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| Stop the world, let me off |
John remained close to Jesus even when it looked like the mission he was on failed. He watched his King suffer at the hands of others, he watched what he may have felt was defeat as Jesus hung on the cross. Though in those dark moments he remained near to him, I am sure he was feeling very defeated and unsure of the future, unsure of the victory.
I feel that way today. My horse seemed to survive all the obstacles and was still walking two weeks ago. She has had good days and bad days, victories and set backs since she got a serious hoof injury in the spring. Not more than three days ago the vet gave me a wonderful report, one that sparked so much hope in my heart that I even day dreamed of riding her again next spring. As I watched her hobble up to get her hay tonight, I felt defeated by this major set back. Her leg is swollen the size of a cantaloupe. After five months, this setback has made me feel defeated. “Lord, I don’t think I can take anymore.”
I am sure John felt defeated at the foot of the cross long before Jesus took his last breath but John remained faithful. Some situations make you feel like you're hanging onto the world by a thread but that thread of faith is the hope of things unseen. That thread of faith keeps you hanging on, remaining near the one who sent you hoping he'll pull you in with a rope.
Follow along in JOHN: 90 Days with the Beloved Disciple 
by Beth Moore pages 89-92
by Beth Moore pages 89-92 Read John 19: 28-37
Answer the following questions in your study guide:
1. What can you testify about being with Jesus these last few days and weeks? 2. What do you do when you can’t explain what Jesus is doing—like when he doesn’t stop a tragedy or end someone’s suffering?
Share a brief highlight or two from your thoughts and answers in a comment posted to the group. (Read guidelines and cautions posted August 1, 2010 before you post).
Read the comments of others and share your thoughts and encouragement with them by replying to their comments. Identify which post you are responding to by addressing them and their subject or pasting a brief portion of their reply at the start of your post.
PRAY WITH ME:
Lord, help us to testify to what we have seen and heard with our own eyes but don’t let us lose faith because of what we have or have not seen and heard. What we see and hear is not the big picture. Give us the courage to remain in you despite what we see and hear around us. Show us how to walk in faith and truth while we share your light and Hope and Truth into the darkness that surrounds us. In Jesus Name, Amen.
I know that feeling too! I think we all reach that point, where we have that glimmer of hope that makes us almost giddy, and then a set back that makes it appear that all is lost. As hard as it is, I continue to walk that path, putting one foot in front of the other focusing on God and his goodness and mercy, and of course he always sees me through.
ReplyDeleteIt is so easy to get wrapped up in what we "should" be doing, what we could have done differently. When all we have to do is trust in the Lord.