John 21:18–22 + Make Your Home in This Luminous Dark by James K. A. Smith

How do we keep growing when following Jesus has become familiar? How do we remain faithful when life doesn’t turn out the way we expected?

In this six-episode series of the Be Still podcast, Still Becoming: Six Conversations about Spiritual Maturity, Lisa explores the ways God may be asking us to keep growing—not simply so we can follow Jesus faithfully for most of our lives, but so we can finish well.

Because life can test our faith in ways we never anticipated. When our hearts break, our stories take unexpected turns, and God doesn’t give us the answers we want, what happens to our faith? Through Scripture, great books, and honest reflection, Lisa explores what it means to grow in faith, embrace spiritual maturity, and remain faithful to Jesus through every season of life.

In this episode, Lisa reflects on the humility of admitting how much we don’t know, while remaining faithful to what God has already made clear. Drawing from John 21, T. S. Eliot’s East Coker, and James K. A. Smith’s Make Your Home in This Luminous Dark, she considers Jesus’ words to Peter: “What is that to you? Follow me!”

Perhaps spiritual maturity isn’t about finally having all the answers. Perhaps it’s learning to live with unanswered questions without allowing them to become excuses for disobedience—and continuing to take the next faithful step.

In this episode, Lisa explores:

• Why disappointment can tempt us to stop pursuing spiritual growth
• The freedom and humility of saying, “I don’t know”
• The difference between what God hasn’t explained and what He has made clear
• What Peter’s encounter with Jesus in John 21 teaches us about growing older
• How comparison distracts us from the particular road God has given us
• What it means to keep following Jesus when He leads us somewhere we would not have chosen

Journaling Questions

1. Where in my life am I waiting for God to explain Himself before I’m willing to fully trust or obey Him?
2. What has God already made clear to me that He is asking me to do—and what would it look like to take the next faithful step?

Key Scripture
John 21:18–22. “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me.” Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” 

Show Mention
To further our mission, Walking with Purpose donates Bible studies and devotionals to ministries serving women and girls who are incarcerated, homeless, facing crisis pregnancies, or living in underserved communities. We believe that every woman, regardless of her circumstances, should have access to the life-changing wisdom found in God's Word. Learn more or request free materials for your organization on our website.

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