"...THIS SICKNESS IS NOT TO END IN DEATH, BUT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!"

                      

THIS SICKNESS...

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“…So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God…” (John 11:3-4 NASB).

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“…This sickness is not to end in death…” (John 11:3-4 NASB). The verse means “this sickness” will NOT result in death of ANY kind.

Sickness could be ANY disease of the body, mind, emotions, or disorder/dysfunction of the soul.  “…They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick…” (Matthew 9:12 & Luke 5:31 & Mark 2:17 KJV). “…Is there no medicine in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why is there no healing for the wounds of my people?” (Jeremiah 8:22 NLT).

Some sicknesses are the side effects of sin and sin ALWAYS ends in death. .  “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…sin, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT). “…This sickness …[however]…is not to end in death…” (John 11:3-4 NASB).

Death is NOT merely a termination or end of something, but it can be the separation or splitting-up of something such as body, soul, and spirit. “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “…I pray …your whole SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY be preserved …” (1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 KJV). “…the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow (body)…” (HEBREWS 4:12 KJV).

Physical death is the separation of the BODY from the SOUL. Spiritual death is the separation of BODY from the HOLY SPIRIT. “…as the body without the SPIRIT is DEAD…” (James 2:26 KJV). “…then shall the dust (body) return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it…” (Ecclesiastes 12:7 KJV).

Spiritual death is the separation of the BODY and the SOUL from the Holy Spirit. “… [Their] … iniquities (sin) …separated [their body and soul]… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). A spiritually “DEAD” soul is “…separated from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV).

Physical death, without the Holy Spirit results in eternal separation from God. “…Anyone who doesn't obey the Son will never experience eternal life…” (John 3:36 NLT). “…The wages of sin [is] death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…they will go away to eternal punishment…” (Matthew 25:46 NIV). “…It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB).

 Physical death, with the Holy Spirit, results in eternal life with God. “…I give unto them eternal life and they shall NEVER perish…” (John 10:28 KJV). “… the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life…” (John 3:16).  “…It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB).

“…This sickness …is not to end in death…” (John 11:3-4 NASB). The ONLY thing that can STOP, reverse, revive, or resurrect DEATH is the HOLY SPIRIT that gives LIFE. “…It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). “…Jesus saith…I am … the life…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…Jesus said…I am the resurrection and I am the life…..” (John 11:25 KJV).

Sin whether you committed the sin or it is the sin that has been passed to ALL men and women, it is the reason for sickness of any kind.

Whatever the SICKNESSES are, they are the side effects of sin and sin brings forth death, including the death of HOPE. “… SIN entered into the world, and DEATH THROUGH SIN, and so death passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).

When sin entered into the world, so did death. “… SIN entered into the world, and DEATH THROUGH SIN…” (Romans 5:12 KJV).

Lazarus’s sickness was the result of sin, which entered into this world. “… SIN entered into the world…” (Romans 5:12 KJV). Sickness impacted Lazarus’ health which lead to his physical death. “…and DEATH THROUGH SIN, and so death passed to all men…” (Romans 5:12 KJV).

Martha and Mary HOPED for his recovery. “…Many … had come to Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother[‘s] death…” (John 11:19 NASB).

Therefore, Lazarus’ sickness impacted their HOPE. HOW? “…Lazarus [ended up].., dead…” (John 11:14 KJV). Mostly, like us all, they prayed for his recovery. They also CALLED on the WORD. “…So the sisters sent word to Him (Jesus, the living word), saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”…” (John 11:3-4 NASB).

Lazarus died anyway. Martha and Mary both said to Jesus. “…if thou hadst been HERE my brother had NOT died…” (John 11:21, 32 KJV).

However, in the story of Lazarus, Jesus said that Martha and Mary’s HOPE, for Lazarus, would NOT end with their brother’s death. “…This sickness …is not to end in death…” (John 11:3-4 NASB).  “…I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death…” (John 8:51 KJV).  ^“And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 8:51 KJV).

