There are times when it feels like everything and everyone is working against you…it may even feel like you are working against yourself. This is a terrible feeling, but it may be even more terrible to watch someone you love going through a difficult experience.
Whether you or someone you love is currently trudging through some dark valley, I want to remind you that as a follower of the Lord Jesus, there is always hope on the other side…even if it doesn’t feel that way.
Sometimes when we face difficult experiences, we may look at the “good fortune” of others around us (not the best thing to do by the way). This tendency to look at how “good” someone else has it is just another deception that pulls us deeper into this pit of negative thoughts and experiences. Let me share a better way from God’s Word…
At the end of John’s Gospel there is a short – but powerful – interaction between Peter and Jesus that I think is helpful for those of us who feel like we are the perpetual underdogs of life.
“Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them…When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!”” John 21:20-22 (ESV)
This easily overlooked exchange between Peter and Jesus is very telling about our own experiences at times. Peter had recently denied the Lord Jesus three times just before Jesus was crucified and resurrected. Peter likely felt like he was a complete failure…to Jesus, his fellow disciples, his family and himself. But, just prior to this exchange, Jesus had restored Peter and called him back to faithful service showing him grace in a gentle and loving way as only Christ could.
Yet, Peter, in this moment of grace turned away from Jesus and looked back at John. Peter, like so many of us, looked around at how good someone else had it and asked, “What about him?”
Jesus’ response is interesting (and quite to the point). Jesus simply responds by saying, “Don’t worry about John, you just concern yourself with following Me” (paraphrased).
This is an important lesson for us all to learn and remember. When we fail, Jesus is right there with us – Grace-in-Hand so to speak. Sometimes we may even do everything right, but our world crumbles around us anyway… yet again, Jesus is present with arms wide open. Life won’t always be easy or simple, but as a Christian, there is always Grace and Hope beyond the difficult moments. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus not the situation and not on someone else’s situation.
David wrote these words which can also apply,
“I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.” Psalm 40:1-3 (ESV)
So, remember, when life hits you hard…and it will at times…look not at someone else’s “good fortune” but rather keep your eyes fixed on Christ the solid Rock; waiting patiently on the Lord to bring you through the storms and valleys of life.
May God’s peace and grace abound in your life as you walk in the Way.
To God be the glory! Amen.
The Shepherd's Crook 
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