Pause

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Psalm 23:3 (New King James Version)

Listen

"I assure you that when you were younger you tied your own belt and walked around wherever you wanted. When you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and another will tie your belt and lead you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to show the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. After saying this, Jesus said to Peter, “Follow me.”

John 21:18-19

Think

When is the last time someone was totally honest with you? Sadly, this kind of honesty is rare because we typically give in to the temptation to spare someone the pain that the truth may cause. Jesus, however, resists this temptation and does not hold back the painful truth when telling Peter how difficult his discipleship will be.

The honest truth for us is that our paths may be equally as difficult whether they resemble Peter’s or not because being a disciple of Christ, whether immediately following the Resurrection or in the here and now, is not easy. It takes strength and courage to give the control we have over our lives to Jesus. And this is exactly what is required so that our Lord will grow, renew, and restore our faith and trust, enabling us to begin the journey of becoming followers and disciples.

Sarah Boatwright

Pray

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing and the challenge of following you. Help me embrace your truth. Amen.

Go

Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding.

Proverbs 9:6 (New King James Version)