What Is Dead In Your Life?

Although the story of Lazarus occurred thousands of years ago, the teaching we can extract from it is timeless. Some lifeless or hopeless areas in your life might be desperate for God’s revival, though others have written you off as dead and gone. Whether it’s your marriage, ministry, gifts or talents, workplace situation, or even your relationship with God, you should know that the Great I Am can breathe life into disadvantaged circumstances.

Many people are used to wearing a watch every day and when they take it off, they still feel like they are wearing it. A similar thing happens to people whom God has already broken the chains that bound them. However, they are so accustomed to the feeling of chains and they do not realize that freedom is at hand.

There’s a popular saying in Spanish which, when translated, can mean, "A known evil is better than an unknown good." We should avoid such a mindset as followers of Jesus. Some would rather stay under bondage than step out of their comfort zone and trust God to show them a new pathway. God usually doesn't reveal His plans completely from the beginning. He oftentimes tests our obedience to His first instructions, to then confirm the blessing that He has prepared. An example of this occurred with Abraham, when God commanded him, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.”

Abiding by the will of God always brings favorable results and blessings, even if we are tested along the way. It is important that you remember that even if a multitude rises against you, as long as you fulfil God's will, "a thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you." says Psalm 91: 7. Don't be discouraged or look back when faced with tests and trials. They’re a necessary part of the process. Don't give more importance to what is truly dead, like your past mistakes or short-comings. God has the power to resurrect, restore, and glorify Himself through you. Remember the account of Lot's wife, who upon leaving the wickedness of the cities Sodom and Gomorrah, could not resist looking back at what she should have left behind. The Scriptures say she was turned into a pillar of salt, thus losing her future for not renouncing the past.

Think about these questions: 

• Can you identify what is dead or hopeless in your life? 
• Can you identify something that is tying you down? 
• What can we do to show God that we are ready to receive the blessing He has prepared for us?