Respecting The Anointing

Psalm 105:15

"Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!"

Acts 5:1-12 gives an account of a couple that had an absurd ending. Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold a piece of property and held back some of the proceeds from Apostle Peter. They had a good motive; their desire was to support the work of God, but they had one issue –they failed to recognize and respect the anointing upon Peter. The apostle never had any other charge against them besides that, for he asked Ananias, “why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." And after that question, Ananias fell dead and he was buried immediately!

Two important lessons to learn from this portion of scripture: One being that, when you choose to give to God, He is more interested in the state of your heart than what you’re giving. Like He commanded the Israelites never to sacrifice a lame animal unto Him, He always requires the best from us, and nothing less. Secondly, we get to know that God’s servants are not mere men, but God regards any treatment towards or against them as being towards Him.

Ananias and Sapphira had ownership over their property, and it was out of their free will that they decided to sell it. Even after the sale, they had the liberty to give God 50% of the proceeds in truth. However, they purchased their death when they chose to give God less than what they declared; and tried to make a fool out of Peter, because they never thought he would tell whether they sold it for that much. God hates false pretense.

Numbers 12 explains of how Miriam earned herself leprosy because of conniving with Aaron to gossip about Moses, and if it wasn’t for Moses’ intercession for her, she would have died a leper. God clearly defended Moses and showed Aaron and Miriam that his servant was not like them.

In 1Samuel 15, King Saul disregarded the orders of the prophet, thinking he had a better idea that would please God. Unfortunately, his heart did not carry a proper motive, and his respect for Prophet Samuel had disappeared. He was so used to the prophet, that out of disrespect he tore his robe when he had refused to give in to his demands! That was the beginning of Saul’s end, and he never got any better.

Do you recognize the anointing of God’s Spirit upon His servants? What respect do you have for the anointing? What reverence do you genuinely have for God’s servants? Many people have blessed themselves by getting the revelation of recognizing and respecting the anointing, and others have deprived themselves by failure to get it.

If Ananias and his wife had recognized the anointing upon Peter and respected the anointing more than they respected the man, they would not have died. That’s why Peter told him, “You have not lied to men but to God”. God’s servants may look like everyone else, move in the same vehicles, make mistakes, and face what others face but before God, they are of greater honor. Be wise; don’t gang up with the ‘Miriams’ who have questions like: “Have the words of the Lord been given to Moses only? Have they not come to us?” Bless yourself; always recognize and respect the anointing of God upon His servants.

One Accord Power

Acts 2:1

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

GOD established His church on “one accord power”. He told His disciples to go to Jerusalem until they were endued with power. “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place”. It was then that the Holy Spirit came upon each one of them with power that caused 3,000 people to repent and be added to the Church that very day! (Acts 2:41). If the church can be in one accord, with the same purpose and mind, it can do great and marvelous things.

Let us take a recap of Genesis 11:1-9: The whole earth was of one language and one speech, so these people planned to build a city and a tower whose top can reach the heaven, and because they were one they would be able to build this tower. God realized their determination of fulfilling this imagination and decided to confuse them with many languages such that they could not understand one another’s speech. That’s how far the possibility level of the “one accord” effect.

The early church in the experienced a tremendous growth in many aspects, concerning the individual believers, the life of the church as a whole, regarding the spreading of the Gospel of Christ, and so much more. They realized the great truth that the Christian church is “one big family”, and each one supplied and fulfilled their duty as a member of the whole in order to provide what was needed and to contribute to the edification of the body; the church. It was not like today, whereby if there is a need for members to participate in church they leave it for the leaders and a few concerned people. There are not many people that want to be “bothered” with church activities because they do not want to alter their schedules.

A group or ministry that is in one accord cannot be desisted from their work because they have a strong focus. If the Church, as one family, keeps in one accord, expansion will be easy to achieve;  multitudes will be attracted to GOD’s love and power because powerful, supernatural works of GOD come to pass when two or more believers who are in “one accord” cry out to GOD in fervent prayer. Thus Jesus promised, “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:19).

May we too in our churches and in the different fellowships remember the great truth of oneness and may we not try and be troublesome, may we not cause new divisions, show jealousy and envy and talk bad about others. Let us set our eyes on GOD, our heavenly father, because it is He who can give and make us be likeminded one toward another in accordance with Christ Jesus.

May GOD will help us to be likeminded one towards another as GOD gives us such unity and one accord so that we also can lift up our voices in one accord to praise him with one mind and one mouth and give Him the glory and honor in the church which He deserves (Romans 15:5-6).

It’s more than being in one place; it’s about being of the same mind, passion and goal.

