What If What’s Waiting For You On The Other Side Is Not Death But Resurrection?

Have you ever felt that kind of fear that paralyzes you to take another step? Because of the negative things you experience and the pain you are carrying, you tend to withdraw and step back from what God commanded. There are questions in your head. You are doubting God’s presence and grace. You are wondering if what’s waiting for you is death or life. If you feel this way right now, this reminder is for you.

Jesus’ disciples also felt scared when their Master wanted to return to where He was stoned and persecuted. In John 11:4-8, it says there:

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?”

Jesus heard that his beloved friend, Lazarus, was sick. Two days after hearing the news, Jesus decided to go back to Judea. Now, the problem is His disciples remembered what happened to Him in Judea. There, the Jews tried to stone Him. That’s why they questioned His decision. Why would Jesus go back to the place where He was hurt and neglected?

The disciples are worried that Jesus might get hurt again. They are scared that something might happen to Him. But Jesus answered them in John 11:14-15, “… ‘Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.'”

He reminded them that He would do something that may lead them to believe. Maybe at this point, His disciples thought that their lives and Jesus’ life were at risk. They thought of death. In fact, even Thomas said in verse 16, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

But what happened next is something that His disciples never expected. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. He resurrected Him. Isn’t that the exact opposite of the death that Thomas was talking about? His disciples were once afraid, but because of what Jesus did, He opened their eyes and made them realize what His power can do. What Jesus did to Lazarus became one of the unforgettable miracles that they witnessed.

You see, you will never know what Jesus prepared for you along the way. You may feel scared because of the suffering that you experienced, but behind God’s leading is a huge blessing. If He is leading you to go to a certain place, then just follow Him. If you feel scared to move forward, then remember what He did to His disciples. The miracle that you’ve been looking for might be on the other side.

Header Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash