WHEN GOD STEPS IN
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 11:39-44
Supporting Texts: Psalm 46:1, Isaiah 43:2, Luke 7:11-16, Mark 4:35-41, Jeremiah 32:27
INTRODUCTION:
There are situations in life where human help becomes useless and efforts appear wasted. When Lazarus died, it was a hopeless situation. But when God stepped in, the story changed. This text teaches us that no situation is too far gone for God to turn around.
Many people are standing at the tomb of their destiny, family, finances, or ministry, weeping. They’ve concluded it’s over. But God does not operate by human timetables. When He steps in, time, nature, and impossibilities bow.
This sermon will open our eyes to what happens when God steps into our situation. His presence makes the difference and brings resurrection power to whatever is dead or dying.
1. WHEN GOD STEPS IN, HOPE IS RESTORED
a) Dead situations receive life again (John 11:43):
Jesus didn’t just mourn with them—He reversed the condition. God restores what was thought lost.
b) Despair turns to expectation (Romans 4:18):
Like Abraham, we can hope even when there’s no reason to. God births hope where there was once none.
c) Delay turns to divine display (John 11:4):
The delay in Lazarus’ healing wasn’t a denial; it was for God’s glory.
d) Weeping turns into rejoicing (Psalm 30:5):
God steps in and changes the emotional atmosphere of your life.
Biblical Example: The widow of Nain received her dead son back when Jesus stepped in (Luke 7:11–15).
2. WHEN GOD STEPS IN, IMPOSSIBILITIES BECOME POSSIBLE
a) God specialises in doing the impossible (Luke 1:37):
He is not limited by human understanding or science.
b) Natural laws are suspended (John 11:39):
A body decomposing for four days came back to life. Only God can reverse decay.
c) Closed doors open by divine command (Revelation 3:7):
Nothing can remain shut when the Lord speaks.
d) God proves He is the Almighty (Jeremiah 32:27):
He asked, “Is there anything too hard for Me?” The answer is always no.
Biblical Example: The Red Sea parted when God stepped in for Israel (Exodus 14:21–22).
3. WHEN GOD STEPS IN, LIMITATIONS ARE BROKEN
a) The grave could not hold Lazarus (John 11:44):
Death lost its power when Jesus intervened. Every limitation has an expiry date when God acts.
b) Stagnation is terminated (Isaiah 43:19):
Where there was no movement or progress, God brings a new beginning.
c) Bondages are loosed (John 11:44b):
Jesus didn’t just raise Lazarus; He commanded the grave clothes to be removed.
d) The voice of God overrides all voices (Psalm 29:4):
When He speaks, every other voice—fear, death, doubt—is silenced.
Biblical Example: The man at the Pool of Bethesda was limited for 38 years, but Jesus broke the cycle (John 5:1–9).
4. WHEN GOD STEPS IN, TESTIMONIES ARE BORN
a) People will marvel at His work (John 11:45):
Many believed in Jesus because of what happened to Lazarus.
b) Your situation becomes a divine advertisement (Psalm 126:1–2):
God turns your story into a testimony that will inspire faith in others.
c) What shamed you becomes your platform (Isaiah 61:7):
God will use the very place of your pain to announce your promotion.
d) God’s glory is revealed through your story (John 11:40):
Every miracle points people to His power and mercy.
Biblical Example: The healing of the blind man caused many to glorify God (John 9:1–7).
5. WHEN GOD STEPS IN, PURPOSE IS FULFILLED
a) Lazarus had to rise because God’s plan was not finished (John 11:44):
The enemy may delay your purpose, but he cannot stop it.
b) God's timing is perfect (Ecclesiastes 3:11):
He comes not too early, not too late, but right on time.
c) Your life becomes a tool for the kingdom (Romans 8:28):
Everything—even pain—will work together for His purpose.
d) Heaven rejoices over fulfilled destinies (Luke 15:7):
When God steps in, there is celebration not only on earth but also in heaven.
Biblical Example: Joseph's journey from prison to palace was God’s plan stepping in (Genesis 50:20).
CONCLUSION:
When God steps in, everything changes. Dead things come alive, impossible things become possible, chains are broken, testimonies are born, and purposes are fulfilled. All He needs is an invitation and your faith.
Don’t give up at the tomb of your Lazarus. If Jesus is in your life, there is always hope. Let Him step into your family, health, finances, ministry, and destiny—and see the miraculous unfold.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, step into every dead area of my life.
2. Father, let Your resurrection power restore my destiny.
3. Break every limitation placed over my life.
4. Let my life become a living testimony of Your power.
5. Every delay in my life, turn it into divine display.
6. Speak Your voice over my situation, Lord.
7. Unbind every grave cloth of fear and failure.
8. Make me a witness of Your glory and power.
9. Step into my family and do the impossible.
10. Let Your purpose be fulfilled in my life in Jesus’ name.
