When Everyone Walks Away

Jul 13, 2025    Paul Zittel

REJECTION IS REAL, BUT IT’S NOT FINAL.


JESUS UNDERSTANDS WHAT IT FEELS LIKE

WHEN EVEN TRUSTED PEOPLE WALK AWAY.


‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭54‬-‭62 NLT

54“So they arrested him and led him to the high priest’s home. And Peter followed at a distance. 55The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there. 56A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, “This man was one of Jesus’ followers!” 57But Peter denied it. “Woman,” he said, “I don’t even know him!” 58After a while someone else looked at him and said, “You must be one of them!” “No, man, I’m not!” Peter retorted.


59About an hour later someone else insisted, “This must be one of them, because he is a Galilean, too.” 60But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 62“And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.”


IN YOUR OWN REJECTION OR BETRAYAL—

TURN TO THE ONE WHO WALKED THAT ROAD.


WHEN OTHERS FAIL YOU, GOD’S PRESENCE IS STILL WITH YOU.