All you need is love

My accountability group recently finished 90 Days with Jesus the One and Only by Beth Moore and decided to start on 90 Days with John the Beloved Disciple. The John study has been different, but good, and the past few days have spoken right to my heart, meeting me right where I am right now.

Today's lesson was from John 21:15-23 where Jesus asks Peter several times if he loves Him. Peter answers "yes" several times and Jesus says to him "follow Me". Peter would later be asked to glorify God by giving his own life. Beth points out that the only motivation that will keep us following Christ is love. Only love would make us willing to follow Him even unto death. Beth goes on to say "Opposition will happen. Life will get hard. Only love will keep burning when everything else disintegrates into an ashen heap. Pray for this one thing more than you pray for your next breath. Love is everything."

Another part of the lesson that really spoke to me was verses 21-22 of John 21. Peter realizes that John was following them and listening to their conversation. Peter asks "Lord - what about him?" We don't really know his reason/motivation for asking this question, but I'm sure we've all have had times where we've asked that question, whatever the reason is.

I have certainly found myself asking this question many times, especially lately...."God, why are we suffering through infertility while others are blessed with babies? Why can't we have a baby and that teenage girl was pregnant and just aborted her sweet, innocent, unborn child? Why are you answering other people's prayers for children and not ours?" These are some of the questions that I have been plagued with. Beth paraphrases Jesus' response by saying that Jesus says to us, "You can trust Me with you, and you can trust Me with them. I am the same God to all of you, but I have a different plan for each of you. You wont' miss it if you keep following. Remember, I've been a carpenter by trade. Custom blueprints are My specialty. God's glory is My goal. Now fill your canteen to the brim with love and follow Me." Oh Jesus, thank You!!!

Whew, that is powerful stuff people! I am so thankful for God's Word and how He met me right at my need to hear from Him. His Word is alive and active and sharper than any two edged sword. It is a light to my path and brings comfort to my hurting heart. Thank you Jesus!!

Father God,
I know that You love me and have the very best planned for me. I believe that through this time of difficulty You will work for my good and bring glory to Your Name. Please increase my love for You...I don't know how to love You like I should. Please help me and mold me by Your love. I want to put aside myself and my desires and live for You. Help me to genuinely love others with Your perfect love. I want to love You more and follow You wherever You lead. Lord, give me a heart that beats for You alone. May You receive all the glory and honor for what You are going to do. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.