If you know anything about the Bible account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, then you know what a miracle it actually was. Lazarus had already been dead for four days by the time that Jesus got to him, and a true creative miracle was needed in order for Lazarus to live and breathe again. I am so deeply inspired by Martha's (Lazarus' sister's) statement of faith in the verses above. Even though her brother's body had undoubtedly begun to decay already, Martha says that "even now" she believes Jesus can do the impossible. Moments later, she and many others witness Lazarus being raised from the dead by the Savior.

In recent years, God has been challenging me to believe Him for miracles on a regular basis. For instance, I have been asking the Lord to heal my vision. When I began doing this, part of me told myself, "Yes, God will heal your vision when you get to heaven." But then, I felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit saying, "Believe God for your healing right here and now." When I saw my eye doctor recently, he confirmed that my vision HAD improved, but it's still not perfect, so I'm continuing to pray for my healing. Do I realize that I am asking God to do a creative miracle? Yes, I do. I have discovered that God will do things when we pray, that He won't do when we don't pray. As Scripture says, "You don't have the things you want, because you don't pray for them." (James 4:2 GW)

During an aerobic exercise class many years ago, I literally shredded my left shoulder. After looking at my x-rays, my doctors confirmed that I needed surgery to replace my shoulder joints. I was an extremely busy young mom at the time, so for ten more years, I endured the excruciating pain and lack of mobility. When I surrendered my life to Christ, and began allowing the Holy Spirit to teach me how to pray for healing, I started rebuking the pain and injury to my shoulder, and I started speaking healing to my joints. One day, I noticed that the pain and disability were totally gone. And more than twenty years later, my shoulder still feels great!

That day at Lazarus' tomb, Jesus told Martha, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40 NIV) God is prepared to do creative miracles in our relationships, our careers, our ministries, our finances, and even in our bodies - IF we will ask Him and trust Him to work wonders on our behalf. What is the Lord speaking to your heart about on this subject today?

Prayer: Lord, I am so grateful that You are still in the miracle-working business. Teach me how to pray for miracles for myself and others on a regular basis. Fill me with an ever-increasing love for Your Word, which can build my faith, and enable me to pray effective prayers. Thank You for Your ability and willingness to work creative miracles that will bring great glory to You!