By Pastor Mark Moreno

Trust in the Lord

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Today’s image is one that has made the rounds on the internet for years. It depicts a crowd in Nazi Germany and in this black and white photo, there are many people crammed together and most of them are making a gesture that supports the rhetoric and work of the Nazi party.

Except one notable exception: One man with his arms folded in stark defiance to what is going on. This man is believed to be August Landmesser. Landmesser was opposed to the Nazis and their racial worldview.

This may seem an unusual subject, but the image is striking. I cannot fathom how overwhelming it must have been for Germans to stand up to the Nazis. They knew it would result in imprisonment, violence or death. It must have seemed hopeless.

In John 15:18-19, we read,

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you”.
English Standard Version

What might be overwhelming you today? What seems hopeless in your life?

It could be a difficult relationship where you don’t see much going well. It could be a job or employment situation that isn’t panning out. It could be health issues for you or a loved one that seems that no good outcome will ever happen.

Our Lord Jesus must have had moments where He felt the weight of the world, the sense of hate, and an overwhelming challenge to His Spirit. You are not alone in feeling overwhelmed! Today’s scripture reminds us to draw close the Lord and His love for you, especially in those moments that are hard.

A key to overcoming what it feels like to be overwhelmed is to keep perspective. Do not lose hope, do not give in to those feelings of defeat. I encourage you to place your faith and trust in your Lord Jesus, knowing that He will not fail you, no matter what the outcome is.

Evil is present in this world and as God’s children we are called to stand in stark opposition to that evil and to glorify God. May God give you strength and wisdom as you live out your faith in Him! Remember His promise: And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado