Feeling Weary? Where to Turn When the Burdens Are Too Great
Heart Happy
Audio By Carbonatix
Have you ever felt so tired that it seemed like the weight of the world was resting on your shoulders? I’ve been there, more times than I can count. Between homeschooling my kids, caring for my 95-year-old grandmother, and keeping up with writing deadlines, there are days when I feel like I’m sinking. It’s like I’m trying to carry too many bags at once—one bag is homeschooling, another is caregiving, and yet another is my writing. And just when I think I’ve got them all balanced, something shifts, and they all tumble down.
In those moments, I’m reminded of Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Life can feel like juggling too many heavy bags. We pick up one, only to have another slip from our grasp. But when we surrender those bags to Jesus, we’re not left with nothing—He offers us a lighter load and walks with us, making the journey bearable.
It’s hard to surrender our burdens. I’ve been there—feeling like if I don’t hold everything together, everything will fall apart. But here’s the truth: when I lay my burdens at Jesus’ feet, He doesn’t just leave me empty-handed. Instead, He offers peace. He promises to exchange my heavy load for something lighter, something bearable.
Share the Load
There’s a reason why Jesus uses the imagery of a yoke. A yoke joins two oxen together, making it possible for them to share the load. Jesus isn’t asking us to do more; He’s offering to walk alongside us. It’s an invitation to rest—not just for our bodies, but for our weary souls.
I know what it’s like to be exhausted, to feel like caregiving and homeschooling pull from the same well of energy, but here’s what I’ve learned: When the load feels too heavy, it’s time to trade your burden for the peace Jesus promises. It doesn’t mean the work disappears—it means we don’t have to carry it alone.
You’re going to make it. Not because you are strong, but because your strength is found in Him. Lysa TerKeurst says it beautifully: “Sometimes it means running out of your own strength and finding that you’re still alive. That’s God’s strength. That’s God’s presence. That’s the miracle. God might allow more than you can handle. But He will never leave you to deal with it alone.” That’s the secret, isn’t it? It’s not about me being supermom or doing it all perfectly. It’s about me leaning into the strength that only Jesus can provide.
Take a Breath
Another verse that gives me so much comfort is Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Being still doesn’t mean the chaos stops. For me, it means that in the middle of caregiving, homeschooling, and writing books, I can pause, breathe, and trust that God is working things out—far better than I could ever manage on my own.
When I’m caring for my grandmother, there are moments that feel like gold—like when she smiles at a story I’ve written, or when my kids gather around her. It’s in those moments I remember why it’s all worth it. But yes, there are also times when I’m so tired I can barely think straight. It’s hard, and I don’t always get it right. But in those moments, I remind myself of this truth: Jesus is right here with me, ready to carry the weight that I was never meant to bear alone.
So, if you’re feeling weary today, know this: Jesus’ rest is available for you, too. All you have to do is trade your burden for His peace. And trust me, His peace is exactly what you need to keep going, even on the hardest days.
Want to know more about how God has sustained me?
Walk It Out
Women often pack their lives with family, friends, and faithful service, yet still feel empty and unfulfilled. In Walk It Out, Tricia Goyer demonstrates to women that walking out the mandates of Scripture allows God to spark passion and mission within them.
Whether believers realize it or not, God intended for them to do what the Bible says: adopt the orphan, take the gospel into all the world, and care for the needy. These mandates point believers down the path of true living and eternal life.
Sometimes those steps are easy, but they often require a move outside of what feels safe or secure. When women stop focusing on their own dreams and purposes, and instead focus on God’s dreams and purposes, everything changes.
Want more insight? Join us in reading Job on the Daily Bible podcast! 🎧 LISTEN & 📺 WATCH
Weekly readings for the Daily Bible Podcast with Tricia and Michelle
October 14
John 7:1-9, Luke 9:51-56, Matthew 8:18-22, Luke 9:57-62, John 7:10-8:20
Are We Willing to Follow Jesus—Even When It’s Hard?
