How are you feeling about a new month? Is life moving forward again? Are you gaining some distance from the events of 2021, feeling empowered to start planning and dreaming again? Many people and families are still being affected by the changes in the economic, political and even business world as a result of the pandemic. It can be hard to know what to do next and how to help others, other than to acknowledge that this is a tough time and all we can do is keep trusting God. I know that sounds like such a platitude. But it really is the truth, isn’t it?

 In John 6, Jesus is having this discussion with his disciples. They are trying to figure out what exactly they should be doing for God. I love this exchange: They replied, “So what should we do if we want to do God’s work?” Jesus answered, “The work you can do for God starts with believing in the One he has sent.” 

I think this is a powerful message for us: our work for him in this time is to believe. Everything we do, during this season and really, throughout our lives, begins with believing! He is reminding the disciples that they can’t do anything on their own. And neither can we. 

We can’t deal with all that’s happening in the world, our families, our own lives in our own strength or grit. I mean we can, if we just want to deal. However, if we want to see God do miraculous things in this time, if we want his perfect will and purpose to be done, then all we need to do is what Jesus is asking, begin by believing. 

Let’s start this week by letting go of anything and everything we have to do this week, everything we have been trying to figure out, and especially those things that we really have no control over, like the economy, the start-up plan, our jobs…yeah, really anything in the world right now! Let’s be determined to keep our hope firmly placed in him, no matter what happens this week. This is what Jesus is asking us to do…. Here are some verses to get our minds going in the right direction:

• So because our hope is set on what is yet to be seen, we patiently keep on waiting for its fulfillment. (Romans 8:25)

• Let this hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in a time of trouble, but commune with God at all times. (Romans 12:12)

• No matter what, I will continue to hope and passionately cling to Christ, so that he will be openly revealed through me before everyone’s eyes. (Philippians 1:20)

• So now we must cling tightly to the hope that lives within us, knowing that God always keeps his promises! (Hebrews 10:23)

• So you also keep your hopes high and be patient, for the presence of the Lord is drawing closer. (James 5:8)

I hope this helps today, friend. If your mind wanders into worry today, come back to these verses and remember, the only thing God is asking of you is that you believe! 

Photo by Mike Enerio on Unsplash