What Jesus Did! 'Faith Beyond My Feelings' — John 11:20-22

Sunday, August 2, 2026

When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house. Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask."
— John 11:20-22 NLT

Key Thought

Wow! Martha spoke words that actually were greater than her understanding and her faith. Jesus would and could give her whatever he asked from the Father. Sometimes we let the evil one deceive us into thinking that if somehow Jesus were here with us, it would be easier to believe and we could get many more fantastic things done. However, Jesus says just the opposite. Because he has gone to the Father, we can pray in his name, and he will ask the Father, and we will receive. Let's ask for a faith that is greater than our feelings and our understanding, knowing that when we ask in Jesus' name, God hears our prayer and blesses us with heaven's best answer!

Today's Prayer

Father, I do believe that you long to bless me as I pray to you in the name of Jesus, your Son and my Savior. I believe that you can do mighty things in response to my cries. So I pray that you act powerfully in the following situations that are upon my heart: ... In Jesus' mighty and authoritative name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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6 Related Resources by Heartlight

Comfort Beyond the Frustration, Anger, and Grief from Death
Devo: Together in Christ
"When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house. Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if only you had been..."
John 11:21
Devo: Today's Verse
""Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died.""
If Only
Illustration of John 11:21
Inspirational illustration of John 11:21 -- "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
I Doubt It: Never Die
Article by Phil Ware
Can Jesus really promise us that we will never die? Phil Ware continues his "I Doubt It" series focused today on Jesus' promise to Mary that those who believe in him will never die.
See All 6 Related Resources about John 11:20-22

Illustration

Illustration of John 11:20-22 NLT — "Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask."

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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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