What Jesus Did! 'Faith to Follow' — John 11:16

Friday, July 31, 2026

Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let's go [to Judea], too — and die with Jesus."
— John 11:16 NLT

Key Thought

Martha and Mary will soon be challenged to believe in what they cannot understand. Before the sisters face their challenge, however, the disciples of Jesus must follow even though they don't understand but know they are risking their lives to follow. They are our examples. Do we have faith to follow in the face of danger and confusion? Do we have faith to follow in the face of grief, delay, and loss? The people in this story become God's great reminder that we can follow. In fact, in the middle of confusion, danger, grief, delay, and loss, there is no one else we should follow. Only in Jesus can we find life and reunion beyond our greatest earthly troubles. So let's have faith to follow!

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, I love you and want to live your purpose for my life. Please give me the courage and faith to follow when I don't understand, when I am afraid, when I mourn, and when I feel alone. I want my life to be lived for you and guided by your hand. However, I know there are times when I do not and cannot understand what you are doing. So please, dear Father, give me the courage to follow and may I never outlive my love for you. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of John 11:16 NLT — Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let's go [to Judea], too — and die with Jesus."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, July 31, 2026

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Spirit Fell on Them!' (Acts 11:15-16)
""As I began to speak [to Cornelius, along with his family and friends]," Peter continued, "the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'He Did Not Ignore My Prayer' (Ps. 66:20)
"Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'How Foolish Can You Be?' (Ga. 3:3)
"How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?"
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Daniel 3:16, 18
"The narrative of the manly courage and marvellous deliverance of the three holy children, or rather champions, is well calculated to excite in the..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!