Home | About Us | Bishop's Office | 2024 Lenten Devotions | Wednesday, March 27, 2024

BISHOP'S OFFICE

What does it really mean to let go of all the stuff that weighs us down and make us feel trapped? What will it take for us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we run this race called life?

The Apostle Paul knew something about the need of letting go of some things and the feeling of being entangled with sin. He had done some things in his past that he was not proud of. Paul had a life-changing moment with God and the Holy Spirit came upon him and transformed his life. Paul began preaching the good news of Jesus Christ.

We find in this passage words of encouragement that teaches us that we can look to the examples of disciples of Christ, in the Holy Scriptures and in our own lives, who went through trials and tribulations and yet kept the faith. And even more than this, we can keep our eyes on Jesus who is the foundation and sustainer of our faith. Jesus is our ultimate example of faithfulness and reveals to us what steadfastness looks like as he endured the cross. Jesus never lost sight of God’s divine plan and purpose for his life.

We all have a race to run and will encounter stumbling blocks along the way. Sometimes these are circumstances we have no control over and sometimes they are situations that we create for ourselves. Hear the good news! No matter what your condition is and whatever your case may be, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus! Do not become discouraged and do not grow weary in your faith. God has an amazing way of showing up in our lives when we least expect it, and the Holy Spirit moves in life-changing ways. Stay the course!

Loving God, when things get hard or when we feel helpless, give us eyes to see
Jesus and help us find strength through the power of your Holy Spirit.

Bishop Tracy S. Malone wrote this devotion for publication in The Upper Room Disciplines: A Book of Daily Devotions 2024, available at www.cokesbury.com.