Scripture: John 12: 44-50

Verse for Today: I have come as a light into the world, that whosoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. (John 12:46)

Jesus Christ came into a dark and depressed world to bring light and encouragement. Many heard His message, believed, and accepted the promise it offered. Others heard, wanted to believe, but were too afraid of their religious leaders and their religious heritage to speak openly about their belief. There were also those who heard the message and chose to openly reject it.

The same scenario exists today. There are those who choose to believe and are sure that Jesus is the Christ and have made Him their personal Savior. There are those who mentally accept the belief that He is Christ but are afraid of the ridicule of peers or that they might have to loosen their hold on worldly possessions. And there are those who have heard the gospel message and choose to reject it without giving it much thought at all.

Sometimes it is difficult to believe in things we cannot see, yet the Book of Hebrews gives ample proof of such beliefs in both the old and new testaments. Our personal lives, when we reflect back on times of need and our prayers addressing those needs, will carry their own proof in answered prayers and salvation from various situations that probably frightened or confused us.

When we stand firm in our trust and belief, God will bless us and lift us up. We need only to examine our relationship with the Divine through our own experiences, pray for guidance as we study God’s word, and the assurance we seek in the face of the unseen and unknown will make itself clear. We will find that we are part of a vast community of believers and we shall be filled with “joy unspeakable.”

God of love and revelation, open our eyes to the unseen that we might believe even more certainly that You are by our side!