In heaven, God’s people will enjoy a life without sin, sickness, or death. The way it was meant to be from the beginning of creation. “[God’s]…kingdom [has] come. [God’s] will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). In heaven, “…God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain (lost HOPE): for the former things are passed away…” (Revelation 21:3-4 KJV). “…thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth….” (Luke 11:2 KJV).

 SIN SICKNESSES will ALWAYS be a SIDE EFFECT of the SIN nature. “…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin…[sicknesses] … I want to do what is right (live healthy and disease-free), but I can’t.…I [am] …a slave to the sin..[sicknesses]… that is … within me…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “… SIN entered into the world, and DEATH THROUGH SIN, and so death passed to all men…” (Romans 5:12 KJV).

“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin... [sicknesses?] …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “….If the Son (Jesus) sets you free, you will be FREE INDEED…” (John 8:36 NIV).

SIN SICKNESSES will ALWAYS be a SIDE EFFECT of the SIN nature, BUT God’s people have a NEW nature. “…Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are BECOME NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). “…YOU… were DEAD in your … [sin sicknesses]…” (Ephesians 2:1 NIV). “…YOU were dead in your sins and ... [NOW]…God made you ALIVE with Christ. He forgave [you]… all [your]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV). God “….made [you]… ALIVE with Christ …when [you]… were DEAD in [sin sicknesses]…” (Ephesians 2:5 NIV).

Like the prodigal son, “… [YOU (were]…. DEAD and [you have been made]… ALIVE AGAIN; [You were]… lost and [have been]… found…” (Luke 15:24 NIV). “….YOU USED TO LIVE in sin [sicknesses], just like the rest of the world ….All of us used to live that way, following the … inclinations (effects) of our sinful nature. ….just like everyone else…” (Ephesian 2:2-3 NLT).

“…The truth (Jesus) … [MADE] … YOU FREE…” (JOHN 8:32 KJV). “…Thy word (Jesus) is truth...” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). Jesus saith…I am …the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6 KJV). “….If the Son (the TRUTH) sets you free, you will be FREE INDEED…” (John 8:36 NIV). “…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (freedom)…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).

“…The Holy Spirit gives birth to [your new]… SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).  “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Christ [is]…in you …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…Christ be in you… (Romans 8:10 KJV). ^“…Christ liveth in [you]…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).

Physical SICKNESSES are ALWAYS a SIDE EFFECT or result of the FALL. I am NOT saying physical sicknesses are a side effect of a person’s personal sins, but ONLY of the SIN “NATURE” due to the FALL. “…through one man SIN entered into the world, and DEATH THROUGH SIN, and so death passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).

Therefore, “…The wages of sin [is] death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). However, “… the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). Thus, “...whosoever liveth and believeth in me (Jesus) shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 8:51 KJV).

The physical death of loved ones impacts us ALL, but the difference is that God’s people NEVER die. “...Whosoever liveth and believeth in me (Jesus) shall never die…” (John 8:51 KJV).

Yes, they have SEPARATED from the body, but WHERE are they? “…Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord…” (2 Corinthians 5:8 NLT).

It is NORMAL to be SAD when someone dies physically, but our HOPE “ONLY” dies, with them, “IF” we believe physical DEATH has the FINALLY WORD! “…O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55 KJV). “...Whosoever liveth and believeth in me (Jesus) shall never die…” (John 8:51 KJV). “…[they]… will be at home with the Lord…” (2 Corinthians 5:8 NLT). “…Believest thou this?” (John 8:51 KJV).

God’s people’s HOPE is NOT limited or depended on what is SEEN. “…HOPE that is seen is not HOPE: for what a man (or woman) seeth; why doth he (or she) yet HOPE for: But if we HOPE for that we see not, THEN do we with patience WAIT for it…” (Romans 8:24-25 KJV). “…As many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB).

Martha and Mary believed in the “…blessed hope…” of Jesus’s return and that they would SEE Lazarus again (Titus 2:13 KJV). “…Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day…” (John 11:23-24 KJV).

