40 Days of Believing God – Day 21

My son, Rob, and I walked down to the football stadium this morning to watch the Razorbacks scrimmage. It was a beautiful, sunny day with a nice cool breeze.

We watched for about 90 minutes and saw some great action. Then Coach Petrino blew a whistle and every player ran to a corner of the endzone and sat down in the shade under some tents to rest and re-hydrate. Most of the fans left at that point thinking that the scrimmage was over. It wasn’t. It was only half over.

It’s not a big deal if the spectators quit watching at half time. It is a big deal if those actually in the game decide to quit at half time.

We’re half way through the 40 days of believing God. I know for some of you it’s been rough. You’re trying to believe God and not your circumstances. You’re fixing your eyes on Christ and His promises. You’re doing your best to reject the negative, discouraging thoughts that bombard your mind.

It’s hard though. You feel weary. You’d love for someone to blow a whistle and tell you to sit in the shade with a cold drink. Me, too.

So how can we keep going when we feel weary or even feel like quitting?

John chapter 6 begins with Jesus feeding the 5,000. He takes just a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish and feeds thousands of people. It’s like the chapter begins with a 100 yard kick-off return!

That evening, Jesus sends the disciples across the lake. You remember the story–the wind starts blowing and the waters get rough. And then here comes Jesus walking on the water! Think about that. Jesus. Walked. On water.

Another touchdown for our team!

The next day, the crowds catch up with Jesus on the other side. Then things get interesting. Jesus starts talking about being the Bread of Life and tells the people He came down from heaven.

Okay, so you would think they wouldn’t have a problem believing that after what they’ve just witnessed, but they do. They start grumbling about it. Jesus continues to teach, but after listening to Him “many of His disciples said, ‘This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?'”

The excitement from the previous day is forgotten. The people weren’t expecting hard teaching. What happened to all that free food? Why can’t we just go back to the good time we had yesterday?

Jesus continues speaking to them, but “from this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.”

It’s like the coach is giving halftime instructions, but much of the team decides to quit because it sounds too hard.

Jesus then turned to His twelve closest disciples and asked, “You do not want to leave, too, do you?”

Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

If you’re struggling right now, if you’re having a difficult time believing God, if your circumstances are hard and don’t seem to be getting easier…I know it’s tempting to quit. I know it can seem like it’s just not worth the effort.

I’ve been there. I can completely relate. I continue to battle those feelings.

But where else can we turn? Jesus has the words of eternal life. We believe and know He’s the Holy God.

There is no one else to turn to.

Remember, Jesus knows what you can endure. He knows when you need a break. He knows when you need encouragement. He has the answers you need. Only He can give you true joy and peace.

Don’t forget–you are playing on the winning team. Don’t quit. Keep going. Keep believing.

Your confidence in God will be rewarded.