The Hardest Words to Say Week 4
Questions
Pray and invite God into this time with Him.
Do you struggle to say that you follow Jesus? Why do you think that is?
Read Matthew 10:33.
How do you feel about your relationship with Jesus right now?
Read Mark 14:66-72.
Have you ever felt the way Peter does in that story? Under immense pressure and you just can’t say what you know you should say? Do you stand strong or do you crumble under the pressure?
Read Matthew 26:41.
What are ways you can be ready to say the words “I follow Jesus”? How can you prepare yourself to stand strong and say them even under pressure?
Read Matthew 19:16-22.
Did it cost you anything to follow Jesus? Did you have to give anything up or change any parts of your life?
What are your priorities in life? Do you value Jesus above other things? Or is it the other way around for you?
Read John 6:14-15, 26, 60, 66.
Has Jesus ever done anything unexpected in your life? Were you ever surprised by something that happened after you started following Him?
What are some ways you can keep your cross standing tall even when others try to take it down?
Spiritual Practice
Reflection: Take a deep breath and reflect on the questions you just answered. Think about times where you’ve struggled to say the words “I follow Jesus”. Think about the ways you can be stronger and be able to proudly say the words “I follow Jesus”. Be prepared to share those words in any situation that may arise during your day.
Prayer: Spend time in prayer with God. Thank God for wanting to have a relationship with us and loving us even when we struggle to say we follow Him. Ask Him for the strength to proudly say you follow Him even when you’re under pressure, have to give something up, or are dealing with an unexpected situation. Ask God to help you prioritize your relationship with Jesus and put Him above the other things in your life.
