Come Out

In this powerful message, we're taken on a journey through John 11, exploring the story of Lazarus and its profound implications for our faith. The central theme revolves around God's timing and power over death itself. We're reminded that sometimes, God allows situations to worsen not because He doesn't care, but to set the stage for an even greater miracle. The story of Lazarus being raised from the dead after four days serves as a powerful metaphor for the seemingly hopeless situations in our own lives. Just as Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, He's calling us to 'come out' of our own tombs of depression, anxiety, sickness, and fear. This message challenges us to trust in God's timing, even when it doesn't align with our own expectations. It encourages us to have faith that goes beyond prevention and believes in resurrection power. As we reflect on this, we're invited to consider: What 'tombs' in our lives is Jesus calling us to come out of? How can we cultivate a faith that trusts in God's timing, even when circumstances seem dire?

Key Points:

- God's timing is perfect, even when it doesn't align with our expectations

- Obeying God doesn't guarantee a life free from sickness or trials

- Fear can keep us from experiencing miracles God has prepared for us

- Jesus has power over death and all seemingly hopeless situations

- God sometimes allows situations to worsen so His glory can be more fully revealed

- Our delays are not denials but divine setups for God's intervention

- We must "come out" of our metaphorical tombs of sickness, depression, and doubt

Stories:

- The resurrection of Lazarus, used as both a literal account and a metaphor for God's power to bring life to dead situations

- Brief mention of Jesus calming the storm and feeding thousands, as examples of His power

-Allusion to the creation story ("Let there be light") to illustrate Jesus' creative power in resurrection