THANKFUL

Monday, January 13, 2020

Good morning, Jesus.

Following you, Jesus, is turning out to be more than I expected. In mercy, you called me and by your grace, I responded and became part of the kingdom of God. You know me better than I know myself. I thought I’d just sit quietly in the pews and watch the “super-Christians” do your work. That wasn’t your plan, however. Now I’m asking why would you ask me, a redeemed yet sinful, follower to do what you know is so difficult for me? I’m uncomfortable stepping out of my comfort zone, telling others about your grace and your incredible salvation.. I don’t know all the answers to the questions they will surely ask.

While I run around, worried about embarrassing myself, your Spirit finally gets my attention. “You’re okay, kid,” your Spirit says. “Gideon was the lowest of the low. Society called him a nobody, a loser. Some labeled him a coward, but I used him to rescue Israel. Your assignment is not to rescue America, but to share the message of my grace to those in your world. Like I told Gideon, just go in the strength you have and leave the rest to me. My Spirit will enable you to do more than you ever imagined. You’re my modern-day Gideon” (Judges 6).

As you healed and restored people to health and wellbeing in Bible days, you are still doing the same today. We pray for increased faith when the night is darkest, when the rehab seems to take forever, when the treatments make us sicker than we’ve been before. May all who call on you see your power at work. To those who do not know how to call on you, Lord, reveal your love and grace to them. Let those whose hope is fading find strength in you. Encourage their spirits. Draw them close to feel your presence. Bring peace when fear is prying on their soul’s door.

I’ll go in the strength I have, and the rest is up to you, Jesus. Amen.