3 Reasons to Go Anyway: Let Faith Lead the Way

Have you ever faced an overwhelming obstacle but chose to press on anyway? The phrase “Go anyway!” has been echoing in my heart lately, prompting me to meditate on Mark 16:1-8. This passage shares the incredible story of three courageous and devoted women whose actions speak volumes about faith, love, and determination. Join me as we explore the significance of “Going Anyway,” and let faith, hope, and excitement stir within you.

On the morning after the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Mary, the mother of James, set out for the tomb where Jesus was laid. Having purchased the spices to anoint His body, with their hearts heavy with grief, they headed to the tomb to prepare his body.  As they continued their journey to the tomb, the women began to ask each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us?” (Mark 16:3).  They were faced with a seemingly insurmountable obstacle—a large stone blocking the tomb’s entrance.  Despite not knowing how to move it, they pressed forward.  They chose to “Go Anyway.” Their question reflects our natural tendency to focus on obstacles rather than possibilities. However, their choice to continue on, propelled by faith, shows what trusting in God’s provision can do. They didn’t have the answer, but they went anyway! God provided more than they dreamed.

Their willingness to go despite the obstacle reveals their deep devotion to Jesus. Instead of being paralyzed by uncertainty or fear, they trusted that, somehow, things would work out. And indeed, as they reached the tomb, they found the stone already rolled away—a miraculous provision by God. An angel greeted them with the astounding news of Jesus’ resurrection, turning their grief into joyous celebration. Their act of courage, devotion, and faith allowed them to experience more than they were expecting.  Not only was the stone rolled away, but Jesus was alive!

The women’s journey challenges us to reconsider our response to obstacles. How often do we let fear, doubt, or the unknown hinder us from taking steps of faith? How many opportunities slip by because we focus on what seems impossible rather than trusting God’s power to make a way?

Here are three compelling reasons why we should “Go Anyway”:

1. His Ways are Best: Isaiah 55:8 reminds us that God’s ways are higher than ours. Trusting His plan, even when it doesn’t align with our understanding, leads to remarkable outcomes. “My thoughts are not like yours. Your ways are not like mine.”
2. He Is With Us: Isaiah 41:10 assures us of God’s presence and support in every situation. We can face challenges boldly, knowing He strengthens and upholds us. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
3. Faith Pleases Him: Hebrews 11:1 highlights the importance of faith. Pleasing God requires believing in His existence and His ability to reward those who seek Him diligently. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

How do we “Go Anyway”?

1. With His Word as our Guide: Psalm 119:105 compares God’s Word to a lamp that illuminates our path. Relying on His promises directs our steps. “Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.”
2. By Trusting Him Completely: Proverbs 3:4-6 urges us to lean on God rather than our own understanding. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
3. With the Guidance of the Holy Spirit: Scripture reminds us that God’s Spirit dwells in us, guiding us into truth and revealing His plans. “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” 1 Corinthian 3:16, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” John 16:13

The Scripture is full of examples of individuals who stepped out in faith and went anyway: men and women who demonstrated unwavering faith and obedience in challenging circumstances. Consider the accounts of the following who chose to obey God despite facing significant challenges and uncertainty:

• Peter cast the net over the boat to catch fish, despite having caught nothing (Luke 5:4-5).
• Noah faithfully built an ark, trusting God. Believing a flood was coming even though he had never seen rain before (Genesis 6:22).
• Abraham left his homeland for the unknown, stepping out in faith as God directed (Hebrews 11:8).
• Abraham’s willingness to offer his son as a sacrifice, trusting God’s provision and plan (Genesis 22:8).
• Joshua displayed strength and courage in the midst of battle (Joshua 1).
• The widow’s act of preparing a meal for the prophet when she lacked sufficient food (1 Kings 17:8-15).
• Three Hebrew Children refuse to bow to a graven image (Daniel 3).
• Daniel chose to continue praying to God, despite be thrown in the lion’s den (Daniel 6).
• Rahab chose to hide the spies and help them on their journey despite the risk to her own safety (Joshua 2).
• David faced Goliath despite the difference in size and power (1 Samuel 17).

As we read and study the scripture, our faith is built up. We find the strength and courage to obey Him fully. We realize that God is trustworthy and He is faithful to keep His promises.  We learn we can count on Him to guide us through every challenge.

So, what is it God has been speaking to you? You don’t have to have all the answers to go.  You just need a willing and obedient heart.  So, I ask you again, will you “Go Anyway?” Will you do what the Lord puts on your heart, even when you don’t know how you will accomplish it, or it doesn’t make sense in the natural?  Will you trust and obey Him, even when the way forward seems unclear or daunting? You don’t have to have the full plan to obey, you just need to take the next step.  As you step out in obedience, He will provide.  He will guide.  He won’t disappoint.  He will use you to bless others and draw them unto Himself.    I challenge you, Go anyway.