Bring People to the Well

John 4:7-42

A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." … The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?" … Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water… Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."…So the woman …went…and said to the people, "Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?" They went out of the town and were coming to him… Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me all that I ever did." So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days.  And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world."

A Gospel revolution happened in the entire town of Samaria, and it continued for 2 more days, because the residents of the town asked Jesus to stay a while longer. However, this wondrous happening was because of one woman, whose name was never mentioned! She was known as a prostitute to many; for she had had five husbands and the man she was with then, was not her husband as well. If anyone knew her, it was because of her wickedness. However, with all these negative aspects to her name, she met Jesus, who told her the truth concerning her life, yet did not condemn her. The miraculous encounter with Jesus made her look beyond her dirty reputation and she went out to call the entire town to Jesus.

This woman never knew a lot concerning Jesus, and still had doubts about him but she used the convincing power of her tongue, and simple faith (basing on Jesus’ prophecy about her life) to be a catalyst of change in Samaria. If this Samaritan woman could draw the entire city to Jesus, then we can do much more. We have more knowledge and assurance regarding Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, and most of us have not committed more sins than this woman had.

We have what the world needs. The whole world is seeking answers to life’s challenges, including the people around us in the classrooms, hostels, halls, and the vehicles we travel in, and they can’t get the solution unless they allow Jesus to reign in their lives. Fortunately, we have that Jesus, the hope of Glory, living in us. We need to let that life in us flow to them; that’s how we demonstrate God’s love to the lost – by preaching the Gospel to them unto the salvation of their souls and betterment of their lives.

The Samaritan woman poses a challenge to every Christian. Her action and the fruit thereof shows us that regardless of how much you know regarding God, you can draw the multitudes to Jesus. May be you think you are not worthy enough, or you look down at yourself with low esteem; maybe you don’t even think you can talk to anyone about getting saved… That may be true, but remember the woman did not preach to the city; she only convinced them to go to the preacher. At least you can do something – you can bring people to the well, where Jesus is. You can use the little influence you have to bring someone to Church, or a prayer meeting or a fellowship.

Brothers and sisters, let us do whatever we can to bring the generation to Jesus. If you can’t preach to them, tell them about the man who changed you, or about the church you attend, or bring them to the fellowship. Speak to them like Philip did to the doubting Nathanael in John 1:46… just tell them, “Come and see”. Bring them to the well.

Let's Build the Kingdom

Haggai 1:3-9 

Then the word of the LORD came by the hand of Haggai the prophet,"Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. "Thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the LORD. You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the LORD of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house.

Think of a rich businessman who went abroad to a far country, and is running investments in Uganda. Since we are living in a global village, through technology, this man can send money, give instructions, monitor his investments, but has one limitation; he can not accomplish any task that requires his physical presence in Uganda. Hence, he needs people on ground that he can trust to do what has to be done, as though he were present. For that reason, he puts managers over his investments. Whenever his managers bring in more profit, he expresses his delight by increasing their salaries and benefits, however, his major frustration comes from knowing that his investments are not producing profits, yet the managers are making requisitions for loans and advance payments to boost their personal welfare.

God is like that rich businessman. He is in heaven, he has all the money and anointing to accomplish His works on the earth but He needs people with flesh and blood to do the hands-on work on this planet. Whenever we do His works, He manifests his joy by filling our hands and mouths with good things.  However, His Spirit is grieved when we, the custodians He has given the task of expanding His Kingdom, concentrate on building our own lives and empires while neglecting His work. He has entrusted us to be ambassadors of Christ (2Corinthians 5:20) and He expects results in the end.

God is interested in our well being and we rejoice when our brothers and sisters testify of building houses, going for further studies, starting companies, and many other investments. However, if all these developments rob God of our time and money, then He is not happy with us either.

Each of us can do something for God because we have all been endowed with gifts and abilities. Hence, no one can say, “I don’t have anything I can do”, and we all have money that we can give towards His work regardless of our income. When it comes to our time, it is no secret that if something is important we will definitely create time for it – it is a matter of prioritization.

I believe that if we are concerned about our Father’s business and the expansion of His Kingdom, we will easily get all our desires met. The Gospel is not at the level He would desire it to be because the biggest part of the church is interested in personal welfare more than kingdom building. On the other hand, many of God’s children are living a life less than what they are meant to enjoy, because they have paid much attention to making prayer requests for personal needs than to being of service in God’s business.

It is a principle, and a secret to success in Christ – put God first and He will make you a priority; mind His business and He will mind yours.

Your Testimony Counts

John 9:6-7

…He spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud and said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. 

