When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it. – Mark 16:11

Sometimes I read about things the disciples did and I’m floored. Really, Jesus told y’all He was going to rise from the dead and when you hear it, you don’t believe it… because why?

Let’s give them some leeway because back in those days, women weren’t really respected, so the fact that Mary Magdalene brought them the news first may have been a factor. But then you’ve got the two from the road to Emmaus.

“Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.” – Matthew 16:12-13

Maybe I’d understand if it wasn’t that they sat there at His feet and listened to His teachings. They watched His miracles. They saw the Holy Spirit in action time and time and time again, and they won’t believe He could rise from the dead? He raised others… so doesn’t it stand to reason He could conquer his own death?

But then it hit me.

How many times have I read God’s promises and then, whether I knew it or not, refused to believe that He meant them? How many times have I essentially told God, “Oh yeah, my faith is fine, I just don’t think You’re going to do what You said You’re going to do.”

It’s when I’m stressed about money. When I’m worried about dying single. When I’m tired of everything being hard and wondering if I actually matter to anyone. When I am in crisis mode and I feel like I have everything to lose, that’s when I freak out and refuse to see God’s promises and His truth for what it is.

And that’s what the disciples did. Jesus was gone, as far as they knew. Their whole lives are now uprooted because they were afraid to be seen in public, not knowing if the wrath that was visited upon Jesus would be their fate too. They loved Him so much, why would they get their hopes up over something so improbable?

Isn’t it easier to believe the bad news sometimes? It keeps you from getting hurt again. But that’s when you’re dealing with humans.

When you’re dealing with God, the visible facts don’t matter. Always believe the good news. He’s looking out for you, and He has plans to prosper you, not to harm you.

“But,” you might say, “all the disciples except John were eventually martyred!”

So I’ll ask you: Can you think of a better way to go than to die for something so important, so real, and so eternal? To live is Christ, and to die is gain, right?

Boldly step out of your hiding place and believe the good news, and all the forces of Hell can’t stop you.

He’s alive. ❤️