When God Calls You Out of Darkness: A Journey from Death to Life

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where all hope seemed lost? Perhaps you’ve prayed and waited, but no answer came. This feeling is not new; even in the Bible, we find stories of those who waited on God. One of the most remarkable is the story of Lazarus—a story of restoration, renewed hope, and the power of God’s voice calling us out of the grave.

Let’s walk through this beautiful and life-changing story.

The Story of Lazarus: From Death to Life

In the quiet village of Bethany, nestled among rolling hills and olive trees, lived Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. Their home was known for its warmth, love, and deep friendship with Jesus. But life, as it often does, brought an unexpected turn. Lazarus fell gravely ill. His sisters sent an urgent message to Jesus, saying, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

Days passed, but Jesus did not come. Lazarus’s condition worsened, and soon, the house fell into mourning as he took his last breath. Friends gathered to weep, and Lazarus was laid in a tomb—a cold, dark place sealed with a heavy stone.

Mary and Martha were heartbroken. Why had Jesus delayed? They believed He could have saved their brother, but now it seemed too late.

Four days later, the quiet village of Bethany was stirred. Jesus had finally arrived.

Prayer of the God of Armies

Martha rushed out to meet Him, her heart torn between sorrow and faith. “Lord,” she said, “if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now, I know that God will give You whatever You ask.”

Jesus looked into her tearful eyes and said, “Your brother will rise again.”

He then asked to be taken to the tomb. The crowd followed, whispering among themselves. Some wondered if Jesus would perform a miracle, while others doubted.

As they reached the tomb, Jesus paused. A heavy silence hung in the air. With deep emotion, He wept—showing His compassion and love.

The crowd gasped as Lazarus, wrapped in grave clothes, appeared at the entrance of the tomb, alive!

“Take off the grave clothes and let him go,” Jesus said.

Laughter, tears, and joy filled the air as Lazarus embraced his sisters. What had been a scene of mourning turned into a celebration of life and hope.

Reflection: God’s Power Over Every Situation

Lazarus’s story is more than a miraculous event; it’s a message for all of us. When it seems like it’s too late, God is still able to move. His timing is not ours, and His delays are not denials. Just as He called Lazarus out of the tomb, He calls us out of our own dark places—out of despair, fear, and hopelessness.

No matter how impossible your situation may seem, God is not finished with your story. He speaks life, hope, and restoration. The question is: will you respond to His call?

In John 11:43, Jesus stood before Lazarus’s tomb and cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” At that moment, death had no choice but to release him.

In the same way, God still calls us out of our personal tombs. He calls us out of despair, addiction, broken relationships, and hopeless situations. His call is not just for physical restoration but for spiritual renewal.

Just as Lazarus had to take that first step out of the grave, we are invited to respond in faith, leaving behind the things that bind us. It may not be easy, but each step brings us closer to healing and wholeness.

Closing Prayer

Pray with me:

Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life. Just as You called Lazarus out of the tomb, we believe You are calling us out of every dark place in our lives. Break every chain, remove every obstacle, and restore what has been lost.

We declare healing, joy, and freedom by the authority in Your name. May every reader experience the power of Your resurrection in their lives. Thank You for turning sorrow into joy and mourning into celebration. In Jesus' name, Amen.

But what happened next changed everything.

Jesus stood before the tomb and cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”

The air grew still. For a moment, nothing happened. But then, footsteps were heard from inside the tomb.