Thanks to a very anxious dog, I spent late afternoons through late night in our basement movie room where the sound drowns out the massive fireworks. This schedule started weekends in late June, a few days before and after the 4th, and weekends after.

I watched a lot of movies during that time.

Fast X, a few Mission Impossible movies, and not quite a movie, I started and finished, The Chosen, Season 3.

I’m glad I was isolated in the basement because I ugly cried. As I watched, I was silently bemoaning that I know Jesus is real. I know He’s working miracles across the globe. Yet there are prayers I’ve prayed for years that remain unanswered. In most situations. the people are worse off than ever.

To see the woman with the issue of blood basically take a nosedive in the crowd to access the hem of His garment, that’s faith. And His response? It sent me to another ugly cry. I lamented if Jesus even hears, and there He is portrayed as He truly is. Hearing. Caring. Loving. Moving.

But my lesson wasn’t over.

Simon, oh abrasive, spontaneous Simon. In Season 3 his faith is tested. He understands he’s part of history. He’s blessed to walk with the Messiah and carry out the mission to tell others about Him. He’s watching miracles. He’s participated in them.

But.

But like us all, Simon faced personal storms severe enough for him to ask great, raw questions. He wrestlec with it all and wore emotions on his sleeve.

I’ve been there.

Bet you have, too.

Without giving too much away, Jesus of course knew all the pain and questions. He wanted to deal with it, and His way was to test Simon Peter’s faith.

The scene ended with a broken Simon clinging, clinging to Jesus. Over and over he repeated to Jesus, “Please don’t let me go.”

I can’t get that scene out of my mind. Every time I’m frustrated I think about it. When I feel God doesn’t hear, I think of Jesus holding Simon and loving him. When I hear about those I’m praying for not doing well, I repeat the words from that episode, “Jesus, please don’t let me go.”

I never want to be so bitter I cast Jesus away.

I never want to be so proud that I’m cavalier about needing Him.

I never want to believe the lie that I’m too far gone for Jesus to show up and care.

Show up?

He’s there.

With open arms, ready to accept us no matter what we look like or have done. Or didn’t do.

If you’re battling discouragement, I pray this touches you. If you haven’t watched The Chosen, I encourage you to give it a chance. It’s not perfect, but it presents the Gospel in a way I personally find Biblical.

God bless you as you seek His Son today.