Theme of the Week: How God Teaches Us Through Winning and Losing
Bible Verse: He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30
Scripture Reading: John 3:22-30
Sometimes red lights last longer than we want.
One of the hardest in my life has been losing a job. This has happened a few times, but one sticks out.
I had been working with the local school division for about 8 years when they emailed to tell me I would be permanently laid off. Even though it stung, I took it as a green light in my life; an opportunity.
But, after about 8 months without finding work, I was struggling. With no other options, I submitted my name to that same school division as a substitute. I remember how after the call I threw the phone, broke down in tears, and screamed “WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?”
My green light had turned red.
I have often defined myself by what I do, but Scripture has something to say about this.
John the Baptist was a guy who was literally defined by what he did: baptism. And this gave him purpose, meaning, and even popularity. Green lights.
But then a new Rabbi comes along and suddenly his identity is questioned. His