KEEP MOVING FORWARD, YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE IT!

                                                               HOPE: YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE IT!

KEEP MOVING FORWARD

“… He that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV).

"...FORGETTING THOSE THINGS BEHIND... REACHING FORWARD..." (PHILIPPIANS 3:15).  

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SCRIPTURES: “… He that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV).  

PURPOSE OR GOAL OF LESSON: TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD. TO REALIZE DELAYED DOESN'T MEAN DENIED.

APPLICATION OF LESSON: TO CONTINUE DEPENDING UPON GOD’S WORD WHEN HE IS DELAYED. THE OUTCOME IS NOT IN YOUR OPINION,  IN YOUR PRESENT SITUATIONS AND CIRCUMSTANCES, OR IN YOUR PERCEPTION, BUT IN YOUR DECISION TO HAVE FAITH (trust in and dependency upon God) AND KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

TOPIC DISCUSSION: DISCUSS HOW DEAD HOPES, DREAMS OR PRAYERS, BASED ON TRUSING IN AND DEPENDING UPON THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD, WILL BE REALIZED. WE LET GO OF THE OUTCOME, BUT WE DON’T GIVE UP.  It is NOT always easy to continue to walk upright or MOVE FORWARD when BAD, DIFFICULT, TRAGIC, or MIND-BLOWING events and experiences happen or are happening. The bible says: “….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 may “lose heart” when we go through DEATH, DISAPPOINTMENTS, LOSS, HEARTBREAK, DIFFICULT RELATIONSHIPS, OR BROKEN DREAMS (Galatians 6:9 KJV). “…In DUE SEASON we shall reap if we do not lose heart…” (Galatians 6:9 KJV). We may not be exactly like the men-servants in Luke 12:45, but we may come to a resigning conclusion, because God delayed his coming into our situations and circumstances of life. “…My Lord delayeth his coming…” (Luke 12:45 KJV). Eventually, however, no matter how many days or years have passed, God will manifest his GLORY and turn things around for the good. “…And in the PROCESS of time “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). “...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). People grow TIRED and WEARY from waiting. The bible says: “… They that WAIT UPON the LORD shall renew [their] strength…” (Isaiah 40:31 KJV).  “…WAIT ON the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: WAIT, I say, on the LORD…” (Psalms 27:14 KJV). “…The LORD [is] good unto them that WAIT FOR HIM…” (Lamentations 3:25 KJV). “…THOUGH IT TARRY, WAIT FOR IT….” (Habakkuk 2:3 KJV).  Making it to the FINISH LINE of OUR HOPES, DREAMS, AND PRAYERS, which depend upon God’s promises, by waiting on God becomes overwhelmingly challenging. However, “…the one who endures to the end, he will be saved…” (Matthew 24:13 NASB). It is the details and process that becomes challenging, especially if, like Mary and Martha, you have experienced a loved one go through a difficult sickness, take their last breath and die, be funeralized, and left in a tomb. . “…if thou hadst been HERE my brother had NOT died…” (John 11:21 KJV). Such events and experiences can weaken you and cause you to GIVE UP before getting to the FINISH LINE or the promised ENDING of a journey. . “…if thou hadst been HERE my brother had NOT died…” (John 11:21 KJV). God promised Lazarus’ sickness would not end in death, but it “LOOKED” like it DID end in DEATH. “…Lazarus is dead…” (John 11:14 KJV). What promises of God did you RELY on that LOOK as if it is a DEAD or FAILED promise? “…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; ALL CAME TO PASS…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB).  