Praying Through Changeনমুনা

WHERE ARE WE GOING?

In John 14, Jesus is preparing his disciples for his departure. They grasp enough to realize that big changes are coming, but they’re struggling to understand what exactly that means. Within hours of this conversation, Jesus will be arrested, crucified, and buried.

With that in mind, reflect on Thomas’ words, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Are Thomas and the disciples afraid? Frustrated? Confused? Things have been going so well! Lazarus was just raised from the grave! A few days ago, the streets of Jerusalem were lined with people and palm branches shouting, “Hosanna!” Why mess with a good thing?! Jesus had warned them more than once that He would have to die, but his followers struggled to accept that as the inevitable future… because how could His death mean a better future?

For Jesus, for the disciples, and for all of us, sometimes the path forward from “here” to “there” is not easy. It is downright unpleasant, riddled with potholes and barriers and landmines. Was it worth it to Jesus? Was your life worth His death? He thinks so!

Ask Yourself:

-Why are you resistant to change? Why do you want to stay “here”? Why do you believe that “there” will not be better than “here”?

-How do fear, frustration, confusion, and doubt factor into your resistance to change?

Pause to Pray: Surrender the unknown path forward to the Lord. Use Isaiah 55:8-9 to lead you to praise the Lord and renew your trust in Him.

Take a Next Step: Draw a “map” for yourself. Mark “here” and “there” and all the potential steps in between. Commit to praying over each step of the path as you walk through change.