HOPE: IF GOD PROMISED, EVEN IF IT SEEMS DEAD......IT IS NOT!!!

                                

NEW BOOK COMING SOON!

    CHAPTER 3: HOPE: YOUR BROTHER WILL RISE AGAIN

 “…JESUS SAITH UNTO HER, THY BROTHER “SHALL” RISE AGAIN …” (John 11:23 KJV).

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 Jesus made a BOLD statement, but his DELAY, his INTENT and his REASON for coming to Bethany later was to perform this MIRACLE. “…Lazarus is dead … I go, that I might awake him out of sleep…. ” (John 11:14, 11 KJV).

Jesus made this statement BEFORE he completed the work of restoring Lazarus BACK to physical LIFE. “…THY BROTHER “SHALL” RISE AGAIN …” (John 11:23 KJV).

Shall” means WILL!!! It doesn’t say the brother might rise again, but that he SHALL.  “Shall” is used because of WHO is doing the rising. “…If the Lord will, [Lazarus] SHALL LIVE, and DO this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).   “…[God’s]… counsel … SHALL (WILL) stand, and [he]… will do all [his]… pleasure…” (Isaiah 46:10 KJV).

SHALL = WILL. “…The just shall LIVE “BY” FAITH: …” (Hebrews 10:38 KJV). “…The just shall LIVE BY “HIS” FAITH…” (Habakkuk 2:4 NASB). “…The just shall LIVE BY FAITH…” (Galatians 3:11 KJV). “…The just shall LIVE BY FAITH…” (Romans 1:17 KJV).

John 11:23 says“...thy brother SHALL rise again...” In this verse it advocates for God’s sovereignty in his ability to manifest his POWER regardless of human or natural limitations, impossibilities, long stretches of time, or things that seem too hard. “…[God]…does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV). 

“…He does as he pleases with …the PEOPLES of the earth. NO ONE can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “…I WILL DO “ALL” MY  PLEASURE…” (Isaiah 46:10 KJV).

Lazarus shall “…rise again…” Rise again points to live again, or be restored again, or revived again. “…THY BROTHER “SHALL” RISE AGAIN …” (John 11:23 KJV).

Jesus prayed first. The bible says: “…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 prayer of faith SHALL save the sick, and the Lord SHALL raise him up (Lazarus)…” (James 5:15 KJV).

God, in his SOVEREIGNTY, says “….THE LORD SHALL raise him up…” (James 5:15). “Shall” in James 5:15 means HE WILL!!! It doesn’t say God might; it says “…the Lord SHALL raise him up...”

God is, clearly, sovereign over human or natural limitations and impossibilities. God can powerfully alter events, circumstances, and experiences. God “…does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).  

“…He does as he pleases with …the peoples of the earth. NO ONE can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “…[His]… counsel (WORD) shall stand, and [he]… WILL DO “ALL” [HIS] …  PLEASURE…” (Isaiah 46:10 KJV).

The sovereign God CAN and DOES INTERVENE and OVERRIDE human or natural limitations and impossibilities. “…He does WHATEVER pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).

When mankind submits to the truth of God’s sovereignty he or she will conclude: “…If the Lord will, [WHAT OR WHO] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).

Ultimately, it is God who does whatever he pleases and not mankind. “…He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with …the peoples of the earth. NO ONE can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

God’s sovereignty is without dispute and his sovereignty is not restrained nor limited to human or natural impossibilities. “…He does whatever pleases HIM…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).  “…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).

Therefore, God says, “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much…” (James 5:16 KJV). “….The PRAYER OF FAITH “shall” save the sick, and THE LORD “SHALL” raise him up…” (James 5:15).

"…WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED …" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB). “…HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT… (ROMANS 5:5 NASB). “…My counsel (WORD)… SHALL stand, and I will do all my pleasure…” (Isaiah 46:10 KJV).  “…NO ONE can hold back [MY]… hand or say to [ME]: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

If God is truly sovereign he does whatever HE wills with COMPLETE sovereignty over life and death. God wants the believer to both KNOW and BELIEVE in his POWER. “…that they may believe that thou hast sent me…” (John 11:41-42 KJV).

God’s sovereignty over life and death has in the past, does in the present, and will on into the future, prevent or alter some course of action, event, or experience. “…If the Lord will, [SOMETHING or SOMEONE] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 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).

The Sovereign God, alone, can intervene and POWERFULLY change the course of events or experiences in your life and “…NO ONE can hold back his hand…” (Daniel 4 NIV).

