The raising of the dead to life is something humanly speaking too difficult to even comprehend. Is it really possible for a dead person to live again? Many a few doubt that it is possible. But for those of us who have faith in the one who Made the heavens and the earth, it is not only possible, it should be expected in this life and for the life to come.

The raising of the dead to life is something only God can do. It is exclusively reserved for God. He alone holds the key to life and death. He alone can give it and he alone can take.

There are several places throughout the bible about the dead being raised to life:

• The widow’s son in 1 Kings 17:17-24, God used Elijah.
• The Shunamite’s son in 2 Kings 4:20-37, God used Elisha.
• The dead man tossed into Elisha’s tomb in 2 Kings 13:21, God used bones of Elisha.
• The widow’s son who lived in Nain in Luke 7:11-17, raised by Jesus Christ
• The Synagogue ruler’s daughter in Mark 5:35-43, raised by Jesus Christ.
• Lazarus in John 11:1-44, raised by Jesus Christ.
• Jesus Christ rose from the dead (Matt 28:5-8; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:5-6).
• “Many bodies of the saints,” in Matt 27:51-53, raised after Jesus Christs resurrection.
• Eutychus Raised From the Dead at Troas in Acts 20:7-12, God used Paul.
• Also, it is incredibly possible that Paul himself raised to life after he was stoned and left for dead in Acts 14:19-20. It says “He rose up.”
• Also possible, though the Bible doesn’t say, the young man in Mark 14:51-52.

Tabitha also called Dorcas in Acts 9:36-41, God used Peter. “But Peter put them all outside, and knelt and prayed; and turning to the body the said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.”

The Greek verb for “raised her up” is the same word used throughout the NT for Jesus’ resurrection. Though her restoration to life was not permanent, it served to remind Christians of their promised resurrection in Christ. Because Jesus lives we can face tomorrow. We should not only believe it – we should expect it!

Now, God forbid, you had a loved one, who, like Tabitha, fell sick and died. Is it possible for God to bring your loved one back to life? There are hundreds of stories today about people who died and God brought them back to life. But let me tell you a story from the bible:

Jesus is friends with a guy named Lazarus. Lazarus has two sisters and Jesus is friends with them as well. Lazarus dies and  Jesus doesn’t show up until four days after. At this time Jesus comes to Martha and asks her a question: “Didn’t I tell you, if you believe you will see the glory of God? “Yes,” she replies, “and I look forward to seeing him again in the resurrection,” speaking of seeing him in heaven. But Martha didn’t get it until the command, “Lazarus, come out” was given, and life entered the dead man as he walked out, at the command of the one who holds the key of life and death.

I think we could see extraordinary miracles – even the raising of the dead, if we would just tune in with what God wants to do. If we would just get with what God is doing, we would see extraordinary things. Martha was thinking about a heavenly reunion, while Jesus was thinking of an immediate earthly reunion. Jesus said, “the words I speak to you are Spirit and life.” We need to be listening to what the Spirit is saying no matter how dire the situation. This is key to tapping into the miraculous.

On the other hand, too many people are holding on to their assumptions calling it faith. Faith is not blind, it has substance and substance is embedded in solid promises. If God promised to do it, than believe until it is done. But if God didn’t say anything, than it is time to let go.

Let this verse be a guide:

1 John 5:14

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.