After Jesus was arrested, Peter followed Him at a distance, keeping just close enough to see but far enough to avoid being identified as His disciple (Matthew 26:58). It’s a sobering image—one of hesitation and fear despite a deep love for Jesus.

In 2024, I found myself doing the same.

I acknowledge Him, I pray to Him, but I’ve been holding back. Holding back in my prayers. Holding back in my sharing of the Bible. Holding back my doubts.

Maybe it’s fear, distraction, or the weight of life, but I’ve been hesitant to walk as closely as I should to Jesus. 

As we step into 2025, I don’t want to follow at a distance anymore. I want to close the gap—to pray boldly, trust deeply, share more, and fully surrender. Jesus deserves all of me, not just a careful, cautious portion.

This year, my prayer is to stay close—to hear His voice, feel His presence, and follow wherever He leads. No more distance.

Will you strive to walk closely with Him, too?