Was Lazarus’ physical DEATH the FINISH LINE or end of the journey for Martha and Mary’s HOPES, DREAMS, and PRAYERS regarding their brother? NO, but it “LOOKED” like it was. Why wasn’t IT the end? Because Jesus, the WORD, told them: “…this sickness is NOT unto death, but for the glory of God…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…"Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40 KJV). What was the FINISH LINE or END PROMISE for Martha and Mary’s HOPES, DREAMS, and PRAYERS in regard their brother? “…you will “see” the glory  (PRESENCE, GOODNESS & POWER) of God?" (John 11:40 KJV). AND “…this sickness is NOT unto death…” (John 11:4 KJV). Did God’s WORD inspire your HOPES, DREAMS, or PRAYERS for a restored relationship, to see a sick relative or friend well again, to save a wayward child, to change a situation or circumstance, to break an addiction, but after days, weeks, months, or years “IT” NEVER came to pass? “…Lazarus is dead…” (John 11:14 KJV). Did YOU, like Martha and Mary, HEAR, through the WORD of God, a similar promise: “…this sickness is NOT unto death…” (John 11:4 KJV). Did Lazarus die? Even Jesus said, “…Lazarus is dead…” (John 11:14 KJV). Did Jesus lie? “…God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” (Numbers 23:19 NASB). “…If we are unfaithful (in keeping his WORD), he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “... some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful?  Of course not! Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true....” (Romans 3:3-4 NLT). Did God lie to you? After so many days or years of waiting or delays, what do you think about God’s promises NOW? What did Martha and Mary think? “…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). Jesus responded, to the sisters, with a REMINDER of the PROMISE he’d made. “…Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”   …” (John 11:22-27 NASB). Do you have DOUBTS about God’s WORD to you? Did Martha and Mary doubt Jesus? “…Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” …” (John 11:22-27 NASB). Has your HOPE, DREAMS, or PRAYERS inspired by God’s promises ended in disappointment after disappointment? Will Martha and Mary be disappointed too? “…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 (depended upon) and WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED…. (PSALMS 22:5 NASB).  Why BELIEVE “IN” him, or depend upon Jesus, the WORD, if the situation dies anyway? “….” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”  She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world…” (John 11:22-27 NASB). If you have believed like Martha and Mary believe, what is the problem? After all, Martha and Mary also believed in Jesus, believed in the resurrection, believed he was Christ, the Son of God, and believed God would do whatever he asked of him. “…IT SHALL BE DONE TO YOU ACCORDING TO YOUR FAITH…” (MATTHEW 9:29 NASB).With ALL their professed faith in Jesus, the WORD, Martha and Mary experienced Lazarus death so that they would BELIEVE. “…I am glad for your sakes (his disciples, Mary, ande Martha) that I was not there (when Lazarus died), to the intent, you may BELIEVE….” (John 11:15 KJV). “…I knew that thou (God) 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). BELIEVE WHAT?  You will ultimately OBTAIN eternal LIFE. “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “…HE “WILL” KEEP YOU STRONG to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). Everything else TEACHES you to LIVE with a stronger, more dependent, and greater FAITH in God’s Word. Therefore, events and experiences are practice, to encourage endurance and so “… that… [you]… may believe (depend) that thou (God) hast sent [jesus, his word]…” (John 11:41-42 KJV). WHO sent WHO? GOD sent JESUS, the WORD. “…This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him  (depend upon him) whom he hath sent (jesus, his word)…” (John 6:28-29 KJV). WHO was SENT? “… HE …sent His Son (Jesus, the Word)...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). Who EXACTLY is his Son, Jesus? “…the WORD… [was] … made flesh, and dwelt among us, we beheld his glory, glory of the ONLY begotten… [SON]… of the Father, full of grace and truth… [which]… came through Jesus Christ…” (John 1:14, 17 KJV). Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD, HAS ALL POWER. “… Jesus (the WORD of GOD) …came and SPAKE, unto them saying, “All POWER is given unto me IN heaven and earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV). “… He (who or whatever “he” represents) that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV).  

THAT DEAD THING “WILL” COME FORTH!

