Following Jesus Together
If I asked you to tell me your life story, you might pause and think, “Whew! Where do I begin?”
Would you start from the moment of birth, or tell about where you grew up? Would you describe a sad moment, like the day you lost a grandparent, or a bold one, like tackling the high school quarterback who was bullying your little sister? Maybe you would begin with the births of your children, the jobs you have had, or perhaps the moment you decided to follow Jesus.
Most of us tell our stories through highlights and lowlights, triumphs and traumas, joy and disappointment. We tend to name the moments we think shaped us most. But often, those moments are not the whole story. None of us want to be judged by our weakest moment, yet that is often how we judge ourselves. What truly shapes us, though, is not the fall, but the decision to get back up and keep walking.
Bishop Duane White explained how Peter’s journey is a great example for us. We see Peter in times of both success and regret. And each time, the invitation stayed the same: “Follow Me.” Peter didn’t follow Jesus in a straight line, yet Jesus never withdrew the call. He simply invited Peter to keep following.
Jesus asks us the same question in every season of our lives: “Will you follow Me?”
Even when we say “Yes”, times can get difficult, the journey may seem like it is nothing but rocks and quicksand. But one way that helps us get through the difficult times is community. We were never meant to walk our road alone. When we are tempted to sit down and stop, the presence of others can help us stand again. Community gives us strength when we don’t know if we can go on. It reminds us that our story is still unfolding and we are not alone.
God designed us to be connected, to encourage one another, to laugh and cry together. The richness found in being connected with others helps us through seasons of sadness and celebration. It also gives us opportunities to learn new skills, try out our gifts, even offer and receive wisdom, mercy, and grace from others who are on their own journey following Jesus.
The church is a place to worship together, as well as a place of support, restoration, and healing. God’s desire is not that we be perfect, and especially not isolated, but that we be whole.
Following Jesus does not require flawless faith. It simply requires movement. Sometimes that movement is one of those bold steps of faith. Sometimes it is a tiny step taken with a shoulder to lean on.
At The Bridge there are many ways to walk this journey together. Our At the Table night is just around the corner - good food and good people are a favorite combo. Plus Connect Groups, and serve teams are simple opportunities to be known, supported, and encouraged as you follow Jesus.
You don’t have to take this journey alone. Look for ways to be woven into the fabric of God’s family, and keep saying yes to His invitation: “Follow Me.”
Reflection Questions:
• Where do you sense Jesus inviting you to keep following Him right now, even if the path feels unclear or difficult?
• How has community, or the lack of it, shaped your journey of faith in this season of your life?
• What is one small step you could take this week to walk more closely with others as you follow Jesus?