In today’s readings, we see Jesus continuing to heal, teach, and navigate the opposition around Him. He moves from town to town, all while knowing that the leaders are plotting His death. The pressure must have been immense, but Jesus was willing to follow God’s plan, trusting in His perfect timing.
We start with John 7:1-9, where Jesus’ brothers urge Him to go to the festival and show His power, but they say it in disbelief. It’s interesting to note that Jesus’ own brothers weren’t supportive of His ministry at this point. Yet, Jesus responds with patience, reminding them—and us—that God’s timing is everything. Jesus was not concerned with public approval or the opinions of those around Him. He was willing to wait for God’s perfect timing, even when pressured to act prematurely.
Then we see Luke 9:51-56, where Jesus heads to Jerusalem and stops in a Samaritan village. The people reject Him because He’s on His way to Jerusalem. In their zeal, His disciples ask Jesus if they should call down fire from heaven to destroy the village! But Jesus rebukes them, showing that God’s way is not about vengeance or retaliation. Instead, Jesus is willing to move forward in peace, even when others oppose or reject Him.
In Matthew 8:18-22 and Luke 9:57-62, Jesus encounters people who say they want to follow Him, but they also have personal matters to attend to first. Jesus’ response is striking: “Follow me now,” He says. The cost of discipleship is real. It’s not easy, and Jesus makes it clear that following Him means being willing to forsake comfort and security, and even personal obligations, to pursue the calling of God.
Finally, John 7:10-8:20 takes us to the Feast of Tabernacles, where Jesus teaches in secret. The Jewish leaders are amazed at His wisdom, but they question His authority because He didn’t have formal training. Yet Jesus’ response is profound: “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me.” (John 7:16) Jesus also confronts a group ready to stone a woman caught in adultery, offering mercy where others demanded judgment. He saw beyond her sin to her potential redemption.
Word of the Day: Willing
Willing means being ready, eager, or prepared to do something. In today’s passages, we see Jesus’ willingness to follow God’s plan, to confront opposition, and to offer grace over judgment. The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we willing to follow Jesus even when it’s hard, inconvenient, or goes against what the world tells us?
Application: What Does It Take to Be Willing?
1. Willingness to Wait on God’s Timing:
In John 7:1-9, Jesus shows us that just because others want us to act doesn’t mean it’s the right time. He waited for God’s direction, not man’s opinion. Are we willing to wait for God’s perfect timing in our lives, even when the world pressures us to act?
2. Willingness to Walk in Peace:
When the Samaritans rejected Jesus, His disciples wanted to retaliate (Luke 9:51-56). Jesus’ response reminds us that being willing to follow God means choosing peace over vengeance, even when we feel hurt or rejected. Are we willing to choose peace and trust God with the outcome?
3. Willingness to Count the Cost of Discipleship:
Following Jesus isn’t just about saying the right things—it’s about doing the right things. In Matthew 8:18-22, Jesus makes it clear that following Him requires sacrifice. It means letting go of comforts and being willing to follow Him, even when the road is tough. Are we willing to follow Jesus, no matter the cost?
4. Willingness to See People Through Jesus’ Eyes:
In John 7:10-8:20, the Pharisees saw the woman caught in adultery as deserving of punishment, but Jesus saw her potential for redemption. Are we willing to see people not for their mistakes, but for who they can become in Christ? Are we willing to extend grace instead of judgment?
Final Thought:
Being willing to follow Jesus is more than just saying, “I’ll follow You.” It’s a daily decision to trust Him, even when it’s hard. It’s about being willing to wait, willing to walk in peace, willing to count the cost, and willing to see others as He sees them.In John 7:17, Jesus says, “If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know about the teaching, whether it is of God, or I am speaking from Myself.” When we are willing to follow God’s will, even when it’s uncomfortable or unclear, we begin to see His work in our lives. We may not always understand the path, but we can trust the One who leads us.
