Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
John 11:25-26 (ESV)
Series Focus: “Along the Way”
Hesitation—a delay because of uncertainty of mind or fear. A state of doubt. Throughout our lives, we face situations that require us to make decisions. Sometimes we are confident in this because we have all the facts, but other times we must rely on experiences someone else has had. We might hesitate, procrastinate, or waver on some verdicts because we just “need to be sure.”
Over the past four months, we have been studying the moments Jesus had with many people. His ministry led Him from place to place and person to person. He had face-to-face encounters with many desiring to know Him and be rescued by Him. Each one is important, each one significant. As more and more people heard of Jesus and His wondrous works, word of mouth was good enough for some to believe and follow Him. Can that be enough for you? In John 20, we read:
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. (30-31 ESV)
We are strengthened in truth and encouraged to have faith by the recorded encounters each person had with Jesus along His way on this earth. He didn’t force them to believe, and He doesn’t force us. We get to choose. We have His word and the power of the Holy Spirit to lead us in all truth, but we must seek Him to find Him. In every experience we have explored, someone decided by faith that Jesus was who He said He was. If we want to have a personal encounter with Jesus, we need only whisper His name.
The Word of God tells us He is omnipresent, He is everywhere at the same time. He is in Heaven and here with us. Our finite minds have difficulty grasping and believing this to be true, but through faith, we can. Just as Jesus proved His resurrection to His disciple, Thomas, He could say the same to us:
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29 ESV)
The author of Hebrews writes:
Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen. (11:1 NASB)
Your faith in God is the certainty of what you hope for, without being able to see. It is making a choice to believe in someone you think you have never seen or heard. But the truth is, you have. Every time you watch a flower bloom, the wind blow, a child laugh, the moon glow, you see Him. He is everywhere in creation and He is with you in this very moment. Take a deep breath, draw close to your Savior. His wondrous deeds continue, His healing power still restores, and His presence never leaves.
When you spend time with Jesus, take a moment to journal. Record your moments, that others may be strengthened by your experiences with Him. Don’t be afraid to share what He has done for you. Like each person we have met along the way, you have a chance for a personal relationship with Jesus. Call out, He hears you. He is only a whisper away.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: John 11:25-26; John 20:29; John 20:30-31; Hebrews 11:1; Psalm 139:7-10; Romans 15:13