No More Options!!

Jesus said some difficult things. One of the more difficult statements He made to His followers was for them to have life it would be necessary for them to eat His flesh and to drink His blood (see John 6:53-57). Many of His followers stopped following Him after that teaching. Jesus asked His twelve apostles, “Do you also want to go away” (John 6:67 NKJV)?

One of the most compelling scriptures is Simon Peter’s response. “But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. / Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God’” (John 6:68-69 NKJV).

I have witnessed a wide array of responses to Jesus during my life. I have seen devout Christians who have lived a life patterned after Jesus who were full of faith and the Holy Spirit, whose funeral was a great celebration of life and resurrection. Others have blazed up in a swirl of glory and then fizzled in short time like an ember in a downpour. Heartbreaking as it is, there have been those who lived for Jesus in a powerful way, and then crumbled into doubt and sin without finishing well. I’ll leave their final judgment to God; I’m employed in marketing not quality control.

Rejoining Simon Peter’s response, I’m out of options. I am not looking for, nor do I see an alternative route. I have had many moments of discouragements, not with God but with people. Many discouragements have been germinated in my own heart and brought to full growth by my own hands. I have had some victories in life but there have also been some defeats.

At my lowest point, Jesus asked me the same question, “Will you also go away?” I raise my head with tears in my eyes and reply, “Lord, I see no other options. Nothing else in this world makes any sense. I know You are the only Savior. You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!” He reaches out with His Hand and I put my hand in His hand. He says, “Come on Harry, get up and keep following Me.”

At that point even though I do not know where He might lead me; I know I have no other place to go. My only option is to follow Him, because there is no one else to follow and no other place to go. It does not matter if it is through valleys, up mountains, on level paved surfaces, or paths one has to chop through—it is the only path for me. I have no other options.

All my other options melted when He looked me in the eyes, called my name, and said, “Harry, follow me!”

Yours on the Journey,

Harry L. Whitt

Pathway Outreach Ministries