If we pray, God WILL ALTER and RAISE UP our DEAD situations and circumstances. GOD’s sovereign POWER and ABILITIES is the focus of HOPE and NOT the limited events and experiences. “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much…” (James 5:16 KJV). “….And the PRAYER OF FAITH SHALL save the sick, and THE LORD SHALL raise him up…” (James 5:15). “…THY BROTHER “SHALL” RISE AGAIN …” (John 11:23 KJV).

"…WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED …" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB). “…HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT… (ROMANS 5:5 NASB). “…My counsel (WORD)… SHALL stand, and I will do all my pleasure…” (Isaiah 46:10 KJV).

Don’t be STOPPED by seemingly DEAD dreams, desires, circumstances, or experiences. Don’t be depressed by what the events and experiences are saying or doing to taunt or discourage your HOPE. Don’t let TIME be the hammer that beats down your HOPE in the manifestation of God’s glory. “…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…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

God “CAN” sovereignly and POWERFULLY INTERVENE in life’s course of events - to the degree - he can and does prevent, reverse, restore, revive, or alter natural and human limitations. “….HE IS ABLE… [and]…NO ONE can hold back his hand…” (Daniel 4 NIV). “…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).

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we DO NOT GIVE UP…” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). THE FOCUS OF YOUR HOPE OR EXPECTANCY IS IN GOD’S POWER.

“…HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT… (ROMANS 5:5 NASB). “[God’s] …Holy Spirit (POWER) …is the SOURCE (FOCUS) [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

How Martha and Mary understood Jesus’ words revealed their level of faith in God’s power. Most of God’s people BELIEVE God will raise them up “…in the resurrection at the last day…” (John 11:24 KJV).

Most people merely focus on established doctrine, clichés, or praying for God to “heal” the sick, or to “restore” them or someone else back to health, or to “prevent” them or someone else from dying. God WANTS you to KNOW his POWER so that YOU MAY BELIEVE! “…that they may believe that thou hast sent me…” (John 11:41-42 KJV).

Most believers have not paid attention to or witnessed God’s POWER first-hand in their OWN lives. His POWER is more hearsay than REAL to them. “…this sickness….is NOT unto death…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…that [YOU].. may believe that thou hast sent me…” (John 11:41-42 KJV). “…to the intent ye MAY BELIEVE…” (John 11:15 KJV) “…Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope…” (Romans 15:4 KJV).

Established doctrine, some clichés, and prayer are ALL “good” things, but Jesus desires to STRENGTHEN, BROADEN, and INCREASE the believers perspective and TRUST in his POWER. “…I am the resurrection…” (John 11:25 KJV).

In addition, Jesus desires to reveal he “IS” also the true LIFE. “ … I am….the LIFE…” (John 11:25 KJV). “…Jesus saith…I am … THE LIFE…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). “…Now the Lord (Jesus) is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).

Further, it points to another, deeper, TRUTH. “IN” Christ, there is “NO” death. “…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).

Raising Lazarus from the dead was about LEADING Martha, Mary, and his disciples to a DEEPER spiritual TRUTH; Jesus is LIFE! “…Jesus saith…I am … THE LIFE…” (John 14:6 KJV).

This MIRACLE was for the “INTENT” of STRENGTHENING their BELIEF. “…I am glad for your sakes (his disciples, including Martha and Mary) that I was not there (when Lazarus died), to the intent, you may BELIEVE….” (John 11:15 KJV).

This MIRACLE had the INTENT to REMOVE doubt, or wonder, or uncertainty about Jesus’ POWER over DEATH and impossibilities! “…O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55 KJV).

There is often VERY little comfort gleaned from the promise that they will see their love ones again. “…the Jews came to Martha and Mary to comfort them concerning their brother….” (John 11:19 KJV).

Many believers have loss HOPE over the physical death and sicknesses of their love ones. “…If thou hadst been HERE my brother had NOT died…” (John 11:21 KJV).

Many believers have complained, like Martha and Mary, about Jesus not SAVING, their love ones from death or sickness. “…my brother had NOT died…” (John 11:21 KJV).

Jesus does NOT always TURN the situations or experiences around to your DESIRED expectation. Jesus does not and will “NOT” always do what you want, desire, or preferred.  “…if thou hadst been HERE …” (John 11:21 KJV).

It is usually “YOUR” will and “NOT” God’s will that YOU truly favor. “…I seek NOT mine own will…but THE WILL of the Father which hath sent me...” (John 6:38 KJV).  

Believers usually get angry with God because he didn’t DO what “they” thought would be the best solution and outcome in the difficult situations, events, experiences, or circumstances of life. “…if thou hadst been HERE my brother had NOT died…” (John 11:21 KJV).

