You Are Never AloneSample

God Is with You When You Need Grace

The hinge on the door called the gospel is a story about a dead man who stopped being dead, a buried man who unburied himself, a human heart that went stone-statue still for more than three days and then, as sure as the sun shines at dawn, began pumping blood. 

Now, be honest for a moment. Does this not sound a bit far-fetched? 

Some of us have legitimate questions concerning Christianity. We seek answers that will satisfy our quest for an honest faith. The good news for us is that it is permissible to have doubts. Faith is not the absence of doubt but a willingness to keep asking the hard questions. Questions are steps on which we ascend in the direction of heaven. 

Just consider the example of the disciple John. He made the ascent. Near the end of his Gospel, we discover that this disciple—who had witnessed Jesus’ many miracles—only believed that he was the Messiah after Jesus’ resurrection. As John writes, “Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed” (John 20:8). To believe means more than mere credence. It signifies reliance on and confidence in something. The fact of the resurrection of Christ addressed John’s doubts and inspired belief. 

Jesus’ disciples, who spent nearly every moment with him during his ministry on earth, were not perfect. They doubted, failed, and messed up frequently. Judas betrayed him. Peter denied him. The rest abandoned him at the cross. They also had their failings when it came to Jesus’ most staggering miracle—his resurrection from the grave. 

We, too, have fallen flat, fallen hard, and fallen frequently. But again, there is good news for us, for Jesus understands our human failings. Our failures may leave us wondering how in God’s name God could name us as his own. As we reflect on our past misdeeds, our memories may make us wonder whether God could really ever use us again. But John’s Gospel reveals that Jesus is always ready and willing to restore us. 

Just look at the miracle of Peter’s restoration. Peter had cursed Christ and three times denied that he even knew Jesus (see John 18:15–27). He had abandoned the one he called his Lord at the crucifixion. Yet Jesus lovingly invited Peter to repent over a breakfast that he had personally prepared for him and the other disciples (see John 21:1–19). Three times he asked Peter if he loved him, mirroring Peter’s three betrayals. Three times, he told the disciple to “feed” his sheep—to put his failures behind him and assume the next mission he had for Peter’s life.

Let this story remind you that Christ is not finished with you either. Jesus went on a search and rescue mission for Peter. He will do the same for you. Jesus emerges as the hero, taking ninety-nine of the 100 steps toward Peter. But Peter still had to take his step. 

The same is true for you. Failure will try to keep you from the One you need. But don’t give in. Head in the direction of Jesus. Speak to him , and then listen as he speaks to you. Obey him. Complete and total restoration is the miracle you need, and Jesus wants to give it to you. Receive grace, pure grace. It may not always be easy, mind you, but it’s certainly worth the risk. 

You are the child of a mighty and good God who cares for you. Believe in Jesus—as the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One, the Son of God. The message of the miracles is the Miracle Worker himself. He wants you to know you are never alone. You are never without help, hope, or strength. You are stronger than you think because God is nearer than you might imagine.

Respond

In what ways have you questioned your faith in Christ or how God can use you?

How does the resurrection of Jesus define your faith in God?

Where in your life do you need God’s miracle-working restoration? What step can you take in God’s direction to receive his grace?