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HOLY IN SPIRIT

Scripture

Mark 14:27, 50 — Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will run away… for it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” … Then they all deserted Him and ran away.

 

Luke 22:31–32 — “Simon, Simon, look out! Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

 

Slow Read (The Moment of Flight)

Read Mark 14:27 and verse 50 three times slowly.

  • First reading: Notice Jesus’ certainty — all of you will run away.
  • Second reading: Notice the outcome — they all deserted Him.
  • Third reading: Sit with this realization:
    Fear can overpower sincere devotion.

 

Remain silent for one full minute.

Let the Spirit reveal where fear influences obedience.

 

Heart Questions

  • What situations make following Jesus feel risky right now?
  • Where do I prioritize safety, approval, or comfort over obedience?
  • When pressure rises, what direction do I instinctively move?

 

Allow fear to be named honestly.

 

Spiritual Insight

The disciples did not abandon Jesus because they stopped loving Him. They fled because fear overtook faith in a moment of crisis. Their expectations of the Messiah collapsed, and self-preservation took control. Repentance often becomes necessary not after deliberate rebellion but after fearful retreat. When obedience threatens comfort, reputation, relationships, or security, the instinct to protect ourselves grows strong. Satan’s sifting exposes exactly where fear governs our decisions. Yet even in predicting their failure, Jesus also predicted their return: “when you have turned back.” The assurance was never that they would stand perfectly—but that repentance would restore them. Fear may cause us to stumble, but turning back keeps us from remaining lost.

 

Prayer

Father, You know the fears that shape my decisions. You see where I choose safety over obedience. Forgive me for the moments I retreat instead of trust.

Strengthen my faith where fear has grown loud. When I am tempted to preserve myself, remind me that my life is secure in You. Give me courage to turn back quickly.

Amen.

 

WHOLE IN MIND — Daily Examination

Name the Fear

Take 2–3 minutes and reflect:

  • What am I afraid might happen if I fully obey God?
  • What loss do I try hardest to avoid?
  • Where does fear influence my choices more than faith?

 

Write honestly:

“Fear influences me most when…”

 

Repentance begins when fear loses secrecy.

 

HEALTHY IN BODY — Choose Obedience Over Avoidance

Fear often reveals itself through avoidance behaviors.

Today, take one small physical action you have been avoiding because it feels uncomfortable or costly.

 

Examples:

Avoidance Pattern

Turning Action

Delaying reconciliation

Send the message or initiate conversation

Avoiding prayer

Stop and pray immediately

Ignoring conviction

Act on the next right step

Withdrawing from community

Reach out or re-engage

Postponing obedience

Take one concrete step today

 

Do not wait for confidence.

Act gently but decisively.

 

As you act, pray:

“Jesus, I choose obedience over fear.”

Repentance moves toward obedience—even while trembling.

 

Closing Posture

The disciples ran. Fear redirected their steps. But failure was not final because turning back was still possible. Repentance is not pretending you were brave. It is choosing to return after you ran.

Series Content
Make Yourself