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Jan 02, 2023 18:30pm

When the Going gets Tough

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“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

Ol’ Barney. In almost every episode of Andy Griffith, Deputy Fife puts on a pretty tough exterior. He swears his allegiance to the police force, to always be by Andy’s side, and that he can handle any situation. He puts on a real good show, but then, the truth comes out.

At the first sign of danger, those eyes widen, he freezes, then starts running around trying to find a place to hide or starts shaking and tries to find a way out.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

“In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.” (Matthew 26:55-56)

You read that right. The same men who just moments ago pledged their allegiance to Jesus, stating they would rather die than desert him, ran.

Aren’t these men supposed to be strong, courageous and an example to us?

They are.

Even in our boasting, we might say the same things they did, and when the time came and our lives are threatened or even our children or our loved ones, will we still honor Christ with our lips and our hearts?

They will have another chance to show their allegiance to the Messiah. Each one would be put to the test and of the 12, 11 would give their life for Jesus as a martyr. Only John was not killed for his faith, although there were several attempts.

What grace the Lord gives us. These men, once scared for the punishment that would come for following Jesus, had incredible ministries and gave their life for the One they had come to believe without a doubt was the true and living God!

In today’s society, the church tends to be filled with lots of Barneys. When the going gets tough, they flee. Church attendance is down considerably from where it was just two years ago. But God is gracious. He gives us yet another opportunity to join the ranks and stand for Him, no matter the cost.

Will you do it? Will you join me in serving our Lord in the local church? We need to come back together to gain knowledge and wisdom, find encouragement and support, and to worship our King we say we love! One day, we might be required to give up more than just our Sunday mornings or night. Are you willing?

Join me.