Have you ever felt buried? Well, I did it. There have been seasons in my life where the weight of my mistakes, the pain of the past, and the simple exhaustion of trying to be “good enough” felt like a tomb closing around me. I imagine many of you have experienced this feeling too: the suffocating silence when hope seems lost. We hear stories about Lazarus and think, “Wow, what a miracle!” But have you ever thought that God performs Lazarus-like miracles in our lives every day? Perhaps not a literal resurrection from the dead, but a resurrection of dreams, of relationships, of our very soul.
These are not mere illusory promises, dear believers. It is about the real, tangible power of God to take the broken pieces of our past and create something of stunning, breathtaking beauty. Let me explain how:
Scars are not stains: accept imperfection
Earlier in life, I believed that my worth was tied to my perfection. Every mistake was like a permanent stain, a mark of shame that I could never erase. Can anyone understand? It was exhausting trying to maintain this impeccable facade, and it left me feeling isolated and disconnected from God and others. But then I came across the verse that changed everything: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). I was like, “What?!” The power of God is made perfect in weakness? This went against everything I thought I knew.
I realized that my scars weren’t spots. They were testimonies. They were proof that I had survived, that I had learned, and that God had been faithful even in my most difficult times. However, I need you to understand that accepting my imperfections does not mean condoning my mistakes; it was about recognizing God’s grace and ability to work through them. Here’s what I recommend you do in times like this, when you think or know you’ve made a mistake: Take a moment to reflect on a past mistake or hurt. Instead of dwelling on shame, ask God to show you what He wants you to learn from it. How can He use this experience to make you a more compassionate, understanding, and resilient person?
Unearthing Dreams: Recovering Lost Passions
Life has a way of burying our dreams. We get caught up in the daily grind, the responsibilities and expectations of others, and suddenly those passions that burned so brightly are simply gone, buried under layers of “shoulds” and “musts.” Music has always been my sanctuary, my way of connecting with God and expressing my soul. But somewhere, I convinced myself that this wasn’t “creative” enough, that I should focus on more “meaningful” activities. I stopped writing songs.
Then one day I felt this gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit. It was as if he was whispering, “Remember what brings you joy?” Do you remember what makes you feel alive? It was time to unearth my buried passion and give free rein to my creativity. What is the dream or passion that you have buried? Identify one small step you can take this week to reconnect with it. Maybe it’s signing up for a class, dedicating 30 minutes to a hobby, or simply praying that God will reignite your passion.
The power of “again”: redefining your story
One of the most transformative expressions I’ve learned is “not yet.” It’s a simple phrase, but it holds immense power. It recognizes that things may not be where we want them to be right now, but it also affirms our belief that God is still at work, that He has a plan, and that our story is not over. Perhaps you are facing a difficult situation; it’s easy to become discouraged and believe that things will never change. What if you added “yet” to the end of this sentence?
- “My marriage is in trouble…Again God is working to restore it. »
- “I am facing financial difficulties…Again God will provide.”
- “I’m fighting this disease… Again God is my healer. »
This simple word changes your perspective. It acknowledges the reality of your current situation while simultaneously declaring your faith in God’s ability to change things. Identify an area in your life where you feel discouraged. Rewrite your story by adding “again” at the end of the sentence, followed by a statement of faith. Say it out loud every day and watch how it transforms your perspective.
Releasing the Burial Garments: Forgiving Yourself and Others
When Lazarus came out of the tomb, Jesus didn’t just say, “Unbind him!” He said: “Release him and let him go” (John 11:44). Sometimes, even after God has resurrected a part of our lives, we are still bound by the “burial garments” of unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment. Holding on to these negative emotions is like carrying a heavy weight that prevents us from fully embracing our new life. It’s like keeping the tomb door slightly ajar, allowing the darkness of the past to seep into our present. True freedom comes when we take off our burial clothes, when we forgive ourselves and others for the hurts we have suffered. Forgiveness is not about condoning wrongdoing; it’s about choosing to let go of the pain and bitterness that holds us captive. It’s about trusting that God will bring justice and healing in His own way.
Here’s a quick exercise for you: Identify someone you need to forgive, whether it’s yourself or someone else. Pray for God to give you the strength and grace to release bitterness and resentment. Write a letter (you don’t have to send it) expressing your forgiveness and desire to move forward.
From Ashes to Art: Creating Beauty from Brokenness
God is the ultimate artist and he specializes in creating beauty from brokenness. He takes our broken pieces, our mistakes, and our hurts, and He integrates them into a masterpiece that reflects His glory. Think of it this way: a pearl is formed from an irritant in an oyster. A diamond is created under immense pressure. And a beautiful garden often flourishes on the most unlikely soil.
This ultimately proves that our trials are not meaningless. These are opportunities for God to show His power, grace, and steadfast love. He doesn’t lose a single tear. He redeems every pain. He transforms our ashes into art. With that in mind, I want you to also practice this: think about a time when God brought beauty out of a difficult situation in your life. Write down the lessons you learned, how you grew, and how God revealed Himself to you during this time. Share your story with someone who needs encouragement.
Emerging from the Grave: Embracing Your New Identity
Lazarus not only came back to life; he rose from the tomb a new man. He had a second chance, a fresh start and a renewed purpose. And us too. When God resurrects our past, he not only restores what was lost; It gives us a new identity, a new perspective and a new vocation. We are no longer defined by our mistakes, our failures or our limitations. We are defined by His grace, love, and unlimited potential. Embrace your new identity in Christ, my friend. Rise from the tomb of your past and enter the incredibly beautiful future that God has prepared for you. It is time to live fully, love deeply, and shine brightly for His glory.
The Lazarus Effect is not just a one-time event; it is an ongoing process. It is a journey of faith, surrender, and unwavering trust in God’s ability to resurrect our past and create an incredibly beautiful future. I challenge you today: don’t let your past define you. Don’t let your dreams die. Don’t let your difficulties discourage you. Believe in the power of God to bring resurrection in every area of your life. The tomb is empty. Christ is resurrected. And you are alive in Him.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Mimai Mig
