We Have a Friend in Jesus
Midweek Study with Pastor Edith
October 30, 2024
Philippians 4:6-7, Hebrews 4:16
What beautiful fall weather we are experiencing in my community. So many houses decorated for Halloween, others simply pumpkins and Fall foliage. Me, I have roses, that’s it. Just roses and I love it. It seems after pruning earlier this year, even though I thought I did too much pruning, the roses responded and wow! They are beautiful. I was out cutting a few pretty buds to share with a friend when I felt the Lord tug at my heart as if to say; “Couldn’t you use some fresh flowers on your table?”
You see, we had a lovey bouquet of flowers given to us recently, a way to say, “thank you” and “we love you”. But over the past week and a half, many of them were dying, so I cut some of our roses and incorporated these blossoms of beauty into what remains in the bouquet. Suddenly, I felt like I was healing a bit more from a recent family loss as well as sympathizing with other families and even our community who has experienced loss of loved ones.
Like the roses on my table, I needed some fresh expressions of God’s care. I decided to thank God for all the beauty he allows me to experience in my family, church and friends, even when life seems difficult and confusing.
Our text from Philippians tells us that we need not be anxious or worried about anything, but to seek the Lord in prayer with thanksgiving, and He will give us His peace, a peace that goes beyond anything we can understand. I am so amazed how even in the midst of situations far beyond my understanding, God offers me peace that also goes beyond my understanding. Our text from Hebrews tells us; “Let us approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need”.
Every one of us has something affecting our lives that goes beyond reason and understanding. Every one of us can help someone find that grace and peace by boldly going to God in prayer and listen for the Holy Spirit to guide us in tangible expressions of love and mercy. I have a dear friend in ministry that reminds me often that we are the hands and feet of Jesus. She recently had an Aha moment while worshipping and it came to her, and I share it with you to pass along; “It’s a simple Gospel; we have a friend in Jesus”. I think that just might be a blossom of beauty to lift someone’s spirit today.
Amen!