Do you believe John 3:16? Then why isn’t Mark 16:17–18 your daily life?
Hi, I’m Addison. You’re reading (or listening to) Bigger Than Me—a weekly guide devoted to removing the fears, doubts, and misconceptions that keep believers from healing the sick in everyday life.
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(Unsure if modern healing is something the Bible actually teaches? Start here.)
By the time Jesus finally reaches Bethany, four days have passed.
The mourners are done.
Hope is gone.
Martha reaches Jesus first.
"If You had only been here..."
The ache in her words pulls on Jesus’ heart.
Soon Mary falls at His feet.
Her grief catches in every breath.
"If You had only been here..."
Around Jesus, voices whisper what everyone is thinking.
"Why wasn’t He here?”
“Where have you laid him?” Jesus asks.
Jesus weeps as he looks at the tomb entrance.
"Take it away."
The stone grinds across the earth.
A wave of stale air escapes the darkness.
Every eye fixes on Jesus.
No one speaks.
He lifts up His eyes toward heaven.
"Father…
"Should I raise Lazarus?"
Waiting for God’s Decision
Did that ending feel strange?
It should have.
Jesus never asked whether He should raise Lazarus.
Yet before praying for others, many of us find ourselves asking remarkably similar questions.
Can I pray now?
Is this really God's will?
Should I wait?
We assume God is still making up His mind.
He Decided a Long Time Ago
Before raising Lazarus, Jesus had already sent His disciples out with authority to heal the sick and raise the dead.
When Jesus stood before Lazarus' tomb, He wasn't wondering whether He should act.
He thanked the Father for hearing Him and explained that His prayer was for the people around Him.
Then Jesus turned toward the tomb and called Lazarus out.
Before returning to heaven, Jesus promised the same authority to not just the 72, but to all who believe in Him.
God is not making up His mind.
He's inviting us to trust what He's already revealed in Christ.
A Prayer for Obedience Without Hesitation
Original graphic by Bryan Arcebal
Dear Father,
Thank You that You are not distant, uncertain, or indecisive.
Thank You that Your heart for me has always been to make me whole.
Jesus, thank You for perfectly revealing the Father to me.
Thank You for showing me that I never have to wonder what He is like.
Thank You for trusting me with Your authority to act.
Holy Spirit, thank You for living within me.
Thank You for being my confidence as I walk in Christ's authority.
Thank You for flowing like a river of life through me to bring healing to others.
Today, I lay down the belief that I have to wait for another answer from You before I obey.
I reject the fear of hesitation and cling to the truth of what You've already done.
I will move in Your courage to pray, Your boldness to speak, and Your confidence to obey.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Until next time,
Addison
