ROLLING THE “STONE”
AUGUST 24, 2025
TEXT: Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. (John 11:39)
Our God is still in the act of performing miracles. He is still in the business of demonstrating His supernatural acts and might. However, we sometimes act as hindrances and obstacles to God’s move in our lives. Often, there are obstacles that must be removed before God can intervene.
In the text under consideration, Jesus Christ was informed of the death of His close friend, Lazarus of Bethany. Upon arriving, He met the family and friends in a melancholic mood, especially the two sisters, Martha and Mary. Their sorrow overwhelmed them to the extent that they completely forgot they had close contact with the Messiah. They assumed that Jesus had simply come to sympathize with them, just like every other visitor. They had no idea what He could do to transform the situation.
No wonder Martha expressed skepticism when Jesus directed them to roll away the stone from the entrance of Lazarus’ tomb. She said, “Lord, by this time he stinketh; for he hath been dead four days.” This revealed her ignorance of who Jesus really was and of His capacity. Her lack of faith was a “stone” that needed to be rolled away to facilitate the miracle that later took place. Jesus replied, “Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (v.40).
Many of us today are like Martha. We pray constantly for breakthroughs, yet we allow various forms of “stones” to peg us down and hinder the manifestation of our miracles.
WHAT KIND OF STONES ARE BEING REFERRED TO HERE?
- Lack of faith – No miracle comes without faith. Most of the miracles recorded in the Bible, especially those performed by Jesus Christ, were rooted in faith. Examples include the healing of the leper in Matthew 8, the Syrophoenician woman, the woman with the issue of blood, and the centurion’s servant. He that lacks faith cannot receive anything from God. Faith is the ticket to manifestation. From Mark 6:5, we also learn that Jesus could not do many mighty works in His homeland of Nazareth because of the unbelief of the people.
- Sin – A sinful lifestyle is a sure hindrance to breakthroughs, manifestations, and miracles. Sin can hinder the hand of God and cause us to cry to Him in vain without receiving answers. (Isaiah 59:1-2).
- Unforgiveness – God requires us to forgive our adversaries, just as He constantly forgives us. (Matthew 6:14-15).
- Fear and anxiety – These open the door to doubt. The one who prays but still harbors doubt is like a wave of the sea tossed about by the wind, according to James. We must cast our burdens upon God and trust Him fully, instead of allowing fear to dominate. God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7).
- Pride and disobedience – Many lose their miracles because of pride. Some are too arrogant to obey simple instructions that would have unlocked their breakthroughs. A good example is Naaman, who almost missed his healing until his servants wisely intervened. (2 Kings 5).
SEARCHLIGHT: Before the glory of God can be revealed in our lives, every “stone” must be rolled away. Don’t abide in sin or hold on to obstacles and still expect God to move mightily.
PRAYER: Stones operating as hindrances to my manifestation, be removed by fire, in the mighty name of Jesus.
BIBLE READING: Isaiah 25–27, Matthew 12
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
