[Jesus said to those mourning the death of a child], “Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him (Mark 5:39-40).

Sometimes followers of the resurrected Jesus see life when others just see death. And if we announce our hope, we may only get derided as dreamy optimists. At such times, we’re not only tempted to keep quiet, but we’re also tempted to adopt “realistic” despair.

Where in your work, home, neighborhood, or school do you see hope while others see despair? How are you called to bring hope in this situation?

Perhaps you find yourself dragged down by discouragement about some matter. Speak of this concern to Jesus in prayer, and then spend a few minutes listening. What is his word to you?

–Mark Galli
This is part of Mark Galli’s guided journal, “Discovering the Untamable God,” a 12-week journey through the Gospel of Mark. Twice a week, you’ll receive a new journaling prompt encouraging you encounter the wild, untamable Jesus of the Gospel of Mark and let his radical sayings and actions transform your life. Use these prompts in your own journal or in group discussion. If you’re joining this journal mid-way through, you can start journaling at any time, and stay subscribed at the end, when the journal will restart and you can receive the prompts that you missed.