Have you ever felt buried? Well, I have. There were seasons in my life where the weight of my mistakes, the sting of past hurts, and the sheer exhaustion of trying to be "good enough" felt like a tomb closing in around me. I can imagine many of you have known that feeling too—the suffocating silence when hope seems lost.
We hear stories about Lazarus and think, "Wow, what a miracle!" But have you ever considered that God performs Lazarus-like miracles in our lives every single day? Maybe not a literal resurrection from the dead, but a resurrection of dreams, of relationships, of our very souls.
This isn't just pie-in-the-sky promises, fellow believers. This is about the real, tangible power of God to take the broken pieces of our past and create something stunningly, breathtakingly beautiful.
Let me explain how:
Earlier in life, I used to believe that my worth was tied to my perfection. Every mistake felt like a permanent stain, a mark of shame that I could never wash away. Can anyone relate? It was exhausting trying to maintain this flawless facade, and it left me feeling isolated and disconnected from God and others.
But then I came across the verse that changed everything: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). I was like, “What?! God's power is made perfect in weakness?” This flew in the face of everything I thought I knew.
It dawned on me that my scars weren’t stains. They were testimonies. They were proof that I had survived, that I had learned, and that God had been faithful even in my messiest moments. However, I need you to understand that embracing my imperfections wasn't about condoning my mistakes; it was about acknowledging God's grace and His ability to work through them.
Here’s what I recommend you do in times like this, when you think or know you messed up: take a moment to reflect on a past mistake or hurt. Instead of dwelling on the shame, ask God to show you what He wants you to learn from it. How can He use that experience to shape you into a more compassionate, understanding, and resilient person?
Life has a way of burying our dreams. We get caught up in the daily grind, the responsibilities, and the expectations of others, and suddenly, those passions that once burned so brightly are just gone, buried beneath layers of "shoulds" and "have-tos." Music had always been my sanctuary, my way of connecting with God and expressing my soul. But somewhere along the line, I convinced myself that it wasn't "creative" enough, that I needed to focus on more "sensible" pursuits. I stopped writing songs.
Then one day, I felt this gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit. It was like He was whispering, "Remember what brings you joy? Remember what makes you feel alive?" It was time to exhume my buried passion and let my creativity flow again.
What's a dream or passion you've buried? Identify one small step you can take this week to reconnect with it. Maybe it's signing up for a class, dedicating 30 minutes to a hobby, or simply praying for God to reignite your passion.
One of the most transformative phrases I've learned is "not yet." It's a simple phrase, but it holds immense power. It acknowledges that things might not be where we want them to be right now, but it also affirms our belief that God is still working, that He has a plan, and that our story isn't over.
Maybe you're facing a difficult situation; it's easy to get discouraged and believe that things will never change. But what if you added "yet" to the end of that sentence?
"My marriage is struggling…yet God is working to restore it."
"I'm facing financial hardship…yet God will provide."
"I'm battling this illness… yet God is my healer."
That simple word shifts your perspective. It acknowledges the reality of your current situation while simultaneously declaring your faith in God's ability to turn things around.
Identify an area in your life where you're feeling discouraged. Rewrite your narrative by adding "yet" to the end of the sentence, followed by a declaration of faith. Speak it out loud every day, and watch how it transforms your perspective.
When Lazarus walked out of the tomb, Jesus didn't just say, "Unbind him!" He said, "Loose him, and let him go" (John 11:44). Sometimes, even after God resurrects a part of our lives, we're still bound by the "grave clothes" of unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment.
Holding onto those negative emotions is like carrying a heavy weight that keeps us from fully embracing our new life. It's like keeping the tomb door slightly ajar, allowing the darkness of the past to seep into our present.
True freedom comes when we release those grave clothes, when we forgive ourselves and others for the hurts we've experienced. Forgiveness isn't about condoning wrongdoings; it's about choosing to let go of the pain and bitterness that are holding us captive. It's about trusting that God will bring justice and healing in His own way.
Here's a quick exercise for you: Identify someone you need to forgive—whether it's yourself or someone else. Pray for God to give you the strength and grace to release the bitterness and resentment. Write a letter (you don't have to send it) expressing your forgiveness and your desire to move forward.
God is the ultimate artist, and He specializes in creating beauty from brokenness. He takes our shattered pieces, our mistakes, and our hurts, and He weaves them into a masterpiece that reflects His glory.
Think about it this way: a pearl is formed from an irritant inside an oyster. A diamond is created under immense pressure. And a beautiful garden often blooms from the most unlikely soil.
These ultimately prove that our trials are not meaningless. They are opportunities for God to showcase His power, His grace, and His unwavering love. He doesn't waste a single tear. He redeems every pain. He transforms our ashes into art.
With this in mind, I want you to practice this also: Reflect on a time when God brought beauty out of a difficult situation in your life. Write down the lessons you learned, the ways you grew, and the ways God revealed Himself to you during that time. Share your story with someone who needs encouragement.
Lazarus didn't just come back to life; he walked out of the tomb a new man. He had a second chance, a fresh start, and a renewed purpose. And so do we.
When God resurrects our past, He doesn't just restore what was lost; He gives us a new identity, a new perspective, and a new calling. We are no longer defined by our mistakes, our failures, or our limitations. We are defined by His grace, His love, and His boundless potential.
Embrace your new identity in Christ, friend. Walk out of the tomb of your past and step into the stunningly beautiful future that God has prepared for you. It's time to live fully, love deeply, and shine brightly for His glory.
The Lazarus effect isn't just a one-time event; it's a continuous process. It's a journey of faith, of surrender, and of unwavering trust in God's ability to resurrect our past and create a stunningly beautiful future.
I challenge you today: Don't let your past define you. Don't let your dreams die. Don't let your struggles discourage you. Believe in the power of God to bring resurrection to every area of your life.
The tomb is empty. Christ is risen. And you are alive in Him.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Mimai Mig