Nowhere to Go...Thank God (Literally) - by Maryanne Grimmett

Newsflash: The Christian life ain’t always easy.  In fact, sometimes it’s downright difficult.    You, of course, are invincible.  However, I am a mere mortal, and sometimes I find myself disheartened.

But I must give credit where credit is due.  Satan’s specialties are doubt, disappointment, and discouragement.  He thrives on them, and he knows just how to sow seeds of opposition in my life. 

It is in these times that the precious Word becomes even more important.  Funny how God speaks through Scripture just what I need and when I need it.  Today, for example, my morning reading led me to the Gospel of John.  One passage in particular jumped out at me.

Jesus has just shared the simple truth with His followers.  He has described Himself as the Bread of Life and stated quite clearly the path to salvation.  But, alas, according to John 6:66, “After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.”

So Jesus, being the straightforward kinda guy He is, turns to His twelve primary disciples and asks, “Do you want to go away as well?”  You see, Jesus is a perfect gentleman.  He doesn’t barge in where He is unwanted, and He sure doesn’t force people to remain in His presence.

But I love Peter’s response: “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.”   

  

I get that.  And when clouds of discouragement fester in the skies of my life, I always go back to it.  The day I committed my life to Jesus Christ, He rescued me, in every sense of the word.  He gave me hope and peace that I had never, ever known.  He has gifted me with His sweet presence.  He hangs out with me now.  There is absolutely nothing for me to go back to.

There will be times when you feel like you are peddling a bike uphill with one foot...and maybe even without the bike.  Just know this: if Jesus Christ lives in your heart, you are not alone in the fight.  Disregard the lies the enemy sneers in your ear, because outside of Jesus, there is no peace, no hope, and no joy.   He alone holds the words of eternal life.  And He alone can hold you.