Fearless DevotionalSample

"At the Crossroads"

Jesus was leaving. That was what the disciples were homed in on the night of the Last Supper. You can picture them growing uncomfortable, beginning to fidget, not understanding what was happening. Gone for how long? Where?

Then, Jesus goes even further. “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these…” (v. 11). So not only is Jesus leaving, but He expects the disciples to set out on new paths and do even greater things.

Do you think they felt inadequate and afraid? Have you ever been asked to step into a new role—or maybe just found yourself in one—and felt incapable of doing what was asked of you? In a matter of seconds, a whole conversation often takes place in our heads:

“What if I can’t do it? What if I fail?” Standing at a crossroads, we often turn in the direction of Comparison Road. “I won’t be as good at it as she is. She’s innately gifted. What I’m doing isn’t as important. I’m on Christ’s team, but I’m on the Junior Varsity. Yep. JV, for sure.”

That is a fast track to discouragement. Comparison Road is a dead end. Jesus said He does not give as the world gives. He does not measure us as the world does—or as we do ourselves. He sees us so differently. Do not use the world’s standards to measure your life and what you’re capable of doing for Christ.

The same Holy Spirit that strengthened the disciples lives in us. Lean on Him. The disciples were never left alone, and neither will you be. He is there every step of the way. All you have to do is turn in His direction.

Reflect

Consider the criteria you are using to determine your worth.

Respond

1. What lies are you listening to about yourself? What comparisons are you making?
2. Are you entrusting the Holy Spirit to help you be more than adequate in whatever role He places you?