What Jesus Did! 'Lord over Hopeless Causes' — John 11:17-19

Saturday, August 1, 2026

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When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days. Bethany was only a few miles down the road from Jerusalem, and many of the people had come to console Martha and Mary in their loss.
— John 11:17-19 NLT

Key Thought

Did you ever notice that Jesus is the Lord over hopeless causes? Can you think of a funeral he attended that he didn't "ruin" by raising the dead person to life? [1] Remember the time he provided a picnic for more than 5,000 from one boy's "sardine sandwiches"? [2] Do you recall how he almost sank the fisherman's boat with an overwhelming catch of fish after a futile night of fishing? [3] Wasn't it amazing when he saved the terrified disciples by calming the seas they feared would sink their boat and them? [4] So in what area of your life do you find yourself hopeless? Have you ever just admitted that you are powerless to face whatever it is and invited Jesus in? It might be a bumpy ride, but he is still the Lord over hopeless causes! Cry out and ask for his help. Admit your need for his help right now, and then share that admission and ask for prayer and accountability from another brother or sister in Christ. I believe you will discover that he can put the hope back in your cause!

[1] Luke 7:11-17, 8:49-56.
[2] John 6:5-13.
[3] Luke 5:1-9.
[4] Matthew 8:23-27.

Today's Prayer

Give me hope, O Lord, for I rely on you and trust in your gracious power to carry me through. Without your power, presence, and mercy, I cannot win the battle I now face. Please be near with your power. In your mighty name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of John 11:17-19 NLT — Bethany was only a few miles down the road from Jerusalem, and many of the people had come to console Martha and Mary in their loss.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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