 Everyday God does miracles and wonders in people’s lives in unique ways. For this man, who was blind since birth, his sight was restored as explained in the scripture above. The invisible God we serve manifests through the visible miracles that He performs. However, these miracles cannot make a big difference in other people’s lives without testimonies; there’s immense power in talking about what the Lord has done.

 The Bible tells us, in verse 9, that after this miracle had happened, “Some said, "It is he." Others said, "No, but he is like him." He kept saying, "I am the man." Everyone had their take on what happened but the most important voice was that of the man that had received the miracle. Nothing will ever make more sense out of the wondrous works that God has done in your life than the word of your testimony.

 Then the Pharisees, who would prefer this man to stay blind than for Jesus to be glorified, tried to convince the people that Jesus was just an evil man doing miracles by the power of the devil! Thank God, they eventually sought to hear from the beneficiary of the miracle… (John 9:17)- So they said again to the blind man, "What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet." The world still needs to know your version of Him. The man’s word caused contention in their midst because he had a solid testimony about Jesus. Then they sought the parent’s perspective on the matter, and the Bible narrates in John 9:20-21, “His parents answered, "We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself." We get to understand, further on, that the parents answered so because they were afraid of the Pharisees, but they also knew there was no greater testimony than that of their son.

 As they pushed the man around, he spoke out the most prominent words in the entire story… John 9:25 – “He answered, "Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." Remember this man had not seen Jesus face-to-face by this time; the last time he encountered Jesus, he was still blind. In other words, he was saying, “I have never seen the man, I don’t know how he looks like or where he stays, may be you are right he is not as holy as I think… but one thing I’m sure of is the transformation he caused in my life”.

 We may not have seen Jesus with our own eyes, but the change He has caused in our lives cannot be ignored; We may not have gone to heaven to confirm that He is seated on that throne, but we can boldly declare He is alive because of His manifest presence in our lives. We may not know much of the ‘how’, ‘where’, ‘when’ and ‘what’ but because of the miracles and wonders he has done in our lives, we can confidently talk about ‘who’ deserves the honor and the glory.

 Testify of what the Lord has done in your life; be a witness. You don’t have to talk about what you don’t know; all you need to narrate is Jesus got you out of something or how He shielded you from it. Talk about the Jesus that has worked for you, and nothing from hell shall render that testimony powerless. As you do so, I pray that God will do a miracle in your life that will cause people to ask, “Is he/she the one or not?” and may God create the platform for you to stand and say, “I am the one”. Your testimony counts. 

Led by the Hand

Acts 9:8

“Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.”

Acts 9 starts by explaining that Saul was on his way to Damascus, breathing out threats to the Church and with all authority to persecute the followers of Jesus Christ in all the Synagogues. However, on his way, Jesus blocked him off and the great conversion took place as Saul eventually bowed down to the King of kings.

One significant thing though, is that Saul lost his sight in the process and he had to be led by the hand to Damascus. Like Saul, there are times when we are pursuing our course with the intention of fulfilling our motives and then we lose sight. Loss of sight or vision may not necessarily mean an attack from the enemy, but at times God can let it happen so that His motives take priority position over ours, or so that our lack of sight increases our dependence on Him.

Saul allowed to be led by the hand, a level he would never fall to if he was all able by himself. When you lose sight of where you are going, it does not mean that you cannot move anymore. Where we can’t move by sight, we can progress by faith, and where we can’t reach alone, someone can take us by the hand. Saul had to have faith in the people that were taking him, believing that they are not leading him backwards or to a place of danger.

There are people who have reached their destinations because other people have lent them a hand for direction and guidance, but how much more can one prosper if it is God Himself holding their hand. He says to His anointed, Cyrus, in Isaiah 45, “The Lord says to the man of his selection, to Cyrus, whom I have taken by the right hand, putting down nations before him, and taking away the arms of kings; making the doors open before him, so that the ways into the towns may not be shut; I will go before you, and make the rough places level: the doors of brass will be broken, and the iron rods cut in two: And I will give you the stores of the dark, and the wealth of secret places, so that you may be certain that I am the Lord, who gave you your name, even the God of Israel.” When God takes us by the hand, He does not lead us to failure or destruction, but to glory and victory. 

The Bible also tells us that “although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing”. There are many people that seem like they have a clear vision of where they are going but when they no longer have sight of anything. It is possible to seem to be focused when you are not. In that instance, all you need is to tell God, “Lead me by the hand”.

Saul’s original destination was Damascus, and when Jesus interrupted his journey, He still left him to reach Damascus, but with a changed heart and changed motives. When God seems to ruin our plans, it is not to harm us, rather it is for our good; He leads you by the hand to where you wanted to go but with a better objective.

