Man has always underestimated the power of God. Even when Jesus was here on earth and even after He had performed miracle after miracle, His power was still doubted. And when He taught and told of the greatness of His Father, even those who believed, even those who followed Him, continually underestimated His power.
In the Bible, in the Book of John, Chapter 11, we are told about a very unique series of events. Lazarus, Mary, and Martha were close friends of Jesus who lived in the town of Bethany about two miles from Jerusalem.
Lazarus became very sick and so his sisters, Mary and Martha, sent a message to Jesus. It said, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” It was at this point that Jesus did something that, at the time, seemed to everyone around Him to be totally out of character. When Jesus received this message that Lazarus was extremely sick, He stayed where He was for two days before leaving.
The world assumed that Jesus just shrugged off the message and then waited two days before He departed to the house of Mary and Martha. If this had happened today, people would have called Jesus insensitive.
When Jesus arrived at Mary and Martha’s house, He was greeted on the road by Martha. Martha said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”
Then in verse 23, Jesus told Martha, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha’s response was very religious. She said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at that last day.”
It was at this point that Martha drew a line with God. What I mean is this. Martha put limits on the power of Jesus. She admitted that Jesus could have healed Lazarus if He had been there, but she believed that the current situation was even beyond the help of Jesus.
Later in verse 33, Mary came to where Jesus was and fell at His feet. Then she said the same thing Martha said. It was almost like a guilt trip. Mary said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” Then Jesus groaned in the spirit and said, “Where have you laid him?”
Jesus went to the tomb and cried. The people who were there saw Him crying and criticized Him. Even the friends of the family believed Jesus could have kept Lazarus from dying but when He died, they drew the line. They put limits on the power of God.
Then Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” And looking up he said, “Father, I thank you that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” Then he raised His voice and said. “Lazarus, come forth!”
Immediately Lazarus came out of the tomb. I’m sure everyone was shocked. Why? Because they had underestimated the power of God.
So, the conclusion is this. When it seems like all is lost, when it seems like there is nothing that can be done, don’t limit God. Don’t underestimate God’s power.
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.