The Reason for Jesus
Charles Martin
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God ...” (John 1:12, ESV).
“They say to the seers, ‘See no more visions!’ and to the prophets, ‘Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!’” Isaiah 30:10-11 (NIV)
God, I want You to open a door in my life so badly, but instead it feels like every door keeps slamming shut. It’s so discouraging to want something, only to feel like it may never happen. But I know You are a God who sees my every desire and is always on time. Help me to stay steadfast in coming to You with every request as I remember and believe Your timing is always perfect. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:45 (NIV)
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV)
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 (NIV)
“Then the people of Judah began to complain, ‘The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.’” Nehemiah 4:10 (NLT)
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 (ESV)
“But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, ‘Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And the woman was made well from that hour.” Matthew 9:22 (NKJV)
God, it is so difficult to let go of my plans and trust that You really do have my best interest in mind. When I’m waiting for a job, praying for a spouse, wondering if I should move, or believing for a calling to be fulfilled, it’s hard not to question You. Some days are anxiety-filled and even scary, but I can lean on the Truth of Your Word and stand in faith, even in my unknowns, because You will be faithful! Help me remember Your timing is not mine, but You have never been late (Habakkuk 2:3). You have planned good works for my life (Ephesians 2:10). And the best way to know Your will is to be in Your Word (Psalm 119:105). Today, remind me of who You are and what You’re doing, even when I am struggling to trust You with what’s next. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm ...” Ephesians 6:13-14 (NIV)
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God ...” (John 1:12, ESV).
Jesus, as I feel my emotions, I’m going to choose not to rush through this pain. Because You lived on earth as a human, I know You understand how sadness can make Your heart feel like it’s...
“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8, NIV).
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'" (John 8:12, NIV).