Listen

We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute.

2 Corinthians 6:3-8a

Think

It can be hard to follow Jesus. Fortunately, you and I aren’t likely to face beatings, imprisonment or riots for following Jesus. But we still may face hardships. Friends or family may not understand us or even turn away from us because of our faith.

When we face every kind of trial, it can feel like obstacles are being placed in our path. We may even feel at times like turning away from our faith in God. The promise is not that the Lord will remove our burdens nor carry them for us, but will strengthen us so that we may carry them.

God does not free us from duty, but gives us gifts to sustain us. God does not deliver us from conflict, but enables us to overcome. When we exercise these gifts of patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love and truthful speech, we are given power and great endurance to live fully for God. This is the life of faith, to live with joyful hearts in all circumstances.

Jeff Light

Pray

Take not this burden from me, but grant me the strength to bear it with joy! Empower my voice and, more importantly, my actions to strengthen others and help them, also, to find this joy. Amen.

Go

Will your heart be open
To hear what God will say?
Will your eyes be clear
So you can follow in God's way?
God is speaking.
Listen now.
The way is clear.
Follow.