Vital Signs: Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Faith Under Fire

After Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples, they went to a garden to pray. While they were there, soldiers came and arrested Jesus. One of His disciples, Judas, had agreed to hand Jesus over to the authorities in exchange for money because he knew that some people didn’t like Jesus and wanted Him to be killed.

Jesus was taken to be questioned and put on trial before the council of religious leaders. While this was happening, some of Jesus’ followers waited outside. Peter, one of Jesus’ closest friends, stood nearby warming himself by a fire. Three different people asked if he was one of Jesus’ followers. Afraid that he might also be arrested or hurt, Peter denied knowing Jesus each time.

Peter allowed fear to control him in that moment. He got caught up in protecting his identity, reputation, and safety—and ended up denying the one he loved most.

Sometimes it can be scary to stand up for our faith or for what we know is right. But even in the most difficult moments, the best thing we can do is tell the truth and stay firm in our beliefs. The most comforting part is this: Jesus is always with us, so we never have to be afraid alone.

Take a moment to reflect on an area where you feel fear about sharing your faith. Maybe it's in front of friends, a specific family member, or a group of people. Then take a moment to pray and ask God for the courage to share your story.

“Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, ‘You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.’

But Peter denied it. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed. When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others, ‘This man is definitely one of them!’

But Peter denied it again.A little later, some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, ‘You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.’Peter swore, ‘A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!’

And immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: ‘Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.’ And he broke down and wept.”— Mark 14:66–72 (NLT)