|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Only Trust Him"1 (Lyrics) |
Oh, my goodness! Usually, I'm not one to be lacking words, but how could I answer the question that I had just been asked? In my head, I thought that it certainly couldn't be a quick, flippant response, nor preachy. Lord, help me to say what my friend needs to hear.
Has someone ever put you on the spot like that? As she patiently awaited my answer, I pondered silently for what felt like an hour but, in reality, wasn't likely even a minute:
"What does Jesus mean to you?"
I finally came full circle to the simplest response: To me, Jesus is The Way! He is The Way: to live, to hope, to love, to survive, and to thrive!
After all, Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6 NIV)
I shared how, on my own, without the Lord showing The Way, I couldn't have survived these past two years without my best friend and husband, Bob. The Lord has held me tenderly, guided me, loved me, and forgiven me, even though I fall so short! He not only set the example of how to live and love, but also gives me hope for each day. As I become more conscious of His presence, the words of an old hymn reassure me that "He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own", both now, as well as for eternity! In conversational prayer, I am assured that, as Bob used to sing, "He's as close as the mention of His name, Jesus"! (Gordon Jensen)
As usual, I couldn't help but share another piece of music that flooded my heart and mind. "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine. Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His spirit, washed in His blood!" (Fanny Crosby)
Jesus really is The Way! Without Him, we wander aimlessly and without hope. I continued to sow seeds and urged my friend to come alongside and follow Him, too!
I urged her to read Scripture, and recommended the YouVersion smartphone app that I've found extremely helpful, especially because it offers a variety of translations. I also suggested searching out solid Christian speakers online and listening to Christian music. Each "vehicle" strengthens and lifts me up spiritually! Of course, I made suggestions of a few specific ones that I find so helpful.
In Scripture, we are urged, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15b NIV)
I did my best, and now, I've left my friend in the Lord's hands. I pray, trusting that the Lord will open her eyes, ears, and heart to accept Jesus as her best friend, too — The Way! I suggested some tools, and she knows that I'm open to sharing, whenever. Now it's up to her to make the choice.
Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for coming to earth in the form of Jesus, Who comes alongside us to show us and be The Way! Help us to accept His invitation to come to Him and to walk closely with Him day by day! In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Thursday, October 3, 2024 – In Asia — Please pray for several villages where most believers are the only Christians in their families and communities. The believers travel from different parts of their mountainous area to fellowship together. Pray that their faith could continue to deepen. Please pray for them as they share with their families, friends and communities.
Employment: "Update October 2: My daughter has been given more days of work at this job. Our prayers are..." 
Sister-R: "September 21, 2024: Please pray for healing for my brother Ron. His blood pressure and pulse need..." 
Thank you for this devotional.
Wow what a great devotional.
Thanks for the good word, Mary Lou.
Hi Mary Lou. Thank you for your devotional.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Blessings.
Good ideas, Mary Lou! It’s hard to know what to say in those situations.
Thank you for this morning’s devotional. So much to gather from it and remember!
That is a wonderful message during this time of isolation. Thank you.
(Ont.)
Mary Lou:
Very good words you’ve shared. We are not that far apart!
Thanks for a great reminder, Mary Lou – and a challenge to have God’s answer ready when these questions come. Love to you on our journey.
Thank you, Mary Lou! It was inspired, I am certain, and inspiring to me, and I am sure to her!
Blessings.
Mary Lou, thank you for sharing your beautiful testimony. As one who is not good with words, you have encouraged me to be better prepared to give a reason for the hope I have in Jesus. God bless you!
Your story is mine also. My husband and best friend passed away in 2018 and it was the Lord who walked beside me through it all, he gave me the strength I needed and still does. Thank you for sharing your story.
Dear Mary Lou:
Thank you so much for your beautiful devotional!
What a privilege to be asked what Jesus means to you!
Blessings.
What a lovely thing – to introduce a friend to Jesus!
Praying that she’ll think about your words and “follow”.
Bless you for these thoughts,
(BC)
Hi Mary Lou,
What great answers you gave your friend! Over this pandemic year I have been blessed with His Spirit. I feel like I should set a plate at dinner time!
May God bless you in all you do.
Mary Lou – thank you for this devotional. I am sure that when we stop, as you did, and ask for guidance that your question was answered. I certainly relate that much of my heavenly inspiration comes from hymns and contemporary Christian songs as well. God Bless.
Greetings Marylou,
Many thanks for your devotional writing today and very good advice to follow. Yes, having Jesus as our leader in the path of daily life gives us much peace and reassurance.
Blessings for writing.
Good morning Mary Lou,
Thank you for your excellent devotional this morning, it is so hard to find the right words when we are put on the spot. I am sure we all have had situations like that. I like the hymns you cited, one of my favorite ones is “Simply Trusting.” Thank you for your encouraging words.
Blessings.
Dear Mary Lou,
How wonderful to pray what to say to someone asks you a question. It is so easy to tell them what we think they need, instead of appealing to God before we speak. It’s amazing how He gives us the right words, for the occasion, for the unique needs of each person. What a mighty Lord who has guided you through very difficult times, and you shared it in such a real and comforting way. You are blessed.
Mary Lou, what an inspiring reminder to be ready to give an answer by just trusting Jesus to give us just the right words!
God uses our own memories of scripture and truths of hymns as the well to draw from.
Entrusting your friend to Jesus to continue to stir her heart as she continues to ask questions is also a good reminder. Thanks for the mentioning of the YouVersion app. I’ll have to check it out.
May God richly bless you today,
(OR)
Hi, I just LOVE the way you write, so fragrant with the beauty and oil of the Holy Spirit. Thank you so much, to our Mighty God be the Glory, forever.
Mary Lou, I could just hug you so tightly!! I’m wearing the same hat as you, my husband passed suddenly 2 years ago. I woke up recently with a quiet joy I haven’t had since he went to heaven, a place he absolutely longed for. Now I’m actually able to converse with people, friends and wear a smile. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Mary Lou,
While I was reading the devotion, I knew it was you that had written it.
You are so gifted to be able to put your feelings into words that other people will enjoy reading.
I pray that everything will be good for you. It is hard to sell your home on your own, but I am sure everything will work out fine. We are lucky to have God beside us as we make these decisions. I know things would have been a lot different for me without his guidance.
God Bless.