From Death to Life: Unleashing The Power Of Supernatural Faith
By Dr. Patrick Elijah Anyomi
Key Text: John 11:11-25 (NKJV)
“After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”John 11:11-26 NIV
INTRODUCTION:
John 11:11-25 is where Jesus tells His disciples that Lazarus is asleep and He's going to wake him up. The disciples misunderstand, thinking Lazarus is just sleeping, but Jesus clarifies that he's dead. Then when Jesus arrives, Martha meets Him and says if He had been there, Lazarus wouldn't have died, but she still believes God will give whatever Jesus asks. Jesus responds that He is the resurrection and the life.
1. Divine Timing: Divine Delays Are Not Denials
Scripture Focus: He stayed two more days..." (John 11:6).
Illustration: Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 17-21). God promised Abraham a son, but fulfillment came 25 years later. Though Sarah laughed at the delay, Isaac’s birth proved God’s timing is perfect.
The man by the pool of Bethesda! Divine Delay 38 years!
Faith Lift: Delays are opportunities for God to magnify His glory. Trust His calendar—He’s never late. Jesus delayed going to Lazarus, but it was for a greater miracle. The illustration could be the story of Abraham and Sarah waiting for Isaac, showing that God's timing is perfect even when it seems late. WHENEVER GOD DELAYS SOMETHING IN OUR LIVES, IT IS FOR HIM TO DO SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOU ARE EXPECTING!!
2. Jesus Declares: "I Am the Resurrection and the Life"
Scripture Focus: "Whoever believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live" (John 11:25).
Illustration: Elijah and the Widow’s Son (1 Kings 17:17-24). When the widow’s son died, Elijah prayed, and God revived him. Jesus, greater than Elijah, holds ultimate authority over death.
Faith Lift: No situation is beyond His power. Declare His identity over your crisis! Second, Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life. This is the key statement, so the point here is about His authority over impossible situations.
3. Faith That Defies (What You See Or Hear) Your Circumstances And Beliefs In What God Can Do!
Scripture Focus: Martha says "Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You" (John 11:22).
Illustration: The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34). After 12 years of suffering, she pushed through the crowd, believing a touch of Jesus’ robe would heal her—and it did! She exercised Faith Beyond Circumstances (Martha's statement in v.21-22).
Faith Lift: Like Martha and this woman, dare to believe before you see the miracle. How about what do you want to believe God to do for you?
4. The Command That Calls Dead Things to Life
Fourth, speaking life into dead situations. As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.”- Romans 4:17 NIV
Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb. The illustration could be Ezekiel's dry bones (Ezekiel 37), where prophecy brings life to dry bones.
Scripture Focus: "Lazarus, come forth!" (John 11:43).
Illustration: Ezekiel’s Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37:4-10). God told Ezekiel to prophesy to lifeless bones, and they rose as a mighty army. Jesus’ words carry the same creative power!
Faith Lift: Speak God’s promises over your "dead" situations. His Word resurrects hope.
5. Remove the Grave Clothes of Limitation
Fifth, removing obstacles to miracles. When Lazarus came out, they had to remove the grave clothes. Maybe the story of Bartimaeus throwing off his cloak to come to Jesus (Mark 10), illustrating letting go of hindrances.
Scripture Focus: "Loose him, and let him go" (John 11:44).
Illustration: The Man at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:8-9). After 38 years of being paralyzed, Jesus told him, "Rise, take up your bed, and walk." His obedience activated the miracle.
Faith Lift: Shed the "grave clothes" of doubt, fear, and past failures. Step into freedom!
CONCLUSION:Closing Call to Action: Just as Lazarus walked out of the tomb, God is calling you into resurrection life. Believe in His timing, declare His power, and remove every hindrance. Tonight, expect miracles—because with Jesus, all things are possible (Mark 9:23)!
Prayer Focus: "Lord, we speak life to every dead place. Unbind Your people and release breakthroughs, in Jesus’ name! Amen."