October 15
John 8:21-59, Luke 10, 11:1-13
Embracing Interdependence: Walking with God and Each Other
In today’s reading, Jesus continues His confrontation with the Jewish leaders, making profound declarations about His relationship with God the Father. He tells them plainly that they are from below—earthly—while He is from above—heavenly. Jesus goes on to warn them that if they do not believe in Him, they will die in their sins.
One of the most powerful verses from this passage is when Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin … So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” (John 8:34, 36). What a promise! True freedom is found only in Him.
But then, Jesus goes even further and claims, “Before Abraham was, I am.” This statement is monumental. By using the term “I Am,” Jesus is directly aligning Himself with God, the same God who spoke to Moses in Exodus, declaring, “I AM WHO I AM.” The Jewish leaders immediately recognize that Jesus is claiming divinity, which is why they pick up stones to kill Him. Yet, Jesus escapes because His time had not yet come.
There’s more going on here, though. Jesus wasn’t just declaring His identity—He was challenging everything the Jewish leaders believed about themselves. In a collectivist culture like theirs, identity was rooted in their lineage, in being descendants of Abraham. But Jesus was telling them that their collective identity was not enough—they needed to believe in Him personally. This would have shaken their worldview. They believed they were already free, but Jesus reveals that only He, the Son, can truly set them free.
Luke 10:1-11:13 – The Power of Interdependence
Next, we move to Luke, where we read about Jesus sending out seventy-two disciples. He instructs them to go in pairs, showing the importance of community in ministry. They are sent with the message: “The Kingdom of God is near.” Jesus warns them that not everyone will welcome them, but He gives them authority over the power of the enemy.
The theme of interdependence is strong here. Jesus didn’t send His disciples out alone. He knew they would need each other for strength and support. This is a reminder that we are not meant to walk this journey alone. We need each other—our faith grows stronger when we serve, pray, and live out our mission in community.
Later, we read the famous story of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritan helps a man beaten and left for dead, while others—who should have helped—passed by. Jesus teaches us through this parable that loving our neighbor means showing mercy to those in need, regardless of their background.
Then we see Mary and Martha. While Martha is busy preparing for her guests, Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, focused on Him. Jesus gently tells Martha that Mary has chosen the better thing. This story highlights the importance of focusing on Jesus rather than getting caught up in the busyness of life.
Finally, Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray, giving us the Lord’s Prayer—a beautiful reminder of our dependence on God for everything. In this prayer, we see the deep relationship Jesus invites us into—a relationship marked by persistence and trust in God’s provision and timing.
Word of the Day: Interdependence
The dependence of two or more people or things on each other.
We see the theme of interdependence woven throughout today’s readings. Jesus’ ministry wasn’t about individuals doing their own thing; it was about community, reliance on God, and leaning on each other. The disciples were sent out in pairs. They were instructed to pray for workers for the harvest. The Samaritan stopped to help a stranger, while Mary set aside the busyness of life to sit at Jesus’ feet.
This reminds us that, while we may live in a world that values independence, we are called to something different. We are called to be part of a body—dependent on God and interdependent with one another.
Application:
In John 8, Jesus emphasizes His relationship with the Father, showing us that He is nothing apart from God. How often do we try to go about life, relying on our own strength? Today, let’s be reminded that we, too, are nothing apart from our heavenly Father. Our strength, identity, and purpose are found in Him.
In Luke, Jesus sent out seventy-two disciples—together. This is a beautiful picture of the Christian life. We were never meant to walk alone. God designed us for community, and as believers, we need to embrace that interdependence, whether through serving together, praying together, or simply being there for each other in times of need.
Finally, Jesus teaches about the power of persistent prayer. Prayer isn’t just something we do when we need something from God; it’s how we stay connected to Him. It’s how we acknowledge our dependence on Him and allow His will to shape our lives. Keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking, because God delights in our persistence and faith.
October 16
Luke 11:14-54. 12:1-34
Living Out Authenticity: Jesus’ Call to Genuine Faith
Today’s reading from Luke 11:14-54 and Luke 12:1-12 challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith. As Jesus teaches and confronts the Pharisees, He exposes the importance of genuine faith that comes from the heart, not just external actions.
