“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
-James 1:2-4 (NIV)
March 12, 2022
Joy
My neighbor was going to dialysis three times a week. He decided he wanted to receive dialysis at home and has completed the training for self-care. He is one of the most positive people I know. Sometimes I don't feel well because I am tired or discouraged or my body aches; then I think about my neighbor. I spring back to life immediately. Whenever I ask him, "How are you doing?" he always responds with, "I am doing good." He inspires me to be a better person. If my neighbor can have a positive outlook, so can I. He informed me last week that his physician is looking for a kidney for him.
He attends church on Sunday, Bible Study each week, volunteers at a food bank, and helps people in the neighborhood who don't have food. He does all of it with a smile. When the Lord calls him home, I am confident that He will say “well done good and faithful servant. Come into my kingdom.”
With all the things he's been through, he still has joy. He is faithful to Jesus, keeping his eye on Him, and not his circumstance. What joy can you bring to others this Lenten season?
Prayer
Dear God, help me to still have joy when I am going through trials. Amen.
Stewardess Judith Watkins
Lent 2022
We invite you to join us on a 40-day journey of prayer, financial sacrifice, physical activity, and spiritual connection.
Each day a new reflection with a scripture and prayer will be posted on the Metropolitan AME Church website and social media to encourage you as we prepare for Resurrection join us as we are reminded, awakened to the great power of God within us, and connect to our role in building with God a world of justice.
Read along with us each day or download the book to read and write along with us offline.