Focus on the purpose
Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. John 11:9
Have you ever worried about something bad happening before it actually does? How about being fearful for future events, but then when the time came you found out there was never anything to be afraid of? I sure have, many times. Times like when I was going on a trip or starting a new job. Of course, there were times when my concerns were a little more intense when family was going through a trial and I wasn’t sure how things were going to turn out.
In today’s reading, Jesus’ disciples were concerned about going to Bethany where Jesus’ friends lived because the last time they were there, the Jews wanted to stone Jesus. The disciples were nervous for Jesus’ life, and also for their own. Jesus, of course had the perfect answer for them and talked about the light of day being better than the darkness (which I’m still not sure I understand). He doesn’t really explain his analogy, but He does tell them, we need to go to do something good and not worry about what could happen when we get there. The disciples did concede and go with Jesus despite their fears and concerns.
The answer Jesus gave to His disciples on that day is the same He would give to us today. When the opportunity comes to go help someone in need, especially when it is friends or family, we should not be worried about what bad things could happen. When keeping your eyes and prayer on the reason for going, you will eliminate the fear of why you shouldn’t go. When Jesus and His disciples showed up in Bethany, there is never a mention about the fears that they had ahead of time. Their focus was turned to the great work and miracle that Jesus went there to do.
Today I want to encourage you in whatever you do in life not to worry about what could happen in the future. Walk step by step with the Holy Spirit and He will lead you to the right place at the right time. Even if you have to wait for a bit before going to help someone in need, He will get you there at just the right time to do His great works. Don’t let yourself imagine what might happen if you don’t get there in time or who might be upset with you. Instead, focus on the purpose you are going and pray for His grace and power to flow through you along the way and when you get there.
Today’s scripture reading: John 11: 8-16
8 The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?”
9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.
10 But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”
11 These things He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.”
12 Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.”
13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.
14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead.
15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.”
16 Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”
The Daily Dose 