Dead Things Come Alive!
By Jamie Kent
Holy Week takes us from the pain and darkness of Good Friday to the joy and celebration of Easter Sunday. As I reflect on the significance of this week, I am struck by this powerful truth: God brings dead things back to life.
Consider the story of Lazarus in John 11:1–44. Jesus and Lazarus were friends, yet when Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, He didn’t rush to him. Instead, He waited two more days. By the time He arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Death seemed final. The tomb was sealed. Mourners had gathered. All hope was gone.
But then Jesus spoke three simple words: “Lazarus, come out!”
Breath returned to his lungs. His heart began to beat. Lifeless limbs stirred. And miraculously, Lazarus walked out of the grave!
In another account, found in Mark 5:21–43, a synagogue leader named Jairus came to Jesus, pleading for his daughter’s life. She was dying, but Jairus believed Jesus could heal her. On the way, the news came that his daughter had died. Jesus turned to him and said, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
When they reached the house, Jesus took the girl by the hand and said, “Little girl, get up.” And once again, everything changed. Life returned. She sat up, and her family rejoiced. What was dead was alive again.
Many of us know these stories, but we don’t always stop to consider what they mean for us today. Our God is still in the business of resurrecting dead things—dreams that have flatlined, relationships that have ended, callings that once felt clear but now seem distant.
I know this is true in my own life.
I once dreamed of working in youth ministry, making an impact on the lives of teenagers. I was certain God had called me to it, so I poured everything I had into that calling. I stepped into a youth director role, and the ministry began to grow—not because of anything I was doing, but because of what God was doing.
But over time, cracks began to show. Then, without warning, I was asked to leave. No notice—just a sudden and painful ending. In that moment, my heart shattered, and the dream I had carried felt completely dead. I buried those pieces and decided I would never return to ministry again.
And for years, I didn’t. I was adamant. I would not lead again.
Eventually, a new opportunity came. I had been volunteering with Acteens for several years, though not in a leadership role. Acteens is a ministry that equips young women in grades 6–12 to serve God through local, national, and international missions. Over time, I watched many of these young women dedicate their lives to serve others—some even stepping into full-time missions.
Then one day, a few leaders approached me and asked if I would consider stepping into a greater leadership role. God had already begun healing my heart, but my mind immediately went back to that place of hurt. Still, I told them I would pray about it.
As I prayed, something unexpected happened. My heart began to fill with excitement. I found myself wondering, could God really be leading me back to youth ministry after all these years?
The following Sunday, God answered powerfully. A guest preacher shared these words: “God can take your darkest day and use it for His glory.”
Those words hit me deeply. In that moment, I realized that God was redeeming one of the most painful experiences of my life. He wasn’t ignoring it, He was transforming it.
Sitting there, I understood what was happening: God was resurrecting something in me. The passion, the calling, the fire I thought had died—it was coming back to life. I had always believed God could bring dead things back to life—I just never expected Him to do it in me.
After church, I called the leader and said, “Let’s do this. I’m in!”
John 11:25–26 says, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Do you believe this?
This truth is at the core of everything. The resurrection is not just something we celebrate—it’s the foundation for real change in our lives. It’s about letting go of what is spiritually dead and stepping into the new life God offers.
Whether it’s surrendering sin, redeeming time, thinking truth, choosing friends, focusing our efforts, or taking risks—none of it is possible apart from the resurrection power of Jesus.
This isn’t about behavior modification. It’s about transformation. It’s about living differently because we have been made new.
The same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in us! That power gives us hope, redefines our identity, and calls us forward to live the abundant life.
As we approach Easter this week, let’s rejoice in this truth: we are not who we once were—and God is still raising dead things to life.
He is Risen!
Read John 11:1–44 and Mark 5:21–43
How would your life be different if God resurrected something in you?
How can you celebrate the resurrection this Sunday knowing that God is still in the business of resurrecting dead things?
Jamie Kent works in a Community Recreation Center and plans and implements programs for senior adults, children, and families. She also leads Bible studies, mentors young women, and helps lead worship. She holds a Master’s Degree in Ministry Leadership from Moody Theological Seminary, and her passion is to help others grow in their faith. Jamie resides in Waco, Texas, and in her free time, she enjoys playing guitar and crafting.
That is a good word, little sis!! 🙌