Throughout Lent, we’ll be publishing daily devotionals written and narrated by members of our congregation. This year, our theme is Transformed in Christ. Today's episode is narrated by Amy Bociek, and features a reflection written by Roger Theimer, followed by an application written by Amy Bociek.
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Thanks for listening!
Hello! I am Amy Bociek and welcome to King of Kings’ Lenten Devotions, “Transformed in Christ”
Today is April 12th and this week we are reminded to Follow Jesus to the Cross.
Today’s truth that transforms is: Practices Joy Because in All Circumstances God’s Love Holds You
Our Scripture reading is from Hebrews 12
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
How are we “Transformed in Christ” and shaped to be more like Him?
The Bible doesn’t give us any specifics of what Jesus did on Wednesday of His passion week. No doubt, He was considering what was before Him as He approached the cross. Hebrews 12 describes His attitude in this contemplation as joy. How could he be joyful? It’s because Jesus knew what was on the other side of the cross. It was our victory. It was our lives united back together with God. It was completion of His act of love for His Father. Today’s scripture reminds us to pursue the same attitude of joy. Let’s fix our eyes of Jesus and watch how He will perfect our faith with the same type of joy in the face of sacrifice for God.
“I see this ‘Truth that Transforms’ working in my life?
Recently, a patient asked me how I handle it when I must let others help me, instead of me helping others. I’m a cancer nurse, so I’m caring for people during what might be the most fearful and challenging times of their life. I love to hear their stories, find out how they ended up sitting in front of me, waiting to receive their treatment, hear how their diagnosis has changed their daily life and impacted their faith. Her question made me think about how I have handled the crazy and unprecedented circumstances of the pandemic— certainly not with joy and peace every day! Many days, I just want to go back to bed because so many things are different… too many questions with confusing answers and stress and fatigue wearing on my work buddies, our patients and families. I wanted to give them definitive answers, hope and joy. I wanted to make it better! I want us all to be safe and healthy! Now! It was very overwhelming at times and my prayers were small. I was focusing on the circumstances more than on God’s promise of love and joy in ALL circumstances. It’s been a journey of tears, frustration, exhaustion, anger, and disappointment in myself and others. The past 2 years I have learned how much of a human I am and how much I need God and his love for me. I can’t say that I wish the pandemic never happened, because of the wisdom that many of my cancer patients reminded me of: that Jesus knows our tears and heartaches, faith grows in tough circumstances, and our real joy is found in being a loved child of God. Our God of creation is big enough to guide us, love us, save us, and give us joy in all times, so I'm going to keep getting into his word each day to feed my soul.