How can we strengthen our faith when others question Jesus' capabilities? The Scene: Doubt at the Tomb John 11:37: “But some of them asked, ‘Could not this man who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?’ ” • A raw, public moment: mourners question Jesus’ power while Lazarus still lies dead. • The statement carries an undercurrent of unbelief: “If He really is who He says, why didn’t He prevent this?” What the Doubters Overlooked • Jesus had already declared His purpose—“so that you may believe” (John 11:15). • He was about to display a greater miracle than healing: resurrection. • The timing served the glory of God (John 11:4) rather than human expectations. Anchors That Bolster Faith When Doubt Speaks • Remember proven power – John 9:1-7: He did open blind eyes; past works testify to present ability. – Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” • Trust His timing – John 11:6: He intentionally waited two extra days. Delay is not denial. – Ecclesiastes 3:11: He makes everything beautiful in its time. • Focus on His bigger purpose – John 11:40: “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” – Romans 8:28: He works all things together for good to those who love Him. • Recall resurrection hope – John 11:25-26: “I am the resurrection and the life…” – 1 Corinthians 15:20-22: Christ’s victory over death guarantees ours. • Hold fast to Scripture’s certainty – Psalm 119:105: His word lights the path when sight feels dim. Practical Ways to Strengthen Faith Today • Rehearse testimonies – Write down moments God has already come through; revisit them when doubt whispers. • Saturate your mind with truth – Read or listen to passages like Psalm 27, Isaiah 40, or the Gospel miracles each day this week. • Speak faith aloud – Replace “What if He doesn’t…” with “Since He already did…” based on Scripture. • Surround yourself with believers who affirm Christ’s power – Acts 4:23-24: Early disciples sought company that lifted their eyes to God, not the problem. • Serve while you wait – Isaiah 40:31 links renewed strength to those who “wait on the LORD,” an active expectation. Encouraging Snapshots of Jesus’ Capabilities • Calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41): Nature obeys Him. • Feeding 5,000 (John 6:1-14): Scarcity bows to Him. • Raising Jairus’s daughter (Luke 8:49-56): Death flees from Him. Takeaway: Faith That Outshines Doubt When voices question Jesus’ capabilities, Scripture answers with a consistent portrait of a Savior who heals, commands, provides, and resurrects. Fixing our eyes on His past deeds, His unchanging character, and His guaranteed future victory steadies the heart and fuels unwavering faith—no matter how loudly the skeptics speak. |
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