DAY 15: Signs That Follow Belief and the Power of Preparation
Reading Mark 15-16 & Luke 1
Today’s reading is Mark chapter 15-16 and Luke 1. What do you see Jesus reestablishing as the norm?
At the end of the book of Mark in chapter 15, we see something powerful:
It’s normal to be betrayed for being different and walking in the will of God.
It’s normal to be set up, persecuted, and even crucified.
It’s even normal to feel forsaken—yes, even in the midst of knowing you were sent for a purpose and that you’re in the will of God.
That place can feel lonely.
But here’s the other side of the truth:
It’s also normal for someone who has felt forsaken in the will of God to be resurrected.
We see this clearly in chapter 16.
Before Jesus leaves, He gives what feels like His final instructions:
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel.”
Then He says something profound:
“These signs shall follow them that believe…”
He lists the signs—
The sick being healed
The dead being raised
Blind eyes opening
But notice His words carefully. He doesn’t say, “Chase after these signs.” He doesn’t say, “Strive for these signs.”
He simply says: “If you believe, these signs shall follow.”
This is a return to the normal flow of how things were meant to work.
Too often, we’ve been trained to run after signs or to search for proof of God’s power. But Jesus reminds us:
The normal way is for signs to follow us—not the other way around.
Then we move into Luke chapter 1 and see the preparation for Jesus’ coming.
We witness the miraculous birth of John the Baptist, his separation, his training, and his growth in the Spirit.
All of this leads to his role of paving the way for Jesus.
Even here, we see the norm: God prepares the way for His plans.
As you read Mark 15–16 and Luke 1 today, let this settle:
Betrayal, persecution, and even seasons of feeling forsaken are not abnormal—they’re often part of the journey.
But so is resurrection. So is power flowing naturally from belief. So is preparation for what’s next.
This is the normal life of one who walks with God.
Enjoy today’s reading.
Let’s Read/Listen to Mark 15-16 & Luke 1!
There are a few ways you can get the reading done: listen below via our YouTube video, open up the Bible App of your choice, or simply turn to the pages in your physical Bible.
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