DEVOTION//What can I do?
Helpless & harassed
Have you ever felt "helpless and harassed"? Those are the words that Jesus used to describe the crowds that followed him. After catching the headline news, it is easy for us to feel helpless, frightened, even defeated.
While it may be easy to be discouraged about what looks like a world hell-bound and out of control, stop for a moment. The Bible makes it clear that our mighty Lord is in control of the world and your life.
For such a time
Remember God has seen it all and knows how the story ends. From eternity he appointed...
Noah to rescue the righteous few.
Abraham to father his people of faith.
Moses to bring his people to the Promised Land.
King David to lead his people.
Queen Esther to save his people who were under a death sentence.
Mary to be the mother of Jesus.
No mistake
It is no mistake that God has placed you where you are today.
Imagine Mary's surprise at God's role for her. A young teenage girl looking forward to her wedding is visited by an angel. Everything the angel said seemed unbelievable. It changed everything Mary had imagined for her life. God had chosen her.
Her response, our response
Mary's response to the angel's message is sweet, brave, and humble: "I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38, ESV) No excuses, no what-ifs, no "wait-a-minutes" when the Lord revealed his plan for her life to her.
May the Lord grant us the same when he shows us how he will use us in his plan.
It is easy to feel helpless, harassed, and defeated. The good news is that Jesus sees us, empathizes with us, and meets our needs. Even more, he gives us "weak warriors" a place in his perfect plan.
What can you do? Witness to what Jesus does and is doing for you. Spread the Word!
Prayer
Father God, it is easy for us to get discouraged. We question what we could possibly do. By ourselves, so little . . . but through your Spirit and power, the Word accomplishes your will. Give us the vision, strength, and courage to fulfill the role you have ordained for us in your perfect plan. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.