1.    WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE YOU IN THE VALLEY? VALLEY REFERS TO A PLACE OF OR STATE OF HOPELESSNES, DREAMLESSNESS OR PRAYLESNESS. WERE YOU RESURRECTED TO LIFE TO BE DEFEATED OR TO OVERCOME EVERYTHING? You were NEVER meant to ADAPT to DEAD situations and they were “NOT” meant to defeat YOU, but you were meant to OVERCOME them. “..Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have (you HAVE) overcome the world…” (John 16:33 NLT). “…If you listen to these commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today, and if you carefully obey them, the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you will always be on top and never at the bottom…” (Deuteronomy 28:13 NLT). WHEN GOD IS DELAYed IN COMING TO CERTAIN SITUATIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES ARE YOU SUPPOSE TO ADAPT OR REMAIN HOPEFUL, DREAMFUL, AND PRAYERFUL? YOU ARE TO REMAIN HOPEFUL, DREAMFUL, AND PRAYERful. The bible says: “….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 may “lose heart” when we go through DEATH, DISAPPOINTMENTS, LOSS, HEARTBREAK, DIFFICULT RELATIONSHIPS, OR BROKEN DREAMS (Galatians 6:9 KJV). “…In DUE SEASON we shall reap if we do not lose heart…” (Galatians 6:9 KJV). WHEN WAS APOSTLE PAUL’S SECRET WHEN HE WAS GOING THROUGH DIFFICULTIES AND WAITING FOR GOD’S WORD TO DELIVER HIM. HE LEARNED TO BE CONTENT or restful. Apostle Paul said, “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). His secret, “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…Be content with what you have, because God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “God is [your] refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1 KJV).

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2.    EVEN THROUGH JESUS, THE WORD, DELAYED HIS COMING INTO MARY AND MARTHA'S SITUATION, DID THEIR BROTHER RISE AGAIN AS HE PROMISED? Yes, their brother rose again. “…My Lord delayeth his coming…” (Luke 12:45 KJV). “…And in the PROCESS of time “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). “...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). EVEN THROUGH GOD HAS BEEN DELAYED IN COMING to YOUR SITUATION, WHAT ARE YOU ENCOURAGED TO CONTINUE TO DO? WAIT ON GOD.  “… They that WAIT UPON the LORD shall renew [their] strength…” (Isaiah 40:31 KJV).  “…WAIT ON the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: WAIT, I say, on the LORD…” (Psalms 27:14 KJV). “…The LORD [is] good unto them that WAIT FOR HIM…” (Lamentations 3:25 KJV). “…THOUGH IT TARRY, WAIT FOR IT….” (Habakkuk 2:3 KJV).  ARE YOU RESURRECTED TO (SPIRITUAL) LIFE TO BE DEFEATED, GIVE UP, QUIT, OR WERE YOU MEANT TO ENDURE TO THE END OF EVERY JOURNEY GOD GIVES TO YOU? YOU WERE MEANT TO OVERCOME AND ENDURE TO THE END.“…the one who endures to the end, he will be saved…” (Matthew 24:13 NASB). “..Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I (THE WORD) have overcome the world (YOU HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD)…” (John 16:33 NLT). “…the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you will always be on top and never at the bottom…” (Deuteronomy 28:13 NLT). It is the details and process that becomes challenging, especially if, like Mary and Martha, you have experienced a loved one go through a difficult sickness, take their last breath and die, be funeralized, and left in a tomb. WHAT WAS MARY AND MARTHA’S ATTITUDE ABOUT JESUS, THE WORD’S DELAY INTO THEIR SITUATION? THEY TOLD JESUS, THE WORD, IF HE HAD NOT BEEN DELAYED THEIR BROTHER WOULD NOT HAVE DIED.. “…if thou hadst been HERE my brother had NOT died…” (John 11:21 KJV). “…if thou hadst been HERE my brother had NOT died…” (John 11:21 KJV). “…Lazarus is dead…” (John 11:14 KJV).

