Day 8: John 3:16
John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Trust and Obey
As we prepare for Easter, we cannot help but marvel at the love our Heavenly Father has for us. John 3:16 says it all: “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
That sounds easy enough, but we all know that life is not always easy. Our faith has its ups and downs much like waves upon the waters. We can become blindsided by illness, job loss, broken relationships, or death. Often we struggle to cope on our own. Our Heavenly Father’s promise to always be there for us can sometimes be difficult to believe.
When I was about eight years old, our extended family gathered for a big party at Matagorda Beach on the Texas Gulf Coast. I was playing with some of my cousins in the surf and paying no attention to the high tide coming in. Suddenly, without warning, a large wave crashed down over me. I had no idea which direction was “up.” I could not cry out for help, so without hesitation, I prayed to Jesus to save me. The next thing I remembered was feeling the strong arms of my brother-in-law as he scooped me up out of the waters and held me tightly. As young as I was, I had been taught to go to Jesus in prayer when I was in trouble. That advice still works for me today. God’s arms surround us when we need Him, if only we trust and obey Him.
One of my favorite hymns puts it this way: “When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way. While we do His good will, He abides with us still and with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey.”
Eternal God, we thank You and praise You for sending Your Son Jesus to pay the ultimate price for our sins. Help us to remember all You do for us in our daily lives. Give us the strength to trust and obey You always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Contributed by Alice
