Martha's Faith

Do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 1:16-20
Because of the power of Jesus Christ, God wants believers to see that we are triumphant over the devil, full of the revelation of who Christ is, and the exceeding greatness of His power in us.
We see in John 11, Jesus encounters Martha in Bethany and encourages her to have faith and believe, even when it appears to be too late for a miracle.
Let’s dig a little bit deeper into this story. 

---

Jesus was close friends with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. When Lazarus became sick, his sisters immediately sent word to Jesus to come quickly.
Jesus received the news of Lazarus’s illness, but chose to stay where he was two more days despite the urgency of the sisters’ request. He declared to his disciples that, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of Man may be glorified through it.”
It was after two days had passed, Jesus said, "Let us go to Judea again. Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up"
Then His disciples said, "Lord if he sleeps he will get well."
Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead."
It is the same today-- Many Christians can only think and relate to what they see in the natural realm.
Martha’s Faith in the Past
As Jesus and the disciples drew nearer to Judea, Martha came running to meet them. She had bad news—her brother had died four days ago. She was disappointed and upset at Jesus. Her faith remained strong as long as her brother was alive, but when he died her faith for the miracle died also.
Now Martha said unto Jesus, "Lord if You had been here my brother would not have died." John 11: 21
But she did say, “Lord even now I know whatever you ask of God He will give you." v. 22
Jesus said. "Your brother will rise again." v. 23
Martha said to Him. "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." v. 24
Jesus said unto her. "I am the resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." v. 25
Limited Faith
Martha's faith was limited to what she saw. The death of Lazarus signaled the end of Martha's faith to believe for Lazarus’ healing. She believed that Jesus had the power to raise him up from the sick bed, but not from the dead.
How many times have we exercised limited faith? As soon as our bank account is empty, our faith is drained away too. As soon as we lose an important job, our faith goes too. As soon as we see a cancer return, our faith leaves.
Martha believed Jesus had the power to raise up her brother from the sick bed, but not from the dead.
Limited faith is controlled by circumstances. In other words, our limited faith is regulated by what we can see. As long as we can see it, then there’s a chance for God to work. The good news is limited faith can mature and grow. Not by the anxiety of failure. It restricts the Power of Christ to help us.
Fundamental Faith
But when Jesus spoke to Martha that her brother shall rise again, these encouraging words were spoken to kindle hope and faith in Martha.
Martha responded with fundamental faith in the great truth but could not understand the more immediate spiritual application. So she evaded the question by stating her fundamental faith and creed.
It's not enough just to believe in Creed only; Faith goes beyond your creed--it goes to the living all powerful Christ.
"With men it is impossible but not with God, for with God all things are possible." Mark 10:27
At the tomb Jesus wept because He found limited and fundamental faith only. Jesus did not weep because Lazarus was dead! He wept because he found a people who were moved by circumstances only.
Unlimited Faith
We see at the end of the account, Jesus told the onlookers to roll the stone away from Lazarus’s tomb. All eyes were on Martha as she reluctantly consented. But before she allowed it, she reminded Jesus that Lazarus had been dead for four days.
Jesus challenged her "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the Glory of God?” John 11:40
Jesus had stated his intention to help Lazarus when he first heard that he was sick. His intention all along was to heal Lazarus.
When we have a clear word from the Lord, we must move forward no matter what it looks like. Many times people don’t receive answers to prayer because they move forward presumptuously—with no word from the Lord—and when something bad happens, they blame God.
But if you have a clear word from the Lord, don’t cast your faith aside just because the circumstances have turned dark. Know what God said, and don’t lose faith. God is asking you to move the stone away from the situation that looks impossible.
Your vision and dream may have died, but God wants to resurrect it again.
Nothing Is Impossible with God for those who have unlimited and unshakeable faith in His Word.
We often hear "Seeing is believing."
This is not true -- "You believe and then you will see."
God's Glory will be revealed in those saints who exercise unlimited faith in an unlimited God.

https://aubreyfaithassemblychurch.sermon.net/main/main/21468392