Pandemic & politician proof your fall in three not so easy steps

Scripture References: Matthew 16:24-27; John 15:5-11; Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 8:35-39; Hebrews 12:28

Intro: Welcome! We're all making plans for the fall, but uncertainty (pandemic variants, political shifts) makes us anxious. We crave certainty and control, but life often disrupts our plans. We try to "pandemic-proof" our schedules, but what's the real way to navigate uncertainty with stability and purpose? Jesus gives us a plan that is pandemic-proof and politician-proof: Follow Him. Let's look at His three core invitations.

Key Points:

1. Step 1: Plan on Self-Denial (Matt 16:24-27): Jesus is blunt: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me." Our culture screams "Follow your heart! Be yourself!" Jesus says the path to true life involves denying that self-centered impulse. We choose: follow self (deny Jesus) or follow Jesus (deny self). This self-denial makes sense only with an eternal perspective – losing temporal life for His sake gains eternal life. This call transcends circumstances.
2. Step 2: Plan on Remaining in Him (John 15:5-11): Jesus commands: "Remain in me, as I also remain in you... apart from me you can do nothing." While jobs, health, relationships, and circumstances inevitably change, our vital connection to Jesus, the Vine, can remain constant. We must plan to intentionally cultivate this connection through His love and Word. This provides stability and fruitfulness no matter the external situation. This connection transcends circumstances.
3. Step 3: Plan on Making Disciples (Matt 28:18-20): Jesus' final commission: "Go make disciples... teaching them to obey..." This isn't contingent on favorable conditions. It's based on His supreme authority ("All authority...") and powered by His constant presence ("I am with you always..."). Participating in God's mission provides unwavering purpose that external events cannot derail. This mission transcends circumstances.

Conclusion: Our meticulously crafted plans for the fall remain vulnerable to disruption. Jesus offers a better, truly resilient plan: Intentionally embrace self-denial, actively remain connected to Him, and purposefully make disciples. These three core commitments anchor us in unchanging realities – His call, His presence, His mission, His love, and His eternal kingdom (Heb 12:28) – providing stability and purpose no pandemic or politician can ultimately shake.

Call to Action: Acknowledge the limits of earthly planning and control. Choose to build your fall (and life) around Jesus' non-negotiable invitations: How will you intentionally deny yourself for His sake? How will you intentionally remain connected to Him? How will you intentionally make disciples? Embrace these as your "pandemic-proof" plan, finding peace in His unchanging call and presence (Rom 8:35-39).

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