Confronting Accusations (Luke 11:14-28):
When Jesus casts out a demon from a mute man, the crowd accuses Him of working with Satan. In response, Jesus explains that a divided kingdom cannot stand and that He is working with the authority of God. He encourages the people to look beyond the surface and recognize the true power and authority of His message. Jesus tells them to ensure that their light is genuine and not false: “Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness” (Luke 11:35 NLT). This is a call for self-examination—are we truly living in the light of Christ, or just pretending?
Authenticity vs. Hypocrisy (Luke 11:37-54):
When Jesus dines with a Pharisee, He does not wash His hands before the meal, prompting a question from His host. Jesus uses this moment to emphasize that it is the heart that matters. Outward cleanliness or religious rituals mean nothing if our hearts are not right with God. He rebukes the Pharisees for focusing on external appearances while neglecting inner purity. Jesus calls for authenticity, warning that hypocrisy will only lead to judgment.
This theme continues in Luke 12:1-12, where Jesus teaches His disciples to beware of the Pharisees’ hypocrisy. He explains that nothing is hidden from God and that our true selves will eventually be revealed. We are to live with integrity and humility, recognizing that our lives are in God’s hands.
Word of the Day: Authenticity
Definition: Authenticity means you’re true to your personality, values, and spirit, regardless of the pressure that you’re under to act otherwise. You’re honest with yourself and others and take responsibility for your mistakes.
Application #1: Authentic Faith Starts with the Heart
The message of today’s reading is clear—God desires authenticity in our relationship with Him. Jesus wasn’t interested in superficial displays of piety; He was concerned with the state of the heart. When we focus on external appearances, we miss the point of what it means to follow Christ. True faith is about aligning our hearts with God’s will and living out that faith with sincerity and humility.
Are we, like the Pharisees, more concerned with how we appear to others, or are we committed to a heart-level relationship with Jesus? Authenticity in faith means examining our motives, confessing our shortcomings, and seeking God’s transformation from the inside out.
Application #2: Living in the Light of Christ
When Jesus says, “Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness,” He is challenging us to live in true light. We may think we’re doing everything right on the outside, but if our hearts aren’t right, our actions mean little. Authentic faith is about letting the light of Christ shine through us—not just in public, but in every area of our lives.
As we follow Jesus, let’s make sure we are living in His light, not just going through the motions. Let’s allow God to cleanse our hearts so that we can reflect His love, grace, and truth to others.
October 17
Luke 12:35-59, 13:1-21, John 9
Being Ready: Lessons in Vigilance and Faith
In today’s readings, we are reminded about the necessity of being ready—not just for the expected, but for the unknown moments when God calls. Jesus, through parables and real-life encounters, teaches His followers about vigilance, preparedness, and faith.
In Luke 12:35-48, Jesus compares His followers to servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet. The faithful servant, who remains alert and ready, will be rewarded, but those who are not will face consequences. This passage echoes the importance of being spiritually prepared, as we never know when God will call us to act. Jesus also addresses the responsibility that comes with being given much—if we have been blessed, we are also expected to give and serve much.
Further in Luke, Jesus speaks about bringing division, not peace, as His message challenges societal norms and family structures. He rebukes the crowd for interpreting earthly signs but missing the spiritual ones right before them. He also emphasizes the urgency of reconciling with others quickly—highlighting the importance of being “ready” in our relationships, both with God and people.
In the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree, Jesus demonstrates God’s patience but also the need for repentance and fruitfulness in our lives. We are given time, but we must not take it for granted.
Later in Luke 13:10-21, Jesus heals a woman crippled for eighteen years, despite it being the Sabbath. The synagogue leader criticizes Him for healing on the Sabbath, but Jesus points out the hypocrisy. Through this healing, Jesus not only restores the woman but also reveals the importance of compassion and mercy over rigid adherence to tradition. He then teaches about the Kingdom of God, using the parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast—small beginnings leading to great outcomes, just like the small steps of faith that lead to readiness for God’s work.