Jesus then saith to Martha and Mary: “…I am the resurrection and the life…” (John 11:25 KJV). “…This sickness is NOT unto death, but for the glory of God…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…you will see the glory of the LORD…” (Exodus 16:7 NASB). “…Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40 KJV).

Seeing the GLORY of God is SEEING the DISPLAY of his GOODNESS. “…you will see the glory of the LORD…” (Exodus 16:7 NASB).

When HOPE remains LIMITED and DEPENDED on what is SEEN, HEARD, EXPERIENCED, or even established doctrine; it is easily BURIED along with that which is DEAD. “…HOPE that is seen is not HOPE: for what a man (or woman) seeth; why doth he (or she) yet HOPE for…” (Romans 8:24-25 KJV).

“…This sickness ….[was]… for the glory of God…” (John 11:4 KJV). This sickness was MEANT to DISPLAY the GOODNESS of God. “…Thou (God) are GOOD and doest GOOD…” (Psalm 119:68 KJV). God “… is able TO DO exceeding abundantly ABOVE all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him…” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NASB).

God WAYS are higher than yours and he can’t be LIMITED and DEPENDENT on what you see, hear, or experience, in the natural!! “...[God’s] ways are higher than your ways [and His] thoughts than your ways...” (Isaiah 55:9 KJV).

God did not give you a HOPE that DIES or disappoints. “…WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED…" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB). “…and HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT… (ROMANS 5:5 NASB). THEREFORE, “…TRUST in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB).

God intended for your HOPE to last and make it to the FINISH LINE. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). “…He will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).

Even with ALL our Godly resources, HOPE still dies. Challenging events or experiences, especially over a long period of time, have constantly and viciously hammered away at your HOPE. You DIDN’T get what you expected. Even though God said: “…I know the thoughts that I think toward you … to give you an expected end…” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).  

The DEATH of your HOPE was a weapon formed by the enemy to hinder or totally STOP your walk of faith.  “…No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou  (God) shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).

WHEN the enemy keeps pounding at your HOPE; not only does “HE” think he’s won, but so do “YOU.” However, “…no weapon turned against you will succeed…” (Isaiah 54:17 NLT). “…no weapon forged against you will prevail…” (Isaiah 54:17 NIV). “..No weapon that is formed against you will prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17 NASB).

Physical, mental, emotional sickness, loss, disappointment, broken hearts, lifeless relationships, doubt, and physical death are events and experiences that can make you abort your walk of faith. “...ALL THINGS work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV). “…And in the PROCESS of time “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).

After long stretches of TIME, HOPE can become worn and weary. Many believers get tired, but they are NOT defeated. That’s why they are encouraged to endure to the end. “…Those who trust in (depend upon) the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever…” (Psalms 125:1 NLT) “…And in the PROCESS of time “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).

Sometimes HOPE seems dead and it has been dead for so long; it STINKS!! “…Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days…” (John 11:39 KJV).

Martha and Mary went through Lazarus’ sickness, probably watched him die, buried him, accepted it was over, and so was their HOPE for his LIFE. “…by this time he stinketh…” (John 11:39 KJV).

From their perspective, there was nothing else to HOPE for, in this life, in regard to Lazarus, but a future resurrection.  Martha and Mary resolved, within themselves, that they would see Lazarus in heaven one day. Yet Jesus said, “…I am the resurrection and the life…thy brother shall rise again…Believest thou this? … [Martha answered]…I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day…” (John 11:23-27 KJV).

It becomes humanly impossible, at times, to HOPE beyond our current human experiences and knowledge. AND it is NORMAL to blame Jesus or God. “…said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had NOT died…Mary was come where Jesus was….saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had NOT died…” (John 21, 32 KJV).

There is that human part of you that GIVES UP. Fortunately, God loves YOU. “…He will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). “…“…[His]… grace is sufficient for you … [His]… power is made perfect in weakness…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

Martha and Mary BURIED their HOPE with Lazarus. But Jesus “STILL” asked them: “…where have ye laid him?...”  (John 11: 34, 41 KJV).