Many believers WANT God to submit to “their” will. They want to control the outcomes of their events and experiences. When God doesn’t “DO” what they WANT; human hope is seriously impacted. “…For I have come down from heaven “NOT” TO DO MY WILL BUT to do THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV).

In addition, it reveals whose DESIRED will is truly prevalent: yours or God’s. It is always the believer’s choice to submit to God’s will. “…If the Lord will, [I] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV). “…Humble yourselves … under the mighty hand of God…” (1 Peter 5:6 KJV).

No matter what and no matter ow long, Jesus KEEPS his WORD!! “…As many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB). “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). “…THY BROTHER “SHALL” RISE AGAIN …” (John 11:23 KJV).

Therefore, “…Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up…” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). “…Wait upon the LORD [and he]…shall renew [your] strength; [You]… shall mount up with wings as eagles; [You]… shall run, and not be weary; and [you]… shall walk, and not faint…” (Isaiah 40:31 KJV).

God WANTS his people to continue - no matter how many days or years have passed - to look forward to SEEING his GLORY (goodness) in their situations and experiences. “…THY BROTHER “SHALL” RISE AGAIN …” (John 11:23 KJV). “…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).

Godly HOPE has a purpose, even when it is DELAYED. DISAPPOINTMENT is not that goal. “…[It is]…to the intent, you may BELIEVE….” (John 11:15 KJV). “… HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT… (ROMANS 5:5 NASB). “…For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED…" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB). “… HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED… (ROMANS 9:33 NASB). “…In You they trusted and WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED…. (PSALMS 22:5 NASB).  “…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; ALL CAME TO PASS…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB).  “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

Godly HOPE and DELAY also aims at maturing the believer. “…My brethren ….the testing of your faith produces PATIENCE.  …let PATIENCE have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing….” (James 1:2-4 KJV).

The challenge of your HOPE, particularly during LONG difficult events and experiences, produces PATIENCE. “…Dear brothers and sisters …when your faith is tested, your ENDURANCE has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your ENDURANCE is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing….” (James 1:2-4 NLT).

PATIENCE is one of the GREATEST Godly traits that come of out of long DELAYS. It is the DELAY that effect both HOPE and PATIENCE,

In DELAYS, HOPE is challenged and PATIENCE is developed. Patience is one of side effects of long-term and difficult experiences. “…My brethren ….the testing of your faith produces PATIENCE. But let PATIENCE have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing….” (James 1:2-4 KJV).

It is the DELAY that influences PATIENCE’s growth. “…So let it grow, for when your ENDURANCE (patience) is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing….” (James 1:2-4 NLT).

DELAYS often require humility, long periods of waiting, letting go of one’s wants and desires by submitting to God’s wants and desires; and a deeper respect for God’s loving sovereignty over ALL of life’s experiences.

DELAY is one of the most CHALLENGING parts of HOPE.  Delay will, definitely, TEST your HOPE and your endurance. “…My brethren ….the testing of your faith produces PATIENCE….” (James 1:2-4 KJV).

Many believers have complained that God takes TOO long. It is normal to grow tired and weary during long periods of DELAY, especially if they include pain, limitations, loss, sickness, or few choices. Yet God says, “….let PATIENCE have its perfect work, that you may be perfect (mature) and complete (grown), lacking nothing….” (James 1:2-4 KJV).

DELAY can become a path to full-grown spiritual maturity (perfect and complete. “…that you may be perfect (mature) and complete (grown), lacking nothing….” (James 1:2-4 KJV).

God has ordered this aspect of your events and experiences. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way…” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).

Thus, “….let PATIENCE have its perfect work….” (James 1:2-4 KJV).  DELAY is no accident and must be ENDURED.

It is a God-ordained way to reach the end goal of spiritual maturity (Christlikeness) and take your HOPE to the finish line. “…be conformed to the image of His Son (Christlike)…” (Romans 8:29 KJV).  “…that you may be perfect (spiritually mature) and complete (spiritually grown), LACKING NOTHING….” (James 1:2-4 KJV). “…And in the PROCESS of time IT (getting to the finish line) CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).

YES, IT’S BEEN A “LONG” TIME, BUT DON”T QUIT! DON’T GIVE UP! “…YOU HAVE “NEED” OF ENDURANCE (hope and patience) …so you may receive the promise…” (HEBREWS 10:36 KJV).

Therefore, “….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).

“…THY BROTHER “SHALL” RISE AGAIN …” (John 11:23 KJV). “…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).