We tend to think of the disciples as having somewhat of a more perfect life. After all, they learned directly from Jesus. They spent their time with Him. They traveled with Him and even got to witness first hand the wonderful miracles of Jesus. Because of all this it is easy to think that everything always worked out right for the disciples.
Did they experience the frustrations in life that we sometimes experience? Did their kids break something after being told not play in the house? Did they ever go to the market only to realize they left their money at home? Things do not always go right for us, and the reality is that things did not always go right for the disciples.
There were times when nothing seemed to go right for them. They failed to heal the sick as Jesus healed. At times their message was rejected, and as much as they tried there were times when no one responded. Some people tried to kill them. Some tried to run them out of town. Despite all this, the disciples had persistence and endurance. That is what it takes to be a follower of Christ.
How do we keep going when it seems like everything is going wrong? Our ability to persevere comes from God and God alone. In times of need and times of trials, our strength and our help comes from beyond ourselves. It also helps to live one day at a time.
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Editor's note: Brian Timmons is the pastor of Pea Ridge and Brightwater Methodist Churches. He can be contacted at 925-0167 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Community on 09/24/2014