Aftermath: Coming Down The MountainSample

Drive

Sometimes I get anxious when I don’t know what to expect. 

There have been times I’ve been excited to go hang out with a new group of people, only to have that nagging feeling pop up at the last second that I wouldn’t fit in, I’d have no one to talk to, or I’d be uncomfortable all night. I’ve gotten dressed, got in the car, drove to the place, got out, and walked up to the door, only to turn around and go back to my car. Usually, after a minute or two, I psych myself up and head on in, and it ends up being a good time. 

But sometimes I let the doubt get the best of me. 

Instead of focusing on the goal, I let my insecurities push me back to the car, drive home, and spend the night watching reruns of the Office. Here’s the thing, though. I never regret getting out of the car, and I ALWAYS regret getting back in. 

Late in Jesus’ ministry, there was a lot of controversy and danger surrounding him. People who had followed him for months and years were turning their back because they were afraid of what might happen to them. These were people who had walked with Jesus. They had seen him perform miracles. They had first-hand proof that he was who he said he was. But when the moment of truth came, they let doubt get the best of them. 

But not Peter. 

“Are you guys leaving, too,” he asks the twelve. 

“There’s nowhere else to go,” says Peter. “You have the words of life.”

Peter had to choose in that moment. He could have gone home, watched the Office, and regretted it forever. Instead he got back out of the car, knocked on the door of his future, and changed the world. 

Challenge:

1. What’s causing you to doubt the direction God is taking you in? What makes you want to turn around and give up? 
2. How can you be an example of perseverance to those around you? Think of the profound impact your faith can have, even in moments of doubt. 
3. PRAY: that you will have strength and perseverance when the doubts come. Ask God to give you the wisdom to choose to move forward and not backward.