“Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.” (Mark 16:14 NIV)

So the disciples were “stubborn in believing!” Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

A few weeks ago, as the service was concluding at church, the pastor gave an altar call. When no one but the expected usuals came forward, I was overcome with a sudden urge to pray. To my shame, my reply was far from honorary: “Not now. I don’t feel like it.”

“Pray!”

“But…I don’t know what to pray about!”

“Pray!”

So I started to pray, and as I did, God’s Spirit took over. I had the feeling that there was someone in the audience who desperately needed to answer the call, but was reluctant to come forward to stand in front of the audience. After a few minutes of prayer, peace came over me. I continued to pray, however. After all, God had told me to pray!

“Open your eyes!”

“Not now!” I insisted. “I’m praying like You told me to!”

“Open your eyes!”

I eventually obeyed, just in time to see a man walking down the isle to give his heart to Jesus. Tears of joy rolled down my face at that sight of this soul who had been saved for eternity.

Is it possible that our stubbornness often prevents us from experiencing God like we should?

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Eph 6:18 NIV)

Will we let our stubbornness control our relationship with our Maker?

Rob Chaffart

(To view the entire “You of Little Faith” devotional series, please click here.)