Through the Valley: Another Opportunity to Believe

Have you ever come to a bend in the road and hesitated? Not sure what will happen if you take a job in another city or commit to a relationship or share your faith with a coworker—you stall in your tracks.

​There may be a fear factor involved or a risk you’re not prepared to take. Moving forward into the unknown can be intimidating if you’re unsure of what lies ahead...

Jesus responded, ‘Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?’” John 11:40 NLT

The disciples hesitated and almost missed a miracle. They were with Jesus beyond the Jordan, safely out of reach of the Jewish authorities in Judea who were intent on killing Jesus. And then the news came from Judea that Lazarus was sick. His two sisters begged Jesus to come. They knew His healing touch could save their brother.
 
Although Jesus loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus, He stayed where He was for two more days. The disciples didn’t prod Jesus. They didn’t urge Him to go heal his friend. There was a price on Jesus’ head in Judea. Who knows what would happen to them if they accompanied him there?
 
Have you ever wondered what Jesus was thinking in those two days, knowing that Lazarus was dying? Was He hoping the disciples would rise out of their fear? Was He waiting for them to take the step of faith to go where they were needed? The life and death danger was very, very real, and when Jesus finally said, “Let’s go,” they objected strongly.
 
“‘Rabbi,’ they said, ‘only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you. Are you going there again?’” (John 11:8) 
 
They made up every excuse not to go until Jesus finally said, “‘Lazarus is dead. And for your sake, I am glad I wasn’t there, because this will give you another opportunity to believe in me...’” (John 11:14-15 NLT)
 
Another opportunity to believe. Another occasion to push past their fear and see the glory of God. A chance to see the dead raised to life.
 
What about you? Have you hesitated in your walk with God because of fear? Is Jesus waiting on you? 
 
The Christian walk is not always easy nor comfortable. Sometimes Jesus calls us out of our fear to experience the miraculous. If fear is holding you back, let faith arise. Grab hold of “another opportunity to believe.” There may be a wonderful miracle just around the bend.
 
Pray: “God, help me to believe in You! Help me to trust You as I push all fear and doubt aside and take this next step forward in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
 
Seek: Do you ever hesitate because of fear or doubt? If so, what areas of life are most difficult for you to believe God for? Commit that to the Lord now and ask for renewed faith.
 
Speak: I will not shrink back because of fear. I believe in God and I will walk forward in faith.
 
Go further: 2 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 11:1, John 20:30-31

Excerpted from Through the Valley—Move Your Life Forward in God available April 4th from Family Christian Publishing.

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