God understands and is SO RICH in GRACE. “…He is “SO” RICH in kindness and GRACE …” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). “….The exceeding RICHES of his GRACE in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus…” (Ephesians 2:7 KJV). “… [The] incomparable RICHES of [God’s]… GRACE …[is]… expressed in his kindness in Christ Jesus...” (Ephesians 2:7 NIV).

He PROMISES, no matter what, “NEVER” to leave you! “…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…Behold, I am with… [you] and will keep… [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you]…." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

Undeservingly, God takes you BACK to the PLACE where you BURIED your HOPE. “…where have ye laid him?...”  (John 11: 34, 41 KJV).

GOD ALLOWS you to RETRIEVE your HOPE so you can FINISH the RACE. “…TAKE ye away the STONE….they TOOK away the STONE from the PLACE “WHERE” the DEAD was laid…” (John 11:39-41 KJV). “…He will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).

Jesus PRAYED over the situation. “…men ought ALWAYS to pray and NOT faint…” (Luke 18:1 KJV). “…Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me…” (John 11:41-42 KJV).

“…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much…” (James 5:16 KJV). “…As many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB). “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us…” (1 John 5:14 KJV). “…You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.  Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it...” (John 14:12-14 NLT).  

“…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB).  “…He has granted to [you]… His precious and magnificent promises…” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB). “… I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me…” (John 11:41-42 KJV). “…And the prayer of faith SHALL save the sick (even the sin sick soul), and the Lord SHALL raise him up…” (James 5:15 KJV).

“…when he thus had spoken (prayed), he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV).

“…the dead man[‘s]…. hands and feet … [were] … bound in graveclothes …Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” (John 11:44 NLT).

HOPE is often wrapped in the GRAVE CLOTHES of disappointment, doubt, weariness, loss, heartbreak, abuses, physical death, long-term physical sicknesses, wayward children spouses, or relatives, lost dreams, unfulfilled desires, broken relationships, and a host of other hopeless events or experiences.  JESUS SAID:  “…loose him (your hope) and let him  (let your hopes) go…” (John 11:44 KJV).

TAKE BACK YOUR HOPE from the place you buried it!! “….LET US NOT GROW WEARY while doing good, for in DUE SEASON we shall reap if we do not lose heart…” (Galatians 6:9 KJV). “…‘We’ve given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). And Jesus said to him, “…I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

Jesus will get you to the FINISH LINE!!! “…He will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “…Looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR and FINISHER OF [Y]OUR… FAITH…” (Hebrews 12:2a KJV).  “…HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN [you]… “WILL” “PERFORM” IT “UNTIL” the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV).

God KNOWS you are weary. He KNOWS you are tired. He KNOWS it has been a long TIME. He KNOWS how heartbroken you’ve been. He KNOWS your disappointment.

HE KNOWS the events and experiences that have hammered down your HOPE. He ALSO KNOWS, in spite of it ALL, you “WILL” finish the WALK of FAITH!!!

Every buried or dead DREAM or DESIRE is YOURS in JESUS NAME. Jesus said: “Unwrap him (your hope) and let him (your hope) go!” (John 11:44 NLT).

TAKE BACK YOUR HOPE!! “…they TOOK away the STONE from the PLACE “WHERE” the DEAD was laid…” (John 11:39-41 KJV).

“…I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).

YOUR HOPE IS “NOT” DEAD!! “…the things which are impossible with men ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: IS THERE ANY THING TOO HARD FOR ME?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or THINK, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

“…"Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory (GOODNESS) of God?" (John 11:40 KJV). Again, TAKE BACK YOUR HOPE!! “…they TOOK away the STONE from the PLACE “WHERE” the DEAD was laid…” (John 11:39-41 KJV). JESUS SAID: “…loose him (your hope) and let him  (YOUR HOPE) go…” (John 11:44 KJV).  

RUN ON!!! “…[JESUS]… will keep you strong to the… [FINISH LINE!!!]…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “…Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God…” (John 11:3-4 NASB).

“…"Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory (GOODNESS) of God?" (John 11:40 KJV). “…And he that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV).