P8 DON'T MISS YOUR MIRACLE BELIEVING IS SEEING

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Finding Faith in the Midst of Miracles: The Story of Lazarus
In John 11, we find one of Jesus' most powerful miracles - the raising of Lazarus from the dead. This incredible story reveals not just Jesus' power over death, but also profound insights about faith, perception, and how we respond to God's work in our lives.

How can two people see the same miracle but respond differently?
It's remarkable how two different people can witness the exact same event yet perceive it completely differently. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after he had been in the tomb for four days, the response was divided:

"Therefore, many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done." (John 11:45-46)

Some witnessed this miracle and immediately believed in Jesus. Others saw the exact same event and reported it to authorities who then began plotting to kill Jesus. How could the same miracle produce such opposite reactions?

Why does belief come before spiritual sight?
One of the most profound insights from this passage is found in Jesus' words to Martha in verse 40:

"Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?"

This reveals a spiritual principle that works opposite to our natural thinking. In the physical world, seeing leads to believing. But in the spiritual realm, believing leads to seeing. What you believe shapes what you perceive.

This explains why two people can look at the same evidence for God and come to completely different conclusions. Those who approach life with a belief that there is no God will interpret everything through that lens, even if it requires embracing what one agnostic Darwinist called "patent absurdity."

Our worldview - what we believe about God - becomes the lens through which we process everything around us. If that lens is distorted, our perception of reality will be distorted as well.

How does spiritual sight strengthen our faith?
While belief comes first, seeing God's glory strengthens our existing faith. When Jesus performed His first miracle at Cana, John tells us "his disciples believed in him" (John 2:11). Yet years later, before raising Lazarus, Jesus told those same disciples, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe" (John 11:14-15).

The disciples already believed, but Jesus knew that witnessing this miracle would take their faith to the next level. Faith isn't static - it's meant to grow. As Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, "your faith is growing more and more" (2 Thessalonians 1:3).


Where can we see God's glory to strengthen our faith?
We may not witness someone being raised from the dead, but we can still see God's glory in three primary ways:


In God's World: The created order reveals God's glory. From the engineering marvel of a bird in flight to the breathtaking beauty of a landscape to the vastness of the night sky - "The heavens declare the glory of God" (Psalm 19:1).


In God's Word: Scripture is not merely information about God; it is the living Word that speaks hope in our hopelessness and peace in our chaos.


In God's Works: When we see transformed lives, restored relationships, or recognize God's sovereign hand guiding world events toward His purposes, we witness His glory.



Each time we recognize and appreciate God's glory in these ways, our faith grows stronger.


Why do some people reject clear evidence of God?
The religious leaders didn't deny Jesus' miracles. They acknowledged, "Here is this man performing many signs" (John 11:47). Their rejection wasn't based on insufficient evidence but on self-interest:


"If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation" (John 11:48).


They feared losing their power, position, and authority. Many people today reject Jesus for similar reasons - not because of insufficient evidence, but because of what following Him might cost them.


Ironically, the very thing they tried to protect by rejecting Jesus - their temple and nation - they lost anyway when Rome destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD. Rejecting Jesus to protect what we value always ends badly, while accepting Him, despite the temporary costs, always ends well.


The Apostle Paul, who suffered greatly for his faith, could say at the end of his life: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness" (2 Timothy 4:7-8). The price he paid was worth it.


How does Jesus give life to the spiritually dead?
Just as Jesus did for Lazarus what Lazarus could not do for himself, Jesus offers to do the same for us spiritually. We are spiritually dead until Jesus gives us new life.


Jesus came to pay the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross. When we place our faith in His death and resurrection, we receive new life - eternal life. We can "run out of that grave" and be free from the bondage of sin and death.


Life Application
The story of Lazarus challenges us to examine our own response to God's work in our lives. Are we seeing His glory? Is our faith growing? Are we allowing self-interest to blind us to spiritual reality?


This week, consider these questions:

What lens am I using to view the world around me? Is my worldview centered on God or something else?

Where have I seen God's glory recently - in His world, His Word, or His works? Have I taken time to appreciate it and let it strengthen my faith?

What self-interests might be preventing me from fully embracing what God is showing me?

Have I placed my complete trust in Jesus' finished work on the cross to give me new life?

Take time this week to intentionally look for God's glory in the world around you, in Scripture, and in the ways He's working in your life and the lives of others. Let what you see strengthen your faith and deepen your commitment to follow Jesus, regardless of the cost.