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3.    WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LETTING GO OF THE OUTCOME AND GIVING UP ON THE OUTCOME? LETTING GO OF THE OUTCOME IS A CHOICE TO TRUST AND DEPEND UPON GOD BY FAITH. GIVING UP ON THE OUTCOME IS A CHOICE "NOT" TO TRUST AND DEPEND UPON GOD.  “…the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you will always be on top and never at the bottom…” (Deuteronomy 28:13 NLT). “..because I (THE WORD) have overcome the world (YOU HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD)…” (John 16:33 NLT). “…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; ALL CAME TO PASS…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB). “….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). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…‘We’ve [CHOSEN TO LET GO OF]... everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). And Jesus said to him, “…I assure you that everyone who has  [CHOSEN TO LET GO OF; WHATEVER IT IS], for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many [WHATEVER] .. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). WHAT DID GOD PROMISE THE OUTCOME FOR LAZARUS WOULD BE? HE SAID HE WOULD RISE AGAIN. “…this sickness is NOT unto death, but for the glory of God…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…"Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40 KJV).  EVEN THOUGH MARY AND MARTHA WENT THROUGH LAZARUS’ SICKNESS, HIS DEATH, THE PREPARATION FOR HIS BURIAL, THE FUNERAL SERVICES, AND HIS ENTOMBMENT, WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME OF THE PROMISE GOD MADE TO THEM? The OUTCOME OF THE PROMISE for Martha and Mary’s HOPES, DREAMS, and PRAYERS in regard TO their brother WAS THAT HE WOULD RISE AGAIN AND THEY WOULD “SEE” WITH THEIR “OWN” EYES GOD’S GLORY. THEY DID. “…you will “see” the glory of God?" (John 11:40 KJV). AND “…this sickness is NOT unto death…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…thy brother shall rise again…Believest thou this? …” (John 11:23-27 KJV).

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4.    Did God’s WORD inspire your HOPES, DREAMS, or PRAYERS for a restored relationship, to see a sick relative or friend well again, to save a wayward child, to change a situation or circumstance, to break an addiction, but after days, weeks, months, or years “IT” NEVER came to pass? DISCUSSION QUESTION. “…this sickness is NOT unto death…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…Lazarus is dead…” (John 11:14 KJV). Did Jesus, THE WORD, lie TO MARY AND MARTHA? NO. WHY OR WHY NOT? GOD’S WORD IS HOLY SPIRIT TRUTH AND THEREFORE, HE DOES NOT LIE. “…God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” (Numbers 23:19 NASB). Did God lie to you? NO. After so many days or years of waiting or delays, what do you think about God’s promises NOW? I THINK HIS PROMISES WILL “STILL” COME TO PASS WHETHER I DEPEND UPON THEM OR NOT; GOD IS FAITHFUL TO HIS PROMISES. “… he remains faithful[that’s his HOLY nature], for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).God says, I “…am WATCHING over my word to PERFORM it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…So …MY WORD … 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). What did Martha and Mary think ABOUT JESUS, THE WORD’S, DELAY INTO THEIR SITUATION? THEY BLAMED 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).

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5.    WHAT “GRACIOUS” AND LOVING RESPONSE DID GOD MAKE TO MARY AND MARTHA’S BLAMING ATTITUDE? HE ASSURED THEM THEIR BROTHER WOULD RISE AGAIN.  “…Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”   …” (John 11:22-27 NASB). Do you have DOUBTS OR LIMITED KNOWLEDGE about God’s WORD to you? SOMETIMES. Did Martha and Mary doubt Jesus, THE WORD, or did they have a LIMITED perspective about the POWER of God’s WORD IN THEIR SITUATION? THEY HAD A LIMITED PERSPECTIVE OF GOD’S WORD IN THEIR SITUATION. “…Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” …” (John 11:22-27 NASB). WILL HOPE IN THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD EVER DISAPPOINT YOU? yes IT WILL and no IT WON'T. Has your HOPE, DREAMS, or PRAYERS inspired by God’s promises ended in disappointment after disappointment? Discussion question. “…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 (depended upon) and WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED…. (PSALMS 22:5 NASB).  WAS Martha and Mary disappointed while they were going through? Yes, they were crying about their brother’s death. “... When Jesus therefore “saw” her weeping....” (john 11:33 KJV).“…The Jews came to … comfort them (Martha and Mary) concerning their brother…” (John 11:19 KJV).  “…Jesus [also] wept…” (John 11:35 KJV). “…We do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses…” (Hebrews 4:15 NASB). “…I will provide for you...” …he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.…” (GENESIS 50:15:21).

