Thursday November 19, 2020

Begin this new day by praying this prayer out loud. As you are able, consider kneeling as a physical expression of your commitment to Jesus as Lord of your life and the one you desire to lead you this day. Alternatively, you might consider placing a hand over your heart as you pray this prayer.

God of rescue and restoration, thank You for Your great and beautiful mission in the world. Here I am Lord, fill me with Your Spirit and send me.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can anyone of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Matthew 6:25-27

During the occupation of Holland in World War II, Corrie ten Boom, and her family, at great risk to their own lives, provided a ‘hiding place’ for fugitives of the Nazis. In February of 1944, they were arrested, and she and her sister were eventually taken to the Ravensbrück concentration camp. Out of profound devotion to Christ, even amidst unbearable deadly conditions, they preached God’s love and many women came to Christ through their witness. Hear now these words from Corrie ten Boom on worrying. “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” Our temptation to worry doesn’t shield us from grief; it robs us of the power we need to overcome.

How is worrying affecting you? In what areas of your life can you trust God more? Reflect on this passage and the courage to trust.

When you are finished with your time of reflection, close out this time with this prayer.

Father, help me to live this day to the full,
being true to You in every way.
Jesus, help me to give myself away to others,
being kind to everyone I meet.
Spirit, help me to love the lost,
proclaiming Christ in all I do and say.
Amen.