Will You Really Lay Down Your Life?

John 13: 36-38 Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.

         How deep is your faith? How strong is your resolve? These are questions that have no definitive answer. The answer is subjective in nature versus objective. If we could measure our faith in quantifiable terms it would help us to grasp our relative strength and our weakness.  Objectively if could determine I had five pounds of faith when I needed two I would feel more comfortable than just being able to say my faith is strong. Lacking that ability to measure in quantifiable terms how much faith you or I have we need to have a good faith strength and conditioning program. To those of you that think that means you lift your bible over your head fifty times in quick succession, you guessed wrong.

         Not many of us literally are called upon to give our life for Jesus.  But all of us are given the opportunity to die in Christ. Our faith, our very essence of belief can be challenged at any moment by the twists and turns of life. Sudden illness, injury, can quickly rob us of the gifts of life and health we enjoy today. A family tragedy can suddenly snatch a loved one from our arms. Unspeakable acts of violence or natural disaster may render the lives we once knew as mere memories. And through all these events we need to keep our eyes on Jesus. If we are weak in our prayer life we are vulnerable. If we are without support from fellow believers we are vulnerable. If we are seldom in worship or seldom in the study of God's Word we are vulnerable. The onslaught of Satan is relentless and the roaring lion is looking constantly for another victim to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Brothers and Sisters in Christ we must not fall victim. So we need to stay constant in prayer and conversation with God our Father seeking His will in our lives. Seeking His support and faith to endure is a persistent need in our lives. As Jesus said, whatever we ask in His name we will be given. We need to stay connected in fellowship with other believers. There is safety in numbers and accountability given in love. And keeping connected to the Words of the Father in study and worship are crucial elements of our spiritual fitness program. Jesus reminds us that whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life. Keep the faith strong today and everyday.

Prayer: Lord our lives are filled with the chances to slip away from You. The Tempter will constantly seek to separate us from Your love. Help us to stay strong when we are weak. Let Your Holy Spirit fill us to overflowing with Your love, faith, and peace. You are our strong tower that nothing can overcome, Amen.