When our world gets turned upside down, we often find ourselves asking “What now?” The disciples faced this exact question after experiencing the whirlwind of Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection. Their response and Jesus’s guidance provide valuable lessons for navigating uncertain times.
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How Do We Handle Major Life Changes?
After Jesus’s resurrection, the disciples were processing multiple life-altering events that occurred within days – from the triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection. Their response? Peter decided to go fishing, returning to what was familiar and comfortable.
This very human reaction shows how we often seek comfort in the familiar when facing uncertainty. However, Jesus had different plans for his followers.
What Does Jesus Tell Us To Do in Times of Uncertainty?
Through various interactions with the disciples after His resurrection, Jesus provided three clear directives:
1. “Follow Me”
Even in uncertainty, Jesus’s first command remained simple: continue following Him. This wasn’t about returning to old ways but pressing forward in faith.
2. “Let Me Transform You”
Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to empower and transform them. He emphasized not worrying about personal inadequacies but trusting in His power to equip them.
3. “Join My Mission”
The final directive was clear: go and make disciples of all nations. The mission hadn’t changed – if anything, it had expanded.
What Does True Discipleship Look Like?
True discipleship can be summarized in three key aspects:
- Being a follower of Jesus
- Being transformed by Jesus
- Being committed to Jesus’s mission
This pattern appears consistently throughout Jesus’s ministry and remains relevant today.
Life Application
The call to discipleship remains the same today as it was for the first disciples. Consider these questions:
- In what areas of your life are you trying to handle uncertainty on your own instead of following Jesus?
- Where are you resisting transformation, preferring to stay in your comfort zone?
- How actively are you participating in Jesus’s mission to reach others?
This week’s challenge: Identify one area where you’ve been holding back in your discipleship journey. Whether it’s in following Jesus more closely, allowing Him to transform an area of your life, or engaging in His mission – take one concrete step forward in that area.
Remember, just as Jesus didn’t leave the disciples alone in their uncertainty, He promises to equip and empower you for whatever He calls you to do. The question isn’t “What now?” but rather “Will you follow?”