John 11:1-44 portrays a miracle which Jesus performed in the lives of the Bethany sisters. Their brother Lazarus was raised from the dead. Lazarus was dead when Jesus was absent from the place. When Jesus arrived on the scene Lazarus had been dead for four days. Jesus went to the tomb, wanted the stone to be removed and asked Lazarus to come out. When Jesus was informed that Lazarus was dead his reply was , “This sickness will not end in death.” His reply to the negative statement was positive. Sorrowful occurrences need not extinguish our faith and serenity. We have the assurance that everything will work for the good of those who believe in Him. So our reaction to negative situations in life must be positive.

The miracle took place when the stone was removed. So many stones have to be removed from our life before God could perform miracles.

On hearing the news of Lazarus’ death, Jesus wanted to go to Judea. In John 11;8 his friends tried to discourage Him saying,: “ A short while ago the Jews tried to stone you and yet you are going back there?’ Many times we recall our former failures and desist from similar enterprises in the present and deny ourselves the privilege of witnessing great achievements. Thomas said, “ Let us also go that we may die with Him.” ( v.16) His statement is tinged with unbelief .Further we notice a kind of apathy in Mary who stayed at home instead of running to Jesus. Martha seemed to blame Jesus Himself when she said , “ If you had been here my brother would not have died.” ( v.21). How often our inner cry had been , “ Lord, if you had loved me and heard my prayer this would not have happened.” Unbelief, apathy and blaming are some of the stones that have to be removed from our life before we could experience miracles.

God is willing to work in our life and bring to life all the areas that are dead within us. The talents that He has given to us lie buried. He wants to restore all that is lifeless. First we need to ask Him to help us in our efforts to remove the stones. Then His life kindling power will start working in us and make our life vibrant and fruitful.

Dr. (Mrs.) Edriana Jeyasingh