Real Life by Peggi Tustan

Welcome to Real Life . Real faith will struggle with doubt. "Doubt is but another element of faith." —St. Augustine of Hippo He should have believed. He was a disciple who followed Christ for three years—learning, talking, watching. Yet, when the other disciples told him that Jesus was alive, Thomas wouldn't buy it. In fact, he went so far as to say, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” What drove Thomas's skepticism? He knew these men well. They were men of integrity who told the truth. Why would they lie? In addition, Thomas witnessed Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. So, why was it so hard for him to believe that his Lord had risen from the dead? Perhaps, Thomas was afraid to hope. He watched the man whom he had followed and respected being arrested, beaten, and humiliated. Then, he watched Jesus die. Maybe the words of the mockers echoed in his mind: ...

Welcome to Real Life . Sometimes the hardest one to forgive is ourselves. “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:4-5, emphasis mine) . Wait. That’s all he told us to do, simple instructions. And, I’m about to mess that up too. I used to be a leader among the apostles. I promised Jesus I’d follow him anywhere, even die for him. [1] But, when he needed me most—when everyone else deserted him—I denied I even knew him. Will he trust me to lead again after that? Well, I’m not the kind of guy to sit around and wait to find out. I need to do something. I once made a decent living as a fisherman. I can do that again. “I’m going fishing,” I told the other disciples. “We’ll go, too.” Seven of them joined me. I was a bit surprised, but glad for their company on the road home to Galilee. We set out in my boat, fished al...

Welcome to Real Life . From heaven’s perspective, the greatest leader is a greatest servant.      _____ “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” It was the week of Passover. Jesus and his disciples gathered for their evening meal. Before the food was served, Jesus got up. He wrapped a towel around his waist, poured water in a basin, and began to wash his disciples’ feet. This was the job of a household servant. None of the disciples had volunteered for the task. It was beneath them. Yet, here was their leader and Lord washing feet. Peter felt how wrong this was. He should be the one serving his Lord, not the other way around. So, when Jesus approached to wash his feet, Peter refused... at first. However, when Jesus said, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me,” Peter was all in. Not just my...