To make a commitment, one metaphorically steps into a boxing ring, confident that he will prevail ~ but not without a fight! In other words, commitment is the thing you do precisely because you know that there will be days ahead when you will want to be doing something else!

Whether you say “I do” at your wedding, “I promise” in an ordination ceremony, or “I swear” in a courtroom, there will be times ahead when your feelings, emotions, or circumstances will be screaming for you to go in a different direction!

For Peter, this day came when a stranger in the courtyard asked questions about his association with Jesus. For Judas, it was when he focused too long on all he might be able to do with thirty pieces of silver. For Jesus, this day came in a garden called Gethsemane when he remembered that his Father in heaven could spare him ~ if he wanted to!

Of these three, only Jesus remained true to his commitment to save us, by any means necessary! With the prophet Isaiah, he could say, "I have not rebelled, have not turned back…I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard… I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame!" If you stay true to what is right, no matter what ~ God WILL have your back!