May 22, 2026
The Hard Part
The Hard Part
…he said to him, “Follow me.”
John 21:19

If you think Jesus was only talking to “Simon, son of John,” think again. In this conversation, Christ has a message for all of us.

Face it: If Jesus were to ask any of us if we loved him, of course we’d answer “Yes”—and do it enthusiastically. That’s the easy part. But there’s a lot more.

There are sheep to tend, lambs to feed; there are the naked to clothe and the homeless to shelter and the despairing who need to know hope. There is a Gospel that needs to be proclaimed. And as Jesus indicated to Simon Peter, there may be sacrifice and suffering.

Discipleship has demands. In the afterglow of Easter, there is work to do every day of our lives. We may feel overwhelmed. We may struggle. At times, our hearts may be heavy, and our souls may feel parched. Faith may feel weak. How do we keep going? Jesus knows. “Follow me.”

It’s just that simple. And just that hard.

But who could say no? 

- Deacon Greg Kandra

Acts 25:13b-21 ✚ Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20 ✚ John 21:15-19
Beach, wave and footprints at sunset. Image by Alexander Ozerov | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

CBR
May 22, 2026 at 10:58 AM

God be with us all Amen Amen Amen

ADV
May 22, 2026 at 10:22 AM

AMEN!

Stormi
May 22, 2026 at 09:54 AM

Deacon Greg thank you for that reminder that it's not easy but Jesus will show us the way. It feels life is only a day at a time these days. We are not alone in our struggles but Jesus is with us. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs. Holy Spirit fill the hearts of all to guide us to a more heavenly earth.

freeter
May 22, 2026 at 09:35 AM

Amen. :)

Holly
May 22, 2026 at 08:37 AM

Amen.

Gary
May 22, 2026 at 08:37 AM

Amen!

Mike
May 22, 2026 at 07:55 AM

Amen

Salina (not in control)
May 22, 2026 at 06:23 AM

What does it mean and how does it look like when we follow Jesus? *** Surrender my whole life in Luke 9:23-24, “Then He (Jesus) said to all of them, “Whoever wants to follow Me must say no to themselves. They must pick up their cross every day and follow Me. Whoever wants to save their life will lose it. But whoever loses their life for Me will save it!” *** Love others as Jesus loves me (that He gave His life for me) in John 13:34-35, “I give you a new command. Love one another. You must love one...
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Salina (not in control)
May 22, 2026 at 08:07 AM

Have Your Way by Katy Nicole https://youtu.be/KBZFgwa5Xn8?si=jXds-xbiKV1Lgi_6

Salina (not in control)
May 22, 2026 at 07:19 AM

The Gospel by Ryan Stevenson https://youtu.be/NTdFEZhjiko?si=T1B9QbL2SpqH-e9p

Salina (not in control)
May 22, 2026 at 06:35 AM

Thank God for my indwelling Holy Spirit Jesus sent me when I received Jesus into my life will do all the working in John 14:26, “But the Father will send the Friend in My Name to help you. The Friend is the Holy Spirit. He will teach you all things. He will remind you of everything I have said to you!” Amen ❤️✝️❤️

Scott
May 22, 2026 at 04:09 AM

Good morning living Faith Family: Greg thank you for your devotional sharing. Discipleship is hard work, “Following Jesus” is not about being perfect. For me it is doing the best I can as a broken human being. Sharing food with those who are hungry, providing drink to the thirsty, visiting the sick in the hospital and at home, visiting those in detention centers/prison. Knowing that Jesus leads/calls us to take care and love the lambs and sheep. Following Jesus is not easy however he heals the brokenness to make us whole, heals the wounds and provides me strength and courage...
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Beach, wave and footprints at sunset. Image by Alexander Ozerov | stock.adobe.com
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