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6.    Why depend upon god’s word if you have to endure the death of your hopes, dreams, or prayers? GOD “ALWAYS” HAS THE BEST PLAN AND OUTCOME FOR YOUR LIFE AND YOUR LIFE’S SITUATIONS, EVEN IF YOU DON’T AGREE. GOD’S WORD HAS THE “POWER” TO RESURRECT THE DEAD AND RESTORE LIFE NO MATTER WHAT IT “LOOKS” LIKE OR HOW LONG IT’S BEEN!   “….” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”  DID MARY AND MARTHA BELIEVE JESUS, THE WORD, WAS THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE FOR A FUTURE EXPERIENCE? YES. “……thy brother shall rise again… …” (John 11:23-27 KJV). “……I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day…” (John 11:23-27 KJV). “….” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life....” (JOHN 11:25 KJV).  “….”Do you believe this?...” (JOHN 11:25 KJV). “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world…” (John 11:22-27 NASB).

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7.    Martha and Mary believed in Jesus, THE WORD, believed in the resurrection, believed he was THE Christ, the Son of God, and believed God would do whatever he asked of him. If you have believed like Martha and Mary believeD, what is the problem? THE PROBLEM, FOR MARY AND MARTHA, WAS THE LIMITED PERCEPTION, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE WITH THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD. IT IS PROBABLY MY PROBLEM TOO. “…Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You …” (John 11:22-27 NASB). “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “…BY THE WORD of the Lord … All things came [or come] into being …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB& John 1:1-4 NASB). “… He that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV). “…IT SHALL BE DONE TO YOU ACCORDING TO YOUR FAITH (ACCORDING TO “YOUR” DEPENDENCY UPON THE POWER OF HIS HOLY WORD)…” (MATTHEW 9:29 NASB). BECAUSE GOD KNOWS OUR PERCEPTION, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE WITH THE POWER OF HIS WORD IS LIMITED, WHAT WILL HE DO? HE WILL ALLOW SITUATIONS AND CIRCUMSTANCES TO HAPPEN IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN, DEVELOP, AND EMPOWER A GREATER FAITH OR DEPENDENCY UPON THE “POWER” OF HIS WORD.  “…I am glad for your sakes (his disciples) that I was not there (when Lazarus died), to the intent, you may BELIEVE….” (John 11:15 KJV). “…I knew that thou (God) 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). “…HE “WILL” KEEP YOU STRONG to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). So “… that… [you]… may believe (depend) that thou (God) hast sent [jesus, his word]…” (John 11:41-42 KJV). “…This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him  (depend upon him) whom he hath sent (jesus, his word)…” (John 6:28-29 KJV).

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8.    WHO DID GOD SEND IN ORDER FOR YOU TO DEPEND UPON HIM? HE SENT JESUS, HIS WORD. “… HE …sent His Son (Jesus, the Word)...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). WHAT WAS JESUS’ OTHER NAME? THE WORD OF GOD.  Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…the WORD… [was] … made flesh, and dwelt among us, we beheld his glory, glory of the ONLY begotten… [SON]… of the Father, full of grace and truth… [which]… came through Jesus Christ…” (John 1:14, 17 KJV). DOES JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD, HAVE ALL POWER? YES, THE WORD OF GOD HAS “ALL” POWER. “… Jesus (the WORD of GOD) …came and SPAKE, unto them saying, “All POWER is given unto me IN heaven and earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV). “… He (who or whatever “he” represents) that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV).  DOES GOD’S WORD HAVE THE POWER TO RESURRECT YOUR DEAD HOPES, DREAMS, OR PRAYERS AND GIVE “LIFE” TO THEM? YES. HOW? NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD’S WORD. “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “…BY THE WORD of the Lord … All things came [or come] into being …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB& John 1:1-4 NASB). “… He that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV).

