"From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him." John 6:66 (KJV)

Do not be surprised when people leave you. When you start to follow the Lord with all your heart, separation begins to occur in your life. People leave. Jesus experienced this and you will also. It is a shaking. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken, so that the things that cannot be shaken will re-main. This is trial by fire. The unnecessary is burned away while the precious is left purified. The people who stick with you through the fire are the ones God has blessed you with to help attain His purpose. They are your teammates.

The people who did not stay are like people who try out for the team. When the practices get tough or the commitment level too great they quit. Do not be angry at these people or sad for their depar-ture. If you would have needed them, God would have made sure they stayed. God equips us with every-thing we need. So celebrate those who stay with you even through the fire. They are a treasure indeed!

~ Pastor Todd