Listen

I assure you that whoever believes in me will do the works that I do. They will do even greater works than these because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask for in my name, so that the Father can be glorified in the Son. When you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.

John 14:12-14

Think

As we mature in our faith, we develop a desire to do the work of Jesus. Even when that work seems difficult, Jesus encourages us to do it because we are connected to God’s power. This does not mean that Jesus is a genie who fulfills our every wish. Rather, when we see people through the lens of compassion and look for ways to offer hope, we should rely on Jesus’ power by praying for discernment and competency.

I saw my own faith strengthen as I worked through the grief over my mother’s death during the Christmas season. From her hospitalization in early December to her funeral on December 21, I found moments of joy where I could. Time spent with friends and family and the Christmas Eve service showed me that with God’s help, I could move past my grief, at least for a little while. I recently read a memorial for a gentleman saying that he “exemplified the strength that comes only from choosing joy amidst trials.” That gives a good word to us all: choose joy amidst trials. Jesus is the way to joy.

Gayle Taylor

Question to Ponder:

How will you choose joy today?

Pray

Jesus, remind me of my connection to you and your way of light and truth. If I see someone today who needs to find the way of joy that only you can provide, I pray that you will help me to share my faith with this person. Amen.

Go

How can we know the way of joy? By reminding ourselves we belong to the creator of life, who will sustain us in all circumstances.