Faithful Discipleship

by Lisa Coleman

Recently, I listened as a friend told of the long, hard journey of losing a dear spouse.  My heart hammered in my chest imagining the loss, grieving for what had come to pass for my friend and what was ahead in some form or fashion for other friends, family members, and my own self.  It threatened to overwhelm me in the moment.  It can be unsettling to face the road ahead.  Most of the time we don’t mentally venture very far down that road before we refocus.

I read an article about the headmaster of a school in South Africa during apartheid.  He was warned that he would be wounded when he finally took a stand and resigned his post.  He pointed to heaven and reasoned that when he went up there, he would be asked where his wounds were.  He knew he couldn’t face the question if he didn’t have any wounds as this could signal a belief that there wasn’t anything to fight for.

When we commit to something or someone, we’ve effectively joined their team.  We can do that by taking a spouse, having a child, or making a promise to another for example.  Unfortunately, we don’t get to see the road ahead, the twists and turns, or the possible sorrow. 

My friend endured the race, bleeding on the inside until her beloved came to his end.  Those are deep wounds to be sure.  Preparing for the battle starts early.  Enduring the whole distance is often unbearable, yet we are called to be there.  My friend finished well.

Os Guinness talks about John R.W. Stott in his book “Impossible People”:

One of the greatest Christian leaders of the last century was John R. W. Stott, rector of All Souls Langham Place in London and a peerless preacher, Bible teacher, evangelist, author, global leader and friend to many. I knew him over many decades, but I will never forget my last visit to his bedside three weeks before he died. After an unforgettable hour and more of sharing many memories over many years, I asked him how he would like me to pray for him. Lying weakly on his back and barely able to speak, he answered in a hoarse whisper, “Pray that I will be faithful to Jesus until my last breath.” Would that such a prayer be the passion of our generation too. 

The hardships and heartbreaks of any trial are real.  The lure of escaping the pain is all too tempting.  Great love and faithfulness propel us onward.  Commitment and devotion are gravely tested in our storms just as Paul’s were tested during his third missionary journey. Oh, that we will always be faithful until our last breath!

 As you read through Acts 21, 22, and 23 think back on your own life’s storms.  What faithful ties helped you to see them through?  What perspective gave your hope?

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If you cannot be with us in person, feel free to download the Bible study materials for your personal use by following one of these links: PowerPoint Slides, PDF File. You can also find the video of this session on our YouTube channel soon after the meeting concludes. And lastly, you could follow this link to download other studies in this series: INpowered Discipleship if you happened to miss one of our prior studies.

Yours in Christ,

Eric Glover   
The Gospels Class     
Brentwood Baptist Church