Today’s Reading: John 6:25-34
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“Jesus answered him, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’”
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Jesus had just told his listeners that they should not labor for food that doesn’t last. Their life’s focus should not be on things that are temporary and have no eternal value. Their eyes should be fixed on heaven, not on the things of this world.
But they completely misunderstood what he was saying. They wanted him to show them certain works that they could do so they could possess eternal life. That’s called self-righteousness. Humans desire to know and obey laws that make them righteous in the Father’s eyes.
Jesus told them this eternal truth: The one work that the Father requires for people to be declared righteous is to believe in him. You are to believe that he died on the cross for the forgiveness of your sin. The one work required to enter heaven is to trust in his completed work on the cross. That’s all that is needed.
But your faith in the cross is a very hard work to do. Why? You have never seen Jesus, yet you are still called to believe in him. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Without faith, it is tacitly impossible to please him.
This kind of faith is especially challenging when life makes no sense. It’s very difficult to continue to believe in the Lord when pain increases and you can’t see your next step. It’s hard when you feel betrayed, unloved, and deserted and you want to give up on life. It’s hard to believe when life gets challenging.
But that’s what Jesus calls you to do. He asks you to follow him by faith, not sight. He asks you to love him though you’ve never seen him. He asks you to trust that he is with you always, even when the next step cannot be seen.
Real faith demands you lean on him in complete dependence no matter what. It believes he will lift you out of the pit of despair.
Jesus loves great faith. It pleases him when you believe he can do the impossible. He loves when you trust him in everything that’s happening— especially when it’s difficult.
Jesus knows you face some days when you feel as if you are drowning. He realizes there are times when you want to give up. When that happens, trust him. Fight the fight of faith. He will help you to keep moving forward. His power works best in your weakness. Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or discouraged. He will be with you wherever you go.
Yes, it’s a very broken world in which you live. Jesus suffered in it as well. But rejoice! He has overcome the world. He is your strength and shield. Yield your life to him alone. Let him be your life’s desire. Believe that the more you suffer, the more he showers his comfort on you. Choose to worship him in the tough times.
Work hard to believe in him, even when it’s difficult to do so.
It’s the only work necessary to inherit eternal life.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]