Word for the day “The truth about options”
John 6:66 (NIV) From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
Our lives are often right in the crucible of difficult circumstances.
When faced with difficult circumstances, you’ll sometimes hear people say, they don’t have to put up with “this kind” of treatment or conditions. In other words, they can walk or go elsewhere. What people are saying is that they have options? Peter was in this position when Jesus’ teaching was becoming difficult to understand to many followers. The opposition was starting to arise, because of these difficult teachings. All of a sudden, following Jesus, wasn’t necessarily the thing he or others had signed up for. Do you ever feel this way in life situations or in your spiritual journey?
Some life situations are not always best understood as options.
In every sense, Peter had other options, he could have left Jesus and gone back to fishing. In fact, he could have joined up with another rabbi because there were many at that time to choose from. Peter could have done several other things, just to make life more comfortable for himself and going back to the familiar. We as people like what’s comfortable and familiar? However, Peter didn’t choose the comfortable option, and that’s because, unlike the people who left, Peter realized something: no other option could give him what Jesus could in this phase of his life.
For Peter this was not a situation that was like the culture we live in, and as many are going about their destiny. Many are treating covenant relationships with God and each other as a cafeteria, a la carte meal. I just want to help someone today who is interested. The Covenant relationship with Lord and certain relationships given by God are not options. Jesus alone had the words of life, even if they were difficult. Peter realized that Jesus alone was worth giving his life to, the Master alone could give Peter what he really needed and wanted. And for that reason, Peter had no other options. In the same way, if you’ve chosen to be a follower of Christ, your greatest option is choosing to journey with the Lord.
Your relationship with the Lord should not be viewed as an option.
Sure, you could give up and walk away from God. Sure, you could take an easier path. But to what end? The only option that can work all things together for your good is the Lord (Romans 8:28). What other option is the Alpha before your circumstances and the Omega after them? What other option has the words of eternal life? The only option that is even worth contemplating (Revelation 21:6) I am praying for you and your family that you choose the option that gives your life the greatest outcome you couldn’t think or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
Point to ponder
People of God “Choose today the right option”. Even if following God gets difficult, you have chosen the right option, even if the Lord leads you or asks you to do something that’s uncomfortable or costly, “choose today the right option.” In fact, I submit to you today with God, we really don’t have an option when it comes to our life and God if the truth is told. If you are making decisions for your life without consulting God and or not consulting with genuine people of God.
You may want to reconsider your process for decision-making and destiny. Please read today’s message carefully, Peter understood he didn’t have an option when it came to his life decision of walking with the Lord. Notice those others felt they had options and made the decision they felt best for their lives (John 6:66-70).
Special thanks!
James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of June 2021, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Annette Straker, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Mable Bazemore, Ms. Evelyn Rosado, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Angela Battle, Pastor Raymond Phillips, Mr. William Jones, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mrs. Shakeema Lowe, Mr. Calvin Griffith, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Mr. William Wilson, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.
Thank you for using the word cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you.
We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the donate link HERE to give as the Lord leads.
Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!
Kingdom Blessings,