Follow Jesus
Saturday, May 3
Hebrews 11:40 (NKJV)
“God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.”
Devotion
You may be going through the trial of your life right now and you do not know what to do. There may be some questions in your mind why you are suffering this way - why you have cancer, why your child is in addiction, why you are going through a financial crisis, why someone betrayed you, and why this has happened to you.
After his resurrection, Jesus showed himself seven times to 600 people in a span of 40 days. On one of these occasions, Jesus appeared to his disciples. He cooked breakfast for his disciples who went back to fishing. He said to one of his disciples the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. “Most assuredly, I say unto you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked as you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that you? You follow Me.” (John 21:17-22)
Jesus says: “Do what I want you to do where you are right now. I want you to trust and follow me. Right where you are right now, is where you are supposed to be.” Even in trials and tribulations, keep your eyes on Jesus. God sees your heart. “I chose you because you are you.”
In Hebrews 11:30, By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. In contrast, Hebrews 12:2 Jesus suffered death to glorify God: looking unto Jeus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was before Him endured the cross despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The same faith in God may lead you to victory and a better life; while in others, it may cause you to suffer and endure so much hardship and tribulations in your life. Yet, despite your circumstance, whether you are reaping harvest and gaining more for Jesus; others may be suffering lack and enduring unimaginable pain. What remains is that these things we are going through would bring glory to God. It takes both seasons of life - victories and trials and tribulations.You just keep following Jesus. And not look at what other people are going through by saying, “What about him, Lord.”
Faith says, “I will follow You.” God is reminding us: “I have a plan for him. I have a plan for you. Follow Me when you are suffering; when you are in pain, sick or even on your deathbed.” Secret things belong to the Lord.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I may not understand what I am going through right now, but I trust You. I may be in the darkest valley of my life and I do not see anything where I am right now, but I believe in Your promises. The pain may be so deep that I am unable to move on and all hope seems lost, but I will hold Your hand. Though I feel I may not be able to get out of this mire and this cycle of self-condemnation and depression, I will continue to trust in Your unfailing love. I will trust the process and hold on to You, all the days of my life. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
You belong to the King! God is telling you today: “I don’t care what you are going through. ‘Follow Me.’ I am not going to give you explanations. I will give you an invitation. ‘Follow Me.’ I will get the glory. You belong to the King. You are exactly where you need to be. You are exactly who you are meant to be. Keep your eyes on Me. Hold my hand, I will never let you go and I will be glorified.”
“You are my property. You are mine. I keep getting glory when you follow Me. These light afflictions will not compare with what I have prepared for you. You belong to the King. His name is Jesus.”
Resources
- Watch this message, “Follow The Star”, and be encouraged in knowing that wise men still seek him!
- Sign up for one of our Serve Teams and walk in your God ordained purpose.