasn’t Christ-centered, and it left you heartbroken. 

In these times, John 11:25-26 is such an encouraging reminder that Jesus always hears us, even when our faith is as small as a mustard seed. In this scripture, Mary and Martha’s brother Lazarus, falls ill, and a message is relayed to inform Jesus of Lazarus’ condition. Now imagine your parents becoming severely sick or a friend being admitted to the hospital, and the Holy Spirit tells you that it’s for the glory of God. That’s exactly what happens to Mary and Martha. Rather than perform a miracle and instantly heal Lazarus (which Jesus obviously could do), Jesus tells Martha that her brother’s sickness will not end in death. In reality, however, Lazarus does die.

Throughout this passage in John, we are reminded that Jesus is who he says he is as he demonstrates his power over death. In the midst of uncertainty, instead of giving us what we so desperately want in the moment, Jesus gives us the only thing we truly need, his presence and eternal promise. That is where our true healing lies. Our flesh wants a breakthrough. Our flesh wants answers. Our flesh wants a cure. Our flesh wants the diagnosis to disappear. However, Jesus wants us to trust in him through difficult seasons, through trials and tribulations, and even through death.

Lazarus’ body remained in the tomb for four days before Jesus resurrected him and fulfilled his ultimate promise to Martha. And even when our faith is lacking and doubt creeps in as it did with Martha, we can be confident that God will always keep his promises to us. Even when we are faithless, our Father in heaven remains faithful. What a King worth living for! There is power, healing, restoration, and revival in the name of Jesus. Jesus is the Resurrection and The Life, and through him, we are promised eternal life (John 11:25).

Prayer: Holy Spirit, I come before you today to declare your goodness, your holiness, your faithfulness. I thank you for promising me eternity through God’s only son, Jesus. I serve a Father who always stays true to his Word, even when I can’t see him working in the midst of the battle. Through all uncertainty, Jesus reigns. He is the resurrection and the life, he is over the grave, and, through him, I see an empty tomb. Jesus, today, help me to keep my eyes set on eternity with you and not the uncertainties that you are promising to get me through. I put my faith in you and the resurrected Jesus today. Through your Word, I can declare that there is more than this life. Father, I pray this boldly in your name. Amen.

Kayla Shelley/Communications J-Teamer/Worship Team

Kayla has been gathering at The Journey for two years. She has the pleasure of serving on both the Worship Team and the Communications Team, helping individuals open their hearts and minds to God. Kayla is a University of Delaware senior, majoring in psychology, and calls The Journey “home”.

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Next Steps:

If you have yet to receive the hope of resurrection by putting your faith in Jesus, you can pray right now or request prayer from our prayer team by clicking here.

Come back and join us for Day 14 and make it a personal habit to give God your “yes,” following this devotional.

Find a group of people to do life together and get connected in a J-Group of individuals going in the same direction as you.

Check out this three day devotional in YouVersion: “Rise Up” by Cain

Listen to the song “Rise Up’ by Cain and/or “Come Out Of That Grave (Resurrection Power)” by Bethel Church featuring Brandon Lake