The following is an excerpt from our daily devotional series Faith that Overcomes.

Faith-filled women saw their dead children raised in resurrection power. (Heb. 11:35 TPT)

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I will share just two biblical accounts of the dead being raised, through we know there’s more.

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The first account is in 2 Kings 4:14-36. A barren woman past childbearing age was promised a child from the prophet. The word came to pass, and she and her husband were blessed with a son. Years later while helping his father in the field, her son died suddenly. After holding her dead son, she carried him to Elisha’s bed, laid him there, and went to look for the prophet who was out.

Her servants wanted to know why, and the only words that proceeded from her mouth were, “It is well.” The man of God came to her house, shut the door, prayed over her son, and he was resurrected. We know that resurrection power was not the result of the man of God himself. That power belongs to God, however He responded to the woman’s declaration of faith and Elisha’s prayers of faith. Both of them refused to accept the outcome. We need that tenacious faith that refuses to accept what we know is not of God. 

Then Jesus said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up.”

The disciples said, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will soon get better!” They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died. So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.” (John 11:11-14)

We probably all know this bible story by heart. Upon hearing of his friend being deathly ill, Jesus didn’t instantly rush to Bethany. He actually stayed two days longer in Jerusalem before heading to Judea. Lazarus died and Jesus showed up four days later to find friends consoling Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus. Jesus consoled both sisters on separate occasions. Both sisters cried to Jesus, “If only you had been here my brother would be alive.” They knew that if Jesus had arrived when they sent word, the outcome would have been different. Jesus assured them that Lazarus would live again. They had faith as they talked about the resurrection of the dead. But they didn’t fully understand what He was about to do. He showed up when it seemed like it was too late. When Jesus shows up everything changes, because He is the Resurrection!  (Read Jn 11:40-44)

Jesus was never intimidated by death. In fact, He commissioned His disciples to raise the dead as they preached the kingdom of God (Matt. 10:8). Because Jesus Christ conquered death on the cross, it’s not a finality for Christians. Death is a reality that everyone will face one day, but it is not a finality. Are you facing something that looks absolutely lifeless and without hope? Do you find yourself like Mary and Martha saying, “Lord if only You had been here, this would’ve never happened”?  Lazarus was dead for days, sealed in darkness, and probably stinking to be honest. Well, that is until Jesus showed up. 

Whatever you are going through, God is always on time. A secret ingredient of faith is actually waiting. That’s the hardest part. We live in an instant world. Instant coffee, instant messaging, fast food, we want answers to our prayers now. But God doesn’t do things our way. While we are waiting, He is working. Would God have gotten the glory if Jesus showed up when Lazarus was still alive? We’ll never know. Showing up after He was dead four days was something that had never been done. God was glorified through his resurrection.

Lord, we are not immune to trials and tribulations. I don’t pray to avoid the hard times. Instead I pray, “Lord, increase my faith ” during these hard times. I know that my “four days late” is your perfect timing. My (_________) looks lifeless. It seems all hope is gone. It looks like it’s too late. But my faith tells me that You are the God of the impossible. You bring dead things back to life. You bring restoration. You bring reconciliation. You bring resurrection. Come with Your power and might into ( ________). I pray for America. Lord, it looks dark right now and yes, there is a stink. It looks too late, but I walk by faith and not by sight. Come revive us oh Lord. Breathe on this nation so she may live in Your presence again. Bring revival to America. In Jesus’ name Amen.

Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” (Jn. 11:40)

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IFA contributing writer Gloria Robles is a passionate intercessor with a prophetic voice for today. For more from Gloria, go to Spotify or Anchor and listen to her podcast, Something To Share. Photo Credit: Puwadon Sang-ngern’s Images via Canva Teams.