Even Now Faith
"Jesus said to her, 'Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?'" – John 11:40 (NIV)
Have you ever felt like God showed up too late? Maybe you prayed for healing, but the diagnosis got worse. You believed for a breakthrough, but the door slammed shut. You held on to a promise, but it seems like time has run out. If that’s where you are today, I want to remind you of something powerful: God’s timing is not our timing, and His ways are higher than ours.
In John 11, we read the story of Lazarus, a man who was very sick. His sisters, Mary and Martha, sent word to Jesus, begging Him to come and heal their brother. But Jesus didn’t rush to their side. In fact, He waited so long that by the time He arrived, Lazarus had already been dead for four days. Mary and Martha were heartbroken. They said, "Lord, if You had been here, our brother would not have died."
But Jesus had a greater plan. He wasn’t just planning a healing; He was planning a resurrection. He said to them, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?"
This is the essence of "Even Now Faith." It’s the faith that says, "Even now, God, I believe You can turn this around." Even when it looks impossible, even when it feels too late, even when everyone else has given up—your faith can activate God’s power.
1. God’s Delays Are Not Denials
When God doesn’t answer our prayers the way we expect or on our timetable, it’s easy to feel disappointed. We might think, "God, why didn’t You come through for me? Why did You let this happen?" But here’s the truth: God’s delays are not denials.
In the case of Lazarus, Jesus waited on purpose. Back in those days, people believed that the spirit left the body on the third day after death. By waiting until the fourth day, Jesus removed all doubt. When Lazarus walked out of that tomb, everyone knew it was a miracle.
Sometimes, God allows delays so He can show up in a greater way. Maybe you’ve been praying for a promotion, but it hasn’t happened yet. Or perhaps you’ve been believing for a relationship to be restored, but it seems like the other person has moved on. Don’t lose heart. God is still at work. He’s not just planning a small blessing; He’s planning something so big that no one will be able to deny it was Him.
"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you..." – 2 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV)
2. Stirring Up Your Faith
When Mary and Martha saw Jesus, they were disappointed. They said, "If only You had been here, this wouldn’t have happened." But Jesus didn’t scold them for their lack of faith. Instead, He gently reminded them of what He had already told them: "If you believe, you will see the glory of God."
This is a powerful lesson for us. Even when we’re disappointed, even when we’re hurt, even when we don’t understand—God is calling us to stir up our faith. He’s saying, "Don’t focus on what’s wrong. Focus on what I can do."
Maybe you’ve been through a tough season. You’ve prayed, you’ve believed, but things haven’t worked out the way you hoped. Instead of giving up, it’s time to stir up your faith. Remind yourself of God’s promises. Declare His Word over your situation. Say, "Even now, God, I believe You can turn this around."
"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." – Romans 10:17 (ESV)
3. The Power of “Even Now” Faith
When Jesus arrived at Lazarus’ tomb, He didn’t just pray. He commanded Lazarus to come out. And guess what? Lazarus walked out of that tomb, alive and well. What seemed like the end was actually a new beginning.
This is the power of "Even Now Faith." It’s the faith that says, "Even now, God can heal my body. Even now, God can restore my marriage. Even now, God can open doors that seem permanently closed."
You may be facing a situation that looks impossible. The medical report doesn’t look good. The finances don’t add up. The relationship seems broken beyond repair. But God is saying to you what He said to Mary and Martha: "If you believe, you will see the glory of God."
Don’t let disappointment or delay cause you to give up. Keep believing. Keep trusting. Keep declaring God’s promises over your life. Your "even now" moment is coming.
"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" – Matthew 19:26 (NIV)
Your Resurrection Is Coming
Friend, I don’t know what you’re facing today, but I do know this: God is not done with you. What looks like the end is just the beginning. He’s not just planning a healing; He’s planning a resurrection. He’s not just planning a small blessing; He’s planning something so big that it will leave no doubt about His power.
So, stir up your faith. Declare, "Even now, God, I believe." Trust that He is working behind the scenes, arranging things in your favour. Your breakthrough is on the way. Your miracle is coming. Your resurrection is just around the corner.
Let us Pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that Your timing is perfect. Even when it feels too late, I choose to believe that You are still at work. I declare "Even Now Faith" over my life. I believe that You can turn my situation around. I trust that You are planning something greater than I can imagine. Strengthen my faith and help me to keep believing, no matter what I see. Thank You for Your promises and for the miracles You are about to perform in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.