Depend on your faith more than your sight; depend on God for direction; let Him lead you by the hand. May He lead you by the hand and May He bring forth people that will hold your hand to help you reach your destiny.

Do you like what you're creating?

In Genesis 1 God spoke and creation came forth. For 6 times He did so the Bible says, "And God saw that it was good." Then after creating man, "God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good." God's word has creative power, and likewise, Everyday we create our world through our thoughts, words and actions. Let us create what we will behold as good in our sight. 

We can use our imagination to create failure or success and utilize our tongues positively or negatively. God saw whatever He wanted to create before it manifested in the physical, and upon manifestation, it was pleasing in His sight. His desire to create was not without aim; He wanted to create something that would please Him and He said exactly what would fulfill His pleasure...

At times some people create sickness by speaking such words as, "I think I'm going to get a fever", not knowing that they are creating something that will not make them happy a little while later. Others use their decision-making capacity to make choices that affect them or the people around them negatively in the short or long run. 

We can use our tongues and minds to create a future for ourselves, our families and the people around us, and at the end of  a long satisfied life we can exclaim saying,  "That was good". The same applies to eternal life; one perceives it in their heart and mind that Heaven is a real place, and they make a choice to confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, and those words create a place for them in eternity! And when we reach there, we will look and say "This is very good".

But before we reach heaven, I shall still declare, "The anointing is on me, the Glory of God is on my life, and I'm making progress, I'm moving forward, in the Mighty Name of Jesus! No weapon fashioned against me shall prosper... Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world... Oh Hallelujah..."

A Grateful heart worth emulating

She met my mother around 1982 and they became tight friends to the point that in her own words she says, "We are as close as twins". Their friendship grew from there and has been our aunt ever since. Her children call my mother Aunt Mama, and we call her Aunt Mama...

...She is Aunt Kelly and she has taught a lot of people that will never forget her. Not many teachers are remembered these days, but Aunt Kelly has that touch of love that makes all her little ones have precious memories about nursery school. My elder brother is pursuing his Master's degree right now but he's one of the fruits of Aunt Kelly's nursery rhymes. However, the reason I'm writing about Aunt Mama today is not her profession...

...A Little while back she was diagnosed of breast cancer in one of her breasts and she had to undergo an operation that would make many terrified. She underwent many tests before the final diagnosis was made and when her son, who is a doctor in Mulago National Referral Hospital, got to know her status, he came along with a counselor to help him break the news to his mother. However, to his surprise, Aunt Mama was not shaken at all, instead she was grateful to God that He had allowed her to breastfeed all her children and see them grow up. People expect to find sadness in hospitals but that's not what I found at Aunt Mama's bed when I visited her. She was so jolly and had her mouth filled with words of gratitude to her creator. It is the sincere gratitude that this lady expressed that really touched my heart. She did not have any words of complaining or grumbling, but only gave thanks to God and instead had pity upon the people seated on the beds across. I wonder what the world would be like if everyone had such a grateful heart to God... Aunt Mama was an inspiration to me that day and the only thing I could think of was to share it with you on my blog. Let us be grateful for the blessings we have in our lives.

...And So was Malaba

The Word was preached, Multitudes were ministered to, Lives were changed, Souls were won to Christ, Hope was restored, Many young people were inspired, Churches and Pastors were encouraged, the Sick were healed, the Captives were set free, Friendships were created, the Missioners were refreshed, History was re-written, ... and above all God manifested His faithfulness. Thanks to all those that were part of the success of the Intervarsity Mission to Malaba. Watch out for the photos on Flickr, coming soon. 

Malaba Mission, 5th-12th June 2011 - Highlights

Malaba Mission Crusade - Thursday, 9th June 2011... Preaching God's Love and fulfilling the great commission

And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come...Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Upcoming Events - Mission East...

Some of the Mission Snaps from the Intervarsity Mission to Mbarara (February 2011). Come join us for the Malaba Mission (June 5th - 12th, 2011).

Upcoming Events - Mission East

In the February Issue, we presented highlights of the Mbarara Mission. We are glad to announce that the mission flag is heading East, as in East. On the 5th-12 June 2011 in Malaba, Tororo, and the host are a family of evangelists from different churches in the district. Open-air crusades, school visitation, door-to-door evangelism, and encouragement to ministers in the area are core on this mission and a lot more. Come let us reach out to the people in the East as we get an uplifting of our spiritual lives ourselves. All students in their senor six vacation, university students and graduates, as well as the alumni are encouraged to register for this life-changing opportunity. We also encourage those who cannot physically make it to financially sow towards this mission. Please call or send mobile money to 0782 641 922, 0782 887 063.

