How can we apply the faith shown in John 11:3 to our lives? Seeing Their Faith in Action “So the sisters sent word to Jesus, ‘Lord, the one You love is sick.’” (John 11:3) Mary and Martha believed this report would be enough. They trusted the literal, living Lord to love, hear, and act. What Stands Out About Mary and Martha’s Faith • Confidence in His relationship: “the one You love”—they rested in an unshakable love already proven. • Immediate turning to Christ: their first step was not remedies, but reaching out to Jesus. • Honest yet humble request: they stated the need without prescribing the method. • Expectation of divine power: they assumed distance posed no barrier to His intervention. • Submission to His timing: though the answer tarried, they continued to look to Him (vv. 21, 32). Bringing That Same Faith into Our World Today • Remind yourself daily that you are “the one He loves” (cf. 1 John 4:10). Personalize His affection; it fuels bold trust. • Make prayer your first reflex, not a last resort—run to Christ before you run to anyone else (Psalm 55:22). • State the need plainly: “Lord, here is the problem,” then release control of the outcome (Philippians 4:6–7). • Believe He works even when you cannot see movement; distance, delay, or difficulty never limit Him (Isaiah 59:1). • Accept His sovereign timetable; His glory and your good are perfectly synchronized (John 11:4, 40). • Watch for resurrection moments—situations past human hope where His power shines (Ephesians 1:19–20). Simple Practices to Strengthen Your Response of Faith • Begin mornings by whispering, “Lord, the one You love is about to start the day,” anchoring identity before activity. • Keep a “message to Jesus” journal: write each concern as Mary and Martha did, then date when He answers. • When tempted to outline a solution for God, intentionally pray, “Your way, Your time,” letting go of control. • Celebrate each glimpse of His intervention—large or small—to build a history of remembered faithfulness. • Share testimonies of His help with fellow believers; hearing and telling reinforce trust (Psalm 66:16). Scriptures That Echo the Same Call to Trust • Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” • 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” • Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” • Psalm 55:22: “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” • Philippians 4:6–7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Living this way turns every need into an opportunity to echo Mary and Martha’s simple, confident report: “Lord, the one You love is…”—and to watch Him write the rest of the story with His resurrection power. |
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