In John 9, we see another powerful healing—Jesus restores the sight of a man born blind. His disciples, reflecting cultural assumptions, ask whether the man’s blindness was due to sin. Jesus corrects them, saying that the man’s condition was an opportunity for God’s work to be revealed. As the Pharisees interrogate the man and his parents, their blindness to the truth of who Jesus is becomes apparent. The healed man’s faith and Jesus’ actions show that spiritual sight—being truly ready to see and accept God’s truth—is far more important than physical sight.
Word of the Day: Ready
Definition: In a suitable state for an activity, action, or situation; fully prepared.
Application #1: Being Ready Requires Vigilance and Faith
Are you ready? Jesus’ analogy of servants waiting for their master’s return in Luke 12 paints a vivid picture of the kind of vigilance and faith He calls us to. Being “ready” doesn’t mean living in fear but keeping our hearts open, our spirits willing, and our eyes on Jesus. The disciples, the Pharisees, and the crowds who followed Jesus often missed the mark—not because they lacked desire, but because they were focused on the wrong things.
Being ready means being willing to see things through God’s eyes. It’s about aligning our priorities with His. Whether in prayer, relationships, or the unexpected challenges of life, being ready is an act of faith that says, “Lord, I’m listening. I trust You.” When the Lord calls, will you be prepared to respond, or will you be too distracted by the world around you?
Being ready also means repentance and seeking a heart of transformation. The barren fig tree had time to bear fruit, just as we have time to turn to God. But time is not infinite. Our readiness to turn to God in moments of conviction, to seek His guidance, and to lean on His promises is essential for bearing fruit in our spiritual walk.
Application #2: Ready, Set, Go!
The phrase “ready, set, go” often takes me back to track meets. I think of the preparation that went into those moments—months of training, practice, and discipline. The thrill of hearing “Ready” would send my heart racing, and at “Go!” I would push forward with all the strength and preparation behind me.
Spiritually, being ready requires that same level of preparation and commitment. It’s the behind-the-scenes work of prayer, reading God’s Word, and being obedient in the little things that gets us ready for the big moments. We can’t be ready for God’s call if we’re not consistently preparing ourselves for what He might ask of us. Just like a runner who’s trained for months, we must train our hearts to be in tune with God, ready to act when He says, “Go.”
October 18
John 10, Luke 13:22-35, 14:1-24
The Good Shepherd: Lessons in Care, Compassion, and Abundant Life
In today’s reading from John 10, Jesus paints a vivid picture of the difference between the True Shepherd and the false shepherds who mislead the people. Just before this, Jesus had healed a blind man, only for the Pharisees to cast him out of the synagogue, proving once again that they were more focused on rules than on caring for people’s hearts. Jesus contrasts Himself with these false leaders, explaining that His sheep recognize His voice and follow Him because He is the Good Shepherd.
What does it mean for Jesus to be our Shepherd? Jesus tells us that He came to give His sheep a rich and satisfying life—also known as an abundant life. This abundance doesn’t necessarily mean a life free from struggle or hardship, but it is a life of contentment and fulfillment found in Him.
One powerful story illustrates this beautifully. During World War I, some soldiers tried to steal a flock of sheep from a hillside near Jerusalem. The shepherd, upon realizing what was happening, didn’t attempt to fight off the soldiers with force. Instead, he called out to his flock with his distinct call. The sheep recognized their shepherd’s voice and returned to him, leaving the soldiers behind, unable to stop them. Just like those sheep, when we hear the Good Shepherd’s voice, we are drawn back to Him, finding safety, peace, and purpose in His care.
Word of the Day: Shepherd
Definition: Someone who cares for sheep. In Biblical times, shepherding was a common profession.
