Do You Believe?

Scripture: John 11:25–26 (NIV)

Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?

There’s a moment in every life where belief becomes personal. Not just something we grew up with, not something we inherited from our parents or a pastor we admire. Jesus brings us to that moment when He looks us in the eye but right in the middle of our heartbreak, confusion, or waiting and He asks, “Do you believe?”

This question wasn’t asked in a church or a peaceful garden. It was spoken to Martha, standing near a tomb. Her brother Lazarus had died. Grief was thick in the air. Hope was almost gone. And in that moment, Jesus didn’t start with explanations or proof. He offered Himself. "I am the resurrection and the life… Do you believe?”

That’s what Jesus always does. He meets us not with easy answers, but with Himself.

Let’s be honest: life can make believing difficult. We say we believe, but there are days when it feels like we’re just going through the motions. There are prayers that go unanswered. Dreams that don’t come true. Loved ones we lose. And in those places, belief isn’t just a feeling but it’s a decision.

To believe means choosing to trust Jesus when the outcome isn’t clear.To believe means saying, “You’re still good,” even when life doesn’t feel good.To believe means resting in the promise that He is with us whether we feel strong or weak, full or empty.

Jesus didn’t shame Martha for her grief. He doesn’t shame you either. But He does invite you to believe. Not in religion. Not in performance. In Him.

Reflection

What part of your life is Jesus asking you this question about: “Do you believe?”Is there an area where you’ve stopped trusting or grown weary of waiting?Would you take a moment today to answer Him honestly not with perfect words, but with a real heart?

Prayer

Jesus, sometimes I struggle to believe. I want to trust You, even when I don’t understand what You’re doing. Thank You for being patient with me. Thank You for being the resurrection and the life not just in the future, but right here, right now. Help me to believe again. Amen.