Our Friend Is Jesus

Raised Up for a Purpose

The children of Israel were in constant trouble after the death of Joshua. They fell to the temptation of the idols around them. That put them into conflict with God’s plan. Their disobedience came with a high price. When they cried for help, God raised up judges who rescued them. That was a reoccurring cycle: people sin, they cry for help, God sends a judge, people repent, peace is restored — rinse and repeat. We can celebrate that we have a Savior in Jesus. Unfortunately, we still repeat the cycle. But rather than the temporary peace enjoyed by the children of Israel, we can dwell in the continuing peace of Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be messengers of grace, mercy, and peace in a troubled world. God desires to raise us up for that purpose.

We’re Just Passing Through

Years ago, as a New York City police officer, my friend, Mo, had spent months combing the wreckage of 9/11. Mo had experienced the death and destruction up close. When he recently reminded me, “We’re just passing through,” he reflected life through a vivid, personal lens. Now retired, Mo carries bodily reminders of those days digging through the rubble on Manhattan. As a Christian, he knows, “We’re just passing through.” And yet, aren’t those words a clarion call for us as older adults? We don’t need to stand at the 9/11 Memorial to be reminded of our lifespan. These days, our wrinkles and age spots are obvious. For some of us, perhaps even today, Jesus is preparing space in His Father’s house (John 14:2). Today, we are “just passing through.” How will we use God’s precious gift of time?

A Good Listener

Sometimes I wonder if God really and truly hears my pleas and requests. Isn’t He too busy to tend to my pains and problems? Does He get irritated when my thoughts wander and I forget to finish my prayer? This verse clearly squashes any doubt that almighty God does not hear our prayers. God speaks in the first person, saying, “I will answer ... I will hear.” These words in Isaiah portray our Lord and Savior actively, attentively, and most earnestly listening to the prayers of His children. Imagine a father patiently hearing his child tell of his problems when you read, “while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” God our Father knows what is best and will answer with a loving, good, and divine response.

Getting Through With God

There have been many times in our lives that Liz and I have wondered how we will get through a difficult situation. For us, one such day was on July 23, 2025, when we had to bury our son, Joel. The pain was overwhelming, and we didn’t know if we would be able to get through the day. It was at that time we realized there was Someone by our side, namely, the Lord. He is the One who could give us strength. He is the only One with all-surpassing power. He is the One that can accomplish anything. By the power of the Spirit, we just needed to trust Him and believe that He would provide the strength for the day. If you have lost a loved one, try relying on the all- surpassing power of the Lord to get you through and see what happens.

New Ways to Trust

When Roy waved to his neighbor, he noticed John’s usual smile was absent. He walked over and learned that John had lost his job. Roy shared that he experienced the same years ago. “We had to learn new ways to trust God. He provided what we needed and the patience to wait.” Roy went on to say, “If God knows the hairs on our head, He knows your need and has a place for you.” Before they parted, the men prayed together. Roy reminded John that God knows our losses, where we are, where He wants us to be, and when He wants us to get there (Psalm 139). Losses may come as financial challenges, relationship changes, or job loss. With God as our stable foundation, we can trust Him to meet us in any circumstance.