Isaiah 49:1–6; John 13:21–33, 36–38

Psalm 71 says God will be ”my rock of refuge” and Isaiah writes “I will make you a light to the nations”. I can recall trials in my life where God was the rock and fortress that I held onto to maneuver betrayals of a spouse, and the loss of my home and livelihood. It was very difficult for me to be a “light” in so much darkness and chaos. But I experienced the light of Christ by the example of people I met who prayed with me and for me. Slowly my path became less dark, and I stumbled less, with more light from the lanterns of Christ’s disciples.

In John’s Gospel, Jesus says ”Where I go you cannot come.” Peter’s answer is ”…why can I not follow you now?” Often, I have asked myself why I cannot follow Christ into the wilderness to do something foreign, uncomfortable, or difficult for fear of failure or ridicule. Jesus also asked, “Will you lay down your life for me?" Am I able to pick up my cross and follow Him on the road to Calvary and not desert or betray Him? The pace of life can have challenges to family life and pull me away from spending time with the Master in prayer. When difficulties arise, I have often elected to spend countless hours in mindless activity scrolling on my phone or on the television. In the end, I will be asked why I was so busy and was I a light for others.

Lynn Kurata

Hospitality, Health Ministry, Thanksgiving Feast,

Scripture Encounter, Women’s Cornerstone

Whose light has been a guide for my path? How might I be a light for others? What is something specific I can do for someone today? What things keep me most busy? How can I pick up my cross?

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