What steps can we take to strengthen our belief as Jesus instructs in John 11:40? The Promise: Seeing God’s Glory Through Belief “Jesus replied, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?’” (John 11:40) Step 1: Draw Near to the Voice of Jesus • Regularly read the Gospels to hear His words fresh (Matthew 11:28–30). • Speak His promises aloud; faith grows when His voice is the loudest (Romans 10:17). • Approach Him with the confidence that His word is entirely true (Psalm 119:160). Step 2: Identify and Remove the Stones Just as the stone blocked Lazarus’s tomb (John 11:39), unbelief can block our view of God’s glory. • Ask the Spirit to expose specific doubts or fears (Psalm 139:23-24). • Replace each doubt with the matching promise (e.g., fear of lack → Philippians 4:19). • Choose repentance over resignation when unbelief is uncovered (Mark 9:24). Step 3: Act in Obedience Before You See the Outcome • Martha ordered the stone moved before Lazarus walked out (John 11:41). • Obey clear scriptural commands even when results are unseen (James 2:22). • Expect the Lord to reveal His glory after—not before—each step of obedience (Hebrews 11:7). Step 4: Rehearse Past Revelations of His Glory • Keep a written record of answered prayers and deliverances (Psalm 103:2). • Share testimonies with others; collective memory strengthens individual faith (Acts 14:27). • Return to those memories when new challenges arise (2 Corinthians 1:10). Step 5: Saturate Your Mind With the Word • Memorize verses that showcase God’s power (e.g., Isaiah 40:28-31; Ephesians 3:20). • Meditate morning and night; steady intake steadies belief (Joshua 1:8). • Let Scripture interpret circumstances, not the other way around (Psalm 119:105). Step 6: Walk in Fellowship With Believing Community • Surround yourself with those who expect God to act (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Invite others to speak truth when you waver (Proverbs 27:17). • Join corporate worship; shared praise magnifies vision of His glory (Psalm 34:3). Step 7: Declare His Glory After You See It • Like Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, give tangible witness to what God has done (John 12:1-2). • Public testimony seals faith gains and spreads belief to others (Mark 5:19). • Thanksgiving guards the heart from future unbelief (Colossians 2:6-7). Living the Verse Today Strengthening belief is not a one-time surge but a daily rhythm of hearing Jesus, removing hindrances, obeying promptly, remembering faithfully, immersing in Scripture, walking with believers, and proclaiming His works. Do these and, just as He promised, you will “see the glory of God.” |
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