Are You Sure?

Every decision in the NFL playoffs is crucial because it’s "go on or go home" time. With his St. Louis Rams down by three points and 15 yards from the end zone late in their 2004 playoff game against the Carolina Panthers, Rams' coach, Mike Martz elected to let the clock run down and kick a field goal to send the game to overtime. The Panthers prevailed in OT, 29-23. After being questioned about his decision to play for overtime, Martz said, "I was very sure about the decision, and I don't regret that decision."

In John 6:60-69, we read about some of Jesus' disciples who were not sure of their initial decision to follow Him. They ended up deserting Him because His teaching was too hard for them to accept. Then Jesus turns to His twelve Apostles and asks them if they want to leave Him, too. Peter answers, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." Like Coach Martz, Peter was absolutely sure that he had made the right decision and therefore had no regrets.

So often in life and sports it's easy to waver back and forth on decisions we have to make. And once we've made them, we second-guess ourselves. When it comes to Jesus, all of us have made the decision to either accept Him as Lord and Savior or to reject Him. Whatever side of the fence you find yourself on today, the question I want to ask you is, "Are you sure you're on the right side?"

I encourage you to ponder the words of one of my favorite hymns and determine what they mean in your life. "I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back. No turning back."