Deprecated: Hook wp_smush_should_skip_parse is deprecated since version 3.16.1! Use wp_smush_should_skip_lazy_load instead. in /home/joannevi/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6031

Deprecated: Hook wp_smush_should_skip_parse is deprecated since version 3.16.1! Use wp_smush_should_skip_lazy_load instead. in /home/joannevi/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6031
Select Page

We all have had friendships we thought would last through thick and thin, till the end of time. Then something changes, we may not even know what or when, but those friends are no longer around.

The phone does not ring as often, or at all. They hardly come to the door except perhaps for a favor now and then. Or if they call by accident.

Jesus knew of those times as well.

He was teaching in the synagogue and knew that some were complaining about Him. They found His words to be shocking, and difficult to understand, which made it harder to continue to follow Him.

Scripture tells us, at this point, many of His disciples turned away and deserted Him.

They were no longer willing to walk alongside of Jesus. His claims were counter-cultural and not pleasing to the crowd. The tide was beginning to turn. The crowd was thinning, as they found His teachings becoming more difficult to put into practice. It is at this point, Jesus turns and asks the Twelve:

“Are you also going to leave?” (John 6:67, NLT)

Jesus asks, not out of concern for Himself, but for the Twelve, for He knew their faith was weakening. He also knew the hardest part of His journey was yet to come.

Today as I read those words, I cannot help but wonder … What does it take to stay? To have a faith that will go the full length of the walk with Jesus, no matter how difficult it may become? Would my faith be as strong as those on the beach, in their orange jumpsuits, that fateful day not so long ago?

The answer seems to lie in the response which Peter gives:

“Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68, NLT)

Peter knew there was no one other and no place else to go. Jesus was the One – the Messiah, the Son of God. Peter may fail but it is to this truth which he will return.

And we need to be convinced of the same … For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced””beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39, Amplified)

 

 

 

GetInline-7

This is Day 27 of 31 Questions Jesus Asked. You can find the entire series here.

Today I am joining … Testimony Tuesday and Intentional Tuesday and True Story and #RaRaLinkup and Unite and Reflect .


 

Are_you_supporting_your_favorite_Write_31_Days_authors_by_reading_their_posts_daily-Don’t forget … DaySpring is celebrating all of the amazing #write31days readers who are supporting nearly 2,000 writers during this October writing challenge! To enter to win a $500 DaySpring shopping spree, just click on this link & follow the giveaway widget instructions.