Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

 

Rejoicing in Peace: Finding strength through prayer

Bible Reading: Philippians 4:4-7

 

Key Verse: “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.

DEVOTION

Only a few final exams stood between me and summer break, and with it the opportunity to see my grandparents in Kerala. But suddenly, a call dashed all those hopes. My grandmother had unexpectedly passed away, just a few days before we were to be reunited after 2 years. Finals were more challenging to get through, and a reunion was replaced by a funeral. 
Whether it be a personal life-changing cancer diagnosis, losing a dear loved one, loss of a job, broken family relationships, coming to a realization that a career plan may not be working out, or another broken dream we are all asked to navigate the complexities of life. But we don’t have to do this alone.
Philippians 4 asks us to bring our worries and sorrows to God through prayer, and in return be blessed with His Peace. Through the power of prayer, we are able to receive God’s strength to guide us through each and every challenge. As creatures of habit, we love our comfort zones and routines. We may work years to achieve financial independence, physical strength, or career stability. However, these are all self-perceived states of mind as only God is in control of our health and well-being. 
Instead of complaining about a change that occurred in my life, perhaps God was asking me to take things into a different perspective. His plan for our lives will always be better than our own plans, whether we realize it at the time or not. While I may not have been able to spend more time with my grandmother, I will always cherish her memories and the moments God blessed us with, and am at peace knowing that she is in His arms now. 

 

   PRAYER

 Dear Father, help us to submit all of our worries and anxieties unto you through prayer. Not my will but may your Will be done.


Thought of the day

   Submitting our worries to God through prayer and receiving His peace


Arun John, St. John’s MTC, New York

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