Upcoming Events: Campus Flavor

Campus Flavor is basically an open-air evangelistic crusade designed for a university setting. The Intervarsity has in the past, organized such occurrences in conjunction with 99.6( Kampala FM), now FM J. This time round, we spice it with gospel artistes, life changing messages from spirit-filled focused speakers, Praise en Worship, prayer en so much more. The essence of campus flavor is to win souls into the Kingdom of God and empty hell. This ministry is well organized by the Intervarsity Ministry and mainly financed by the Alumni of the ministry as well as well wishers. The next flavor will be in Kyambogo University. It had been slated for 7th May 2011, but due to some unforeseen  circumstances, it will be on Saturday, 14th May 2011. Now, you will bear with us, souls are expensive and so here is an opportunity for you to spend on a soul for Christ, with your financial contribution towards this important and noble cause. Remember he who wins souls is wise. Send all contributions to 0782 641 922 or 0772 039 021. Thank you. God Bless   

Keep The Focus

Hebrews 12:2-3:  

“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”  

Easter comes with a true story full of intrigue, betrayal, injustice, miracles, and a victorious happy ending. The same people, who praised Jesus, also advocated for His crucifixion. He was dying for men who mocked and beat him up. Peter, who pledged 100% allegiance, denied Him 300%, ok 3 times! He let his own creation trample upon Him. The man in him almost gave up, but He let the will of God prevail. His endurance purchased our freedom; His pain was about us. I would like to encourage you by reminding you that the scripture above shows us that even our Lord went through it all but He emerged victorious. 

People being people, hurt, betray and treat others unjustly, and many a time our hearts have become victims of the negative side of humanity. Nevertheless, let us place our focus on the victory beyond the Grave. There is a sad part about the salvation story but it never gets much attention because the happy miraculous ending holds a higher position. 

Jesus had the power to take Himself from the persecution and the right to give up because He had no crime but He left the will of God to prevail. He did not seek revenge but He humbled Himself because He had a burning passion and He focused on the purpose. “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-10). I pray that this Easter season, the passion that took Jesus to the cross; the passion for souls, will be rejuvenated in our lives. 

There are times when life becomes unfair and the pain seems unbearable. Every successful person has at one time faced the temptation to give up under the pressure of life’s challenges, but winners never quit. Regardless of circumstances, always remember that those in Jesus Christ's lineage encounter resurrection after persecution and Death. Do not let any kind of pain deter your focus. 

Wishing You a Happy Easter Season!!!

Extra-time Intervention

Scripture Reference:

Ezekiel 37:1-4

John 11:3-45

According to the Bible, God is the beginning and the end; and according to us life begins at birth and ends at death. Nevertheless, God is before birth and still is after death. That’s what makes Him all-knowing, all-understanding and His wisdom is extremely beyond ours because He knows what we don’t know. He knows what happens before the beginning and after the end of what we know. Hence, even when we think we have reached the end and there is no other way out, God can still make a way where there seems to be no way.

He proved this by showing us that life can still exist after death. His power defeated death. Not only concerning the life of Jesus Christ, but also in the Old Testament; in Ezekiel 37:1-14 when God did not resurrect the dead but created an army out of dry bones of the dead. When Israel felt all their hope was lost and their bones were dried (verse 11), He showed them that he could get hope out of the grave.

In the Gospel books, Jesus used to heal the sick and raise a few who had just died and people were getting used to such miracles not until he performed a wonder that was beyond the regular.

They reported to Jesus in John 11:3 that his friend Lazarus was sick and in verse 4 Jesus told the disciples that ‘his sickness was not unto death but for the glory of God that the son of God might be glorified there by’. Through the story we realize that Jesus did not rush to lay hands on Lazarus but allowed him to undergo what people saw as death (yet to God, he was just asleep). Jesus reached four days after Lazarus was buried. Mary and Martha had hope and faith that Jesus would perform a miracle but their trust in His power was limited to a certain point and beyond that point they gave up on believing for a miracle. In Verse 21, Martha told Jesus “Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died”. However, Jesus still kept the word He had told the disciples earlier that Lazarus was only sleeping and when He went to the grave He called him up and he responded by coming out of the grave.

Many times we reach those points in life where our faith is dimmed to nothing and there is practically no reason to hope. However, God uses some of those instances to reveal His majesty above all circumstances. If life was a soccer game, God would be the best player at scoring winning goals during the extra time. He knows how to create a dry path in the midst of the red sea when there is nowhere to hide; in the burning furnace, he is there to make it cool such that you are not consumed. His power performs miracles when there is no more reason to hope. He is the God who can still intervene beyond what we consider the last minute. It’s not yet over until God says it’s over.