“Afterward He appeared to the Eleven [apostles themselves] as they reclined at table; and He reproved and reproached them for their unbelief (their lack of faith) and their hardness of heart, because they had refused to believe those who had seen Him and looked at Him attentively after He had risen [from death].” – Mark 16:14 (AMP, emphasis mine)

If you’ve read the gospel accounts of the events following Jesus’ death and burial, you know that the disciples did not believe those who reported to them that Jesus had risen from the dead. In my head, their doubt was more of a passive thing, like they couldn’t help but be dumbfounded by the news.

But no, the Word says they REFUSED to believe. They had a choice to believe the report, or not!

It got me thinking. What does God’s Word say that I’ve been refusing to believe? As I seek the Lord to show me what needs to be corrected in my own heart, take some time to do the same:

Do I believe that God really will supply all of my needs (Philippians 4:19)?

Do I really believe that God loves me (John 17:23)?

Do I really believe that Jesus paid the price not only for my eternal salvation, but for my healing and peace (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24)?

Do I really believe that God forgives me the moment I ask Him to (1 John 1:9)?

Do I really believe that God’s going to work this situation out for my good (Romans 8:28)?

A big indicator of your trust in God in any area is your joy level. When your mind touches on the situation, does dread rise up in your heart like a flood, or does a sense of gladness rise up, knowing that God’s Word is working on that particular thing? 

Think about it! If I told you I was sending you a thousand bucks today, would you be mopey and gazing sadly at those catalogs full of items you can’t afford, or would you be expectantly waiting for the mail to arrive and planning what you’d do with it when it came?

You always have a choice to believe or not believe!

Jesus said:

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 (NKJV, emphasis mine)

And Paul wrote, in his letter to the Colossian believers:

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NKJV, emphasis mine)

LET. Let means choice. Let yourself believe God’s Word to you today!

Not sure what the Word has to say about your situation? Send us an email, and we’ll help you out! 

– Tammy