Follow Me

The early morning taxi was en route to the airport and my mind was racing. Were we making the right decision? We had to move out of India, but where? Here? Was this the place? This turn in the path was not something I’d ever imagined would happen.

I stared out the window. It was still dark. Just before dawn. I breathed a prayer for wisdom.  Voiced my uncertainty.

At that moment I saw a well-lit sign on top of a tall building up ahead. Bold red letters painted on white.  

“Follow Me” 

What?

I blinked.

But there it was. “Follow Me.” 

We passed the sign in a matter of seconds. Had I dreamed it? Was it real? Regardless, the Lord used that red-letter message in the dark. Reminded me to keep my eyes fixed on the Author and Finisher of our faith. Assured me of His presence.

In the end, we moved to that country.  

What about him? 

In the middle of the transition, I read John 21. You know, the part where Peter and Jesus have the “Peter, do you love Me?” conversation. Then Peter hears what the future looks like for him. A sobering indication of how he will die, glorifying God. 

Peter turns and sees John. Another member of the three disciples closest to Jesus. And he asks, “Lord, what about him?”  (John 21:21)

This sounds familiar. Not even drinking in fully His word to me before I get distracted. Curious. And make comparisons.

“I have to leave everything to follow You. What about her?”

“This path is pain and loss. What about him?”

“This field we’re in is years of desert. What about them? They get to enjoy years of fruitfulness and harvest?”

What is that to you?

With Peter, Jesus cuts to the chase. “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? As for you, follow Me” (John 21:22).

His future is not your concern, Peter. Follow Me.

It’s a narrow gate, a difficult road (Matthew 7:14). Follow Me.

Count the cost (Luke 14:25-33). Follow Me.

Deny yourself, take up your cross daily. Follow Me (Luke 9:23).

Jesus cuts to the chase with me when our path doesn’t look like I imagined. “What is that to you? As for you, follow Me.”

Follow Me

By the way, remember the red-lettered sign? I saw it again. This time in broad daylight. “Follow Me,” turns out, is a local company. Their signs and product labels were always showing up on my path during our years there.

What about you?

Have you found yourself at an unexpected turn in the road?  Do you ever get distracted by how God is working differently in someone else’s life?  How has He reminded you to keep your eyes on Jesus? 

related posts– Tents and altars ; Deny yourself