Take Away the Stone: It’s Time to Heal

What have you buried and covered with a stone in your heart out of pain?

In the book of John chapter 11:38–43, there is a powerful story of Jesus raising Lazarus back to life. Lazarus had been dead for four days, and Jesus arrived at the scene to perform a miraculous act. However, an obstacle was in the way, a stone covering the tomb where Lazarus was buried.

Jesus knew that in order for the miracle to happen, the stone had to be removed. He instructed those around him to take away the stone. Martha, the sister of Lazarus, was hesitant due to the bad odor that would come from the decaying body. She focused on the potential smell, oblivious to the incredible miracle that was about to take place. But for the miracle to happen the stone must be rolled away first.

“Take away the stone,” He said.
“But Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odour, for he has been there four days.” — John 11:39

This story has a deeper meaning for us today. Just as there was a stone blocking the way to Lazarus’ resurrection, there may be things in our lives that we have buried and closed off with a stone. It could be a broken relationship that has caused us pain, shattered dreams that have left us discouraged, or any situation that has led us to give up.

We often fear removing the stone because we believe it will bring back memories of hurt and pain. We want to protect ourselves from further harm.

However, by keeping the stone in place, we are also blocking any possible miracles from happening in our lives.

Have you been involved in a relationship that has made you bury and close the door with a stone to any other relationship?

Have your dreams encountered major setbacks that have made you bury and close the door with a stone, to that dream?

What is it that you have buried and given up on? It hurts so much that you have chosen to bury and seal the grave with a stone. You don’t even want to remember it anymore.

Jesus wants to do something beautiful in your life. He wants to bring back to life what you thought was dead and buried. But for that to happen, you must take away the stone. Open up your pains to Jesus and believe in the possibility of a miracle.

Just like Lazarus, who came back to life when the stone was rolled away, you will experience a resurrection in your own life. The pain and hurt will be replaced with joy and new beginnings. Only Jesus can truly take away the pain and give you new life in that area.

Jesus wants to bring fresh relationships and revive your dreams. He is ready to deliver you from your pain and bring extreme joy into your life. What you thought was dead and buried will be brought back to life.

Take a leap of faith, remove the stone, and give Jesus a chance. Believe that he can bring life into your situation. As you do so, you will rise from the ashes of defeat. The resurrected King is bringing every dead thing back to life.