Stubborn Much?

Mark 16:12-14

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.

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.

The donkeys refused to move. 

A while back, I attended a donkey basketball game. I hadn’t witnessed one of those since my girls were in school over twenty years ago. At that game, the donkeys tromped around the floor with teachers and staff riding on their backs, but at the game I watched a few weeks ago, the donkeys dug in their heels and refused to move.

I’m here to admit, I’ve been stubborn at times. Sometimes when I’m writing a story, I have an idea of where it should go, but God is guiding me in a different direction. When I dig in my heels, it never ends well.

When Jesus returned to earth after his death, some of the disciples didn’t believe it was him. Jesus rebuked them for their stubbornness. 

I prefer not to be like the disciples who didn’t believe Jesus rose from the dead and returned to show them. So, I wonder, what am I being stubborn about that I need to give over to God? How can I let go of my stubborn attitude and allow God to work in me? 

Romans 15:13 reminds me. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

That word trust shows me what I need to do. Instead of doubting, trust. It’s not easy at times, but with Jesus’ help, I can do it.

Trust in the Lord.