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9.     JESUS, THE WORD, TOLD MARY AND MARTHA TO GO TO THE PLACE OF THEIR DEFEAT, WHERE WAS THAT PLACE? THE PLACE WHERE THE DEAD WAS LAID OR LAZARUS’ TOMB. Go to“… the PLACE “WHERE” the DEAD was laid…” (John 11:39-41 KJV). WHAT DID HE TELL THEM TO DO ONCE THEY GOT TO “THE PLACE” WHERE THEY HAD LAID THE DEAD? HE TOLD THEM TO ROLL AWAY THE STONE. “…TAKE ye away the STONE …” (John 11:39-41 KJV). DOES GOD INTEND FOR HIS PEOPLE TO BE DEFEATED, QUIT, ADAPT TO THE NEGATIVE, GIVE UP, OR DOES HE INTEND FOR THEM TO WIN, MOVE FORWARD, AND BE VICTORIOUS. HE INTENDS FOR THEM TO WIN, MOVE FORWARD, AND BE VICTORIOUS. “…press on to reach the end of the race  … which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling [you]…” (Philippians 3:14 NLT).  THat “…you may BELIEVE….” (John 11:15 KJV).  “…He will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “…[Y]our… sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). “… "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40 KJV). Martha and Mary were eye witnesses that Lazarus was DEAD and would be until the resurrection DAY. Lazarus WAS DEAD. They SAW it. They BURIED him. He was IN the tomb. HOWEVER, DID HE LIVE AGAIN AS JESUS, THE WORD SAID HE WOULD? YES, HE WAS RESURRECTED TO "THIS" LIFE. “…Lazarus is dead…” (John 11:14 KJV). “…thy brother shall rise again……” (John 11:23-27 KJV). “…LIVE BY FAITH (BY DEPENDING UPON THE POWER OF GOD’S HOLY WORD), NOT BY SIGHT (NOT BY WHAT YOU SEE IN THE NATURAL)…” (2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV). “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “…. Is there any thing too hard for [God]…?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV) . “…if you believe, you will see the glory of God…" (John 11:40 KJV). “… [His]… word  … that goeth forth out of [his]… mouth … it shall accomplish that which [Pleases God] …  and it shall prosper in the thing where to [God]… sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).  “…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB). God is “…watching over [his[… word to perform it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB).  “… He that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV).

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10.    CAN YOU MAKE IT TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS DIFFICULT SITUATION  OR CIRCUMSTANCE? YES, YOU CAN. HOW? YOU CAN DO “ALL” THINGS THROUGH CHRIST, THE WORD OF GOD, THAT STRENGTHENS YOU TO DO IT. “….[You]… CAN DO (reach the finish line) all things THROUGH Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). Therefore, “…He will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).  WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WHEN YOU GET TIRED AND WEARY IN THE JOURNEY? KEEP DEPENDING UPON THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD REGARDLESS OF YOUR "FEELINGS." PRESS ON. “…TAKE ye away the STONE …” (John 11:39-41 KJV). “…press on to …the end of the race  …” (Philippians 3:14 NLT). “..I , THE WORD, have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world (SO HAVE YOU!)…” (John 16:33 NLT).“…that… [you] … may believe (DEPEND UPON THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD AND KNOW) that thou (God) hast sent (jesus, HIS word)…” (John 11:41-42 KJV). “… He that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV). YOU “WILL” MAKE IT TO THE FINISH LINE!! “....I have overcome the world (SO HAVE YOU!)…” (John 16:33 NLT).

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