To Whom Shall We Go?
By Pastor Jeffrey Smith
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5
I have a challenging question for you. How do you respond in the face of disappointment? Think about it for a moment. Disappointment is something that we all experience. Disappointment is the feeling that occurs when you do not experience some hoped for moment that your heart had appointed. The reason I asked that tough question is because disappointment is one of the greatest indicators of how you respond to success.
As Romans says, problems and trials are actually proving grounds that cause us to develop endurance and strength of character. The way our character responds to difficulty matters because God will only give you a measure of success that matches the level of character you have developed. The character that is shaped through trials is what leads us to eventual victories.
The problem is that we often do not persevere through disappointment. The moment we begin to feel it, many of us pull back from what could potentially be a proving ground for us. The disciples had a moment like this in which many of Jesus’ followers left Him. In the middle of that challenge, however, Peter developed a deep sense of conviction that certainly led to the future ways in which he would change the world.
From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. John 6:66-68
If you’re disappointed right now, allow me to encourage you. Rather than turning away from Jesus, hold to Him even tighter. Everything in you may want to run away, but to whom else would you run? Let this trial prove the conviction that is in you. The character you develop through this will only further develop the hope in you.