Application #1: The Good Shepherd Leads Us to Abundant Life
Jesus, our Good Shepherd, doesn’t just call us into a life of following rules—He calls us into a life of abundance. But what does that abundant life look like? According to James Montgomery Boice, the Greek word for “abundance,” perissos, denotes a surplus, a life of overflowing contentment. This abundant life isn’t necessarily an easy one, nor is it about material wealth. It’s a life where we can trust that God will supply our needs and walk with us through every season.
In the wilderness moments of life, where we may feel like we are wandering, hungry, and thirsty, Jesus promises that He will guide us to springs of living water (Revelation 7:16-17). This is a life marked by satisfaction in Him, no matter the circumstances. The question for us is: Are we listening for the Shepherd’s voice, and are we willing to follow where He leads?
Application #2: The Good Shepherd Guides and Protects Us
In Luke 13:22-14:24, we see Jesus continually guiding His followers and teaching them what it means to be part of the Kingdom of God. As He moves towards Jerusalem, He warns His listeners to strive to enter through the narrow door, emphasizing that many will seek entrance but won’t be able to. Jesus, like a shepherd, is leading His sheep, urging them to stay on the right path, even when the way is narrow and difficult.
Throughout His teachings and parables, Jesus highlights His deep care for His followers. He is the Shepherd who guides us, not just through the green pastures but through the valleys as well. When we feel lost, overwhelmed, or unsure, we can trust that the Good Shepherd is always leading us toward a greater purpose—toward springs of living water and eternal life.
October 19
Luke 14:25-35, Luke 15, Luke 16, Luke 17:1-10, John 11:1-37
The Parables of the Lost and the Heart of God
In today’s readings from Luke 14-16 and John 11, Jesus emphasizes the cost of following Him, the joy of recovering the lost, and the call to invest in eternal matters. As we continue journeying through the Gospel of Luke, we come across three parables that reveal the heart of God for the lost: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son (also known as the prodigal son).
Each of these parables captures a beautiful truth: when something valuable is lost, there is a persistent search, and when it is found, there is great rejoicing. Jesus shows us that God’s heart is filled with joy when even one sinner repents and returns to Him. The parable of the prodigal son, in particular, tugs at our hearts as we see the extravagant love of a father who runs to welcome his wayward son back home. Though the older brother struggles with bitterness, the father’s response is clear: “This is a happy day, for your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!” (Luke 15:32)
In contrast, Jesus also warns about the dangers of being lost in a different way—through greed and misplaced priorities. In the Parable of the Shrewd Manager, He highlights the importance of being faithful with what we have and ensuring that our investments are for the Kingdom of God, not for fleeting, worldly gain. He also makes it clear that we cannot serve both God and money.
Then, in John 11, we see the beginnings of a powerful miracle in the story of Lazarus, where Jesus is about to reveal Himself as the resurrection and the life. But before that, we witness the deep compassion and humanity of Jesus as He weeps with those who are mourning. This passage reminds us that while we may feel lost or overwhelmed by the trials of life, Jesus walks with us in our pain and has the power to bring life out of death.
Word of the Day: Lost
Definition: Denoting something that has been taken away or cannot be recovered.
Application #1: The Joy in Finding the Lost
Throughout these parables, Jesus reveals the deep joy that comes from recovering what was lost. Whether it’s the lost sheep, the lost coin, or the lost son, the consistent theme is that God does not rest until He has found His lost ones. For God, no one is too far gone or too broken to be brought back into His arms. This is a beautiful reminder of the heart of the Gospel. Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).
The joy in heaven over one sinner who repents is indescribable. It’s the joy of a shepherd who finds his sheep, of a woman who finds her valuable coin, of a father who embraces his long-lost son. For those of us who have been found by God’s grace, we are called to rejoice with Him and to be part of this ongoing search for the lost. God’s heart is always open, and He wants us to mirror that in our lives.
Is there someone in your life who feels far from God? Someone who needs to know the love and grace that’s been extended to them? Pray for them, love them, and ask God to work through you to show them the way back to the Father’s heart.
