What is salvation worth? When I read through John 10 I cannot imagine people standing before me with stones; yet Jesus stands firm and speaks truth.
“I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me.”
We are called to do what we know how to do – follow – and Jesus will do the rest. People who do not know Jesus may consider what I believe to be blasphemy; but it is not my job to convince them only to exemplify truth. I cannot let the “stones” of unbelievers cause me to waiver when I know that I have the most prized gift anyone can receive – salvation!
The religious leaders who did not believe in Jesus asked him to speak plainly, because they did not understand Jesus’ words. When people live in unbelief they are unable see clearly. It takes the spirit’s prompting to make sense of Jesus and accept his words as truth.
I have found that when I am willing to invite God into my daily challenges – through prayer – I experience his prevailing power. I can follow him and stand firm even when I may appear to be blasphemous to an onlooker
Knowing and following Jesus all begins with Prayer. As my relationship with Jesus becomes more intimate I can say “Yes I follow you and that is what matters and is taking priority.”
My favorite book on this is “Too Busy Not to Pray.” As a read through it again I find myself reminded that as I slow down to simply be with Him it allows me to follow and stand firm amidst the trials that my life brings.
Sixty-six books in a year 