"Jesus responded to them, “Do you now believe? Indeed, an hour is coming, and has come, when each of you will be scattered to his own home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
John 16:31-33
LENTEN THOUGHT
Through Jesus, we have the ability to access peace no matter what our circumstances are. While there will be suffering in the world, there is already victory.
Every one of us has been affected somehow by COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus. Starting with Wuhan, China, from an unknown origin, the speculation and uncertainty has caused people to be scattered and fear has at times taken over any sense of logic. As Christians who are facing this same sense of unknown we have a mandate: BE COURAGEOUS. This is the time to take authority over fear (Luke 10:19) and allow perfect peace to reign. It is an opportunity to show God's love to those who truly are suffering, those who have no relationship with Jesus and have given into fear. We can be a light in the darkest of areas and the darkness has to flee. Fear can not exist where love is. That is power that we have because of Jesus.
CHALLENGE
Let's reset our hearts and our minds towards victory. Let's allow God to talk to us about any uncertainty that we are feeling and ask him to put our focus on what a good Father He really is. So many people need the message of hope right now. Let's recognize that we are called to this time and place for that very reason. COVID-19 has no bias to race, creed, color, origin or financial status. It affects us globally for a season. Jesus' effect is both now and eternal.
PRAYER
Lord God, you are the creator of the universe and yet you know exactly how many hairs there are on each of our heads. You are the author and finisher of our faith and we thank you that we can place whatever fears we have in your hands. Please open our ears to hear the promises that you have spoken over us since the beginning of time. Open our eyes and bring awareness to ways we can see you more in our every day. Help us keep our hearts open as you bring to mind those who desperately need protection and care. Help us keep our hands open so that you can use us to share hope and peace as we walk through the days to come in the victory that you have established for us.
*This week's devotional was contributed by Dori Donnell, MBF Marketing Manager. Thanks for reading.
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