Application #2: The Other Kind of Lost
Sometimes, being lost isn’t about running away physically—it’s about a state of the heart. The older brother in the story of the prodigal son stayed home, worked hard, and did everything right, but he still felt distant from his father’s love. His heart was consumed with comparison, self-righteousness, and bitterness. Though he was physically “home,” his heart was far from the joy and grace that his father freely offered.
This is a warning for those of us who may feel like we’re doing all the right things, yet still feel lost or disconnected from God’s love. It’s a reminder that we can be “home” and still miss out on the celebration. Sometimes, we need to check our own hearts to see if we’re harboring bitterness, resentment, or pride—things that can keep us from experiencing the fullness of God’s grace.
Are you struggling with feelings of resentment or comparison, like the older brother? Ask God to soften your heart and help you experience the joy and freedom that come from knowing His grace.
October 20
John 11:38-57, Luke 17:11-37, 18:1-8
The Power of Belief: Lessons from Lazarus and the Leper
In today’s readings, we witness two powerful stories that highlight the importance of believing in God’s promises. Jesus performs the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus, showing the power of belief, and later, heals ten lepers, reminding us that faith requires action and gratitude.
In John 11:38-57, we find Jesus standing before Lazarus’s tomb, surrounded by mourners who are in disbelief that anything can be done. Lazarus has been dead for four days. Martha, his sister, voices her concerns about the odor when Jesus asks for the stone to be rolled away. But Jesus replies, reminding her of the promise that if she believes, she will see the glory of God. And in one of the most dramatic moments in Scripture, Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb, and Lazarus walks out, wrapped in his burial clothes, alive once more.
This event led many to believe in Jesus, but it also spurred a plot against Him by the religious leaders. Their hearts, blinded by fear and pride, refused to accept the miracle they had witnessed. They chose to plot against the very source of life and truth standing before them.
In Luke 17:11-37, Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem when He heals ten lepers. These men, outcasts of society due to their disease, cry out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus tells them to show themselves to the priests, as was required by the law, and as they go, they are healed. However, only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Jesus and worship Him. Jesus praises this man for his faith and gratitude, but the absence of the other nine reminds us of how easy it is to take God’s blessings for granted without acknowledging the Giver.
Both stories show us that belief is more than just intellectual agreement—it’s an action of the heart. Jesus’s miracles weren’t just about healing bodies; they were about awakening faith.
Word of the Day: Believe
Definition: Accept (something) as true; feel sure of the truth of.
Application #1: Remembering Your Lazarus Moments
In our journey through life, we often find ourselves at crossroads where the path ahead seems uncertain. Doubts cloud our vision, fears grip our hearts, and the noise of the world drowns out the still, small voice of truth. But in these moments of uncertainty, the Scriptures call us to a simple yet profound action: Believe.
How do we strengthen our belief? One way is to look back at our “Lazarus Moments”—those times when God stepped into our lives and worked a miracle. Just as Jesus called Lazarus forth from the tomb, there have likely been times in your life when God brought new life into a situation that seemed dead. These moments remind us of His power and faithfulness.
Yet, belief isn’t just about looking back. It’s also about looking forward with faith, knowing that Jesus continues to work in our lives every day. Lazarus wasn’t just a miracle for one family—it was a sign for all of us, pointing to the ultimate power of God over death and the grave.
Application #2: Returning to the Healer, Not Just the Healing
In the story of the ten lepers, all ten received healing, but only one returned to thank Jesus. That one leper recognized that his healing wasn’t just a blessing to enjoy; it was a sign pointing to the Healer Himself.
This story challenges us to ask ourselves: Are we seeking God’s blessings, or are we seeking God Himself? It’s easy to pray for what we need—healing, provision, guidance—but how often do we return to thank Him for what He has done? Belief isn’t just about asking God for things; it’s about acknowledging His presence in our lives and expressing gratitude for His grace.
The leper’s faith was made complete not just by his healing, but by his return to Jesus. He didn’t just believe in the miracle; he believed in the Miracle-Worker.
