The Invitation

I love having a plan for anything. I love being prepared for whatever life might throw at me. But it seems the moment I have the perfect plan, things go downhill. Maybe you can relate: one minute, everything is wonderful, the next
minute everything is going wrong. People get sick. Things don’t go the way we think they will. Plans fall through. Friends leave us.

In the midst of plans falling apart, we may become
overwhelmed when we think of the months we still have to get through. How are we supposed to look ahead further than the next day when we’re just surviving, trying to make it through the day? How can we possibly keep going on in life when this struggle could last months or years?

Jesus knows what we’re facing; He faced every trial on earth: betrayal, death, hurt (Hebrews 4:14-16). And yet He overcame the world (John 16:33). He had victory over sin so we can live in the hope of knowing there is more to life than our daily struggles—that we have a purpose in God’s kingdom and that He is working all things for His good kingdom purposes (Romans 8:28-30).

We go to God for our daily needs (Matthew 6:11). He wants us to constantly rely on Him in our weakness—to see that we need Him in every moment of our lives, knowing He will provide in His perfect timing (even if that timing does not match our expectations).

One day, God promises there will be no more suffering and trials, and though there will be storms in life, they won’t last forever (Revelation 21:1-5). So today, take life one step—one day, one moment—at a time and rest in Jesus, His presence, and His promises. He won’t change, even if everything around you seems to be changing (Hebrews 13:8). • Abby Ciona

• Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10. What did Paul learn about the strength we find in God—even when we are weak?

• Jesus has promised to be with us and to work everything for His good kingdom purposes. How can remembering these truths help us when we face trials?

Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 139:13-16; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21