Overcoming Problems

Scripture Text John 11

Intro: In John Chapter 11 we are given some keys as to how to overcome every problem we might face in this life. If we do what Lazarus’ family did, we will have the same result. All we need is faith that Jesus hears our prayers, loves us, and cares for us at all times.

I. We are to call on Jesus for help. John 11:3 (NKJV) Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, "Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick."

 a. The very first step in overcoming life’s situations is to call on Jesus. This family had a very serious problem but they knew what to do because they had an intimate relationship with Jesus. Jesus is waiting for us to call on Him. He is always near!

II. Remember Jesus is never late. John 11:6-7 (NKJV) ⁶ So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. ⁷ Then after this He said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again."

 a. Jesus knows when it’s the right time to answer our prayers. He is always working out His plan for our life. When He seems to delay the answer it is for a good reason. In this case Jesus waited two days before He begins to answer their prayer, but there was a very good reason. John 11:4 (NKJV)  When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, “but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." John 11:15 (NKJV)  And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, “that you may believe.” Nevertheless let us go to him." These underlined scriptures give us the reason why Jesus waited. We are to wait on Jesus to answer our prayers knowing He is working out His will for all concerned. Every prayer Jesus answers is to bring glory to God and Himself and to increase our faith in Him and His love for us. A strong faith in God can overcome every obstacle.

III. Remember Jesus loves and cares for us greatly. John 11:5 (NKJV)  Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. John 11:35-36 (NKJV) ³⁵ Jesus wept. ³⁶ Then the Jews said, "See how He loved him!"

  a. They loved Jesus and He loved them in verse 5. If you ever doubt Jesus’ love for you look at the cross. Look at what God says in His word in Romans 8:31-32 (NKJV) ³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

 God handed His own Son over to die for us—in our behalf, in our stead, in our place, as our substitute. God spared not His own Son; He delivered Christ Jesus up for us all. What a glorious, marvelous, wonderful love! And just how wonderful His love is can be clearly seen in this: it was while we were sinners, acting and rebelling against God, that He gave His Son to die for us. Then He asks us a question. Will God not also freely give us all things through this same Jesus who died for us all?

IV. Remember Jesus has power over every circumstance we face. John 11:41-42 (NKJV)
⁴¹ Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. ⁴² And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me."

 a. Lazarus had been in that tomb four days so there was no doubt that he was truly dead. Jesus told them to take the stone away from the tomb. Jesus had prayed and then He thanked the Father for the assurance that He always heard Him. God also hears every prayer we pray if we have that faith in His word because His word tells us so.

 b. The great shout of power! John 11:43-44 (NKJV) ⁴³ Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" ⁴⁴ And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go."

     Jesus’ voice is effective and life giving!

     Jesus cried out with a loud voice and dead Lazarus came forth out of the tomb bound in his grave cloths and face wrapped in a cloth. Then Jesus commanded them to take off his grave wrappings and let him go.

Conclusion: Jesus will always answer the prayer of faith! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What He did then He will do today when we go to Him in earnest and mountain moving faith just believing Him to always answer us with the right answer. Sometimes we will have to wait for His timing because He is working out His plan for the good of all concerned. We must remember Jesus loves us greatly and cares deeply about our situation. We are to always remember that Jesus has the power over all situations and circumstances.

Invitation: Have you asked Jesus to forgive and save you from your sins? If not, the bible says today is the accepted time, the day of salvation if you will hear His voice. May this message today penetrate your heart and soul so you never forget it and may you live with the assurance of Jesus’ love and care for you and your family forever!