"Follow Me"

This semester was really challenging in many ways - physically, spiritually, and mentally. My body had a really hard time adjusting to my scattered schedule that began at 9 and ended around 6 most days. On Thursdays, I began attending my fellowship's weekly Bible study. Attending Bible study really helped me go deeper into the passage rather than just hearing the message once on Sunday. The Word of God truly brings life into our lives. My classes are a lot more challenging this semester compared to last semester (and it will only continue to get harder). These classes really challenged me to take studying to another level. I remember that in the beginning of the semester the classes seemed so hard that I was questioning the pre-med track (I know for sure that I cannot do it without God's help and guidance). Now that the semester almost over (only a little more than a week left!), I can look back and see that God was with me through all the difficulties and battles. God is good; God is faithful. It's hard to believe that it's almost been a year since I graduated high school! This school year really flew by. 

Today's Sunday message concluded the book of John. In John 21, Jesus came to visit his disciples for the third time. "Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together" (John 21:2). Peter decided to go fishing and the other disciples decided to follow. They fished all night. However, to their dismay, they caught nothing. As fishermen they were supposed to be experts at fishing. And this is when Jesus appeared. As the disciples hit rock bottom and lost all hope, Jesus came as their friend and provider. He came and asked, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" When they replied, "no," he commanded them, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When the disciples obeyed, they caught 153 fish! The disciples caught nothing without Jesus' help. In the same way, we cannot bear fruit or do good things on our own. 

Later on, after Jesus asks people "Do you love me," He commands Peter, "Follow me!" Instead of immediately following Jesus, Peter turned to John and asked, "Lord, what about him?" It really convicted me when Jesus told Peter, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." I learned that Jesus commands all of us to follow him. However following Jesus may physically look different for each one of us. Following Jesus for one person may be moving to Uganda and serving God's people there. Following Jesus for another person may be serving the youth where they currently are. Following Jesus may be becoming a martyr for Jesus. It may be standing up for Him when no one else is. It may be sharing the gospel with your friends. I've been reminded this semester that the Christian life is something that begins from the inside. It's not just about doing good things. Doing good comes as a result of a change that happens on the inside.

Like Peter, I want to say, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." I know that my love has limits. I fail to love God well many times but God knows that. Despite my weaknesses and failures, God commands, "Follow me." Will you follow him?