Jesus said, "Do not be afraid."

March 28, 2020
Today’s devotion is based on Luke 5:10 where we hear Jesus’ words to Simon after calling him to follow Jesus, “Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people!’”

In this time of uncertainty and isolation, ‘Afraid’ is just one word to describe how you might be feeling right now, although names like, dismayed, perplexed, and anxious also might express your feelings at this time. At one level, that’s okay, especially when we acknowledge the emotion, know that Jesus sees it, and invite Jesus to calm us.

In our world today, many people are afraid, They are looking for hope. Some will look to us. Jesus is calling us today in this time to be a light, His Light to others. As a Christian, you cannot be hidden. You are on a lampstand. What a great opportunity! Jesus is in you! And through you, he shines his light to the world. Now is the time to follow him, trusting in him, so others will know the hope and peace found only in Jesus.

Please pray with me the prayer for today: God, when the whole world changes around us, we are so often afraid. Give us the courage to embrace the challenge of following Jesus in this time of fear. Send us your Holy Spirit, that we may understand that you have opened up new opportunities for us to be your light of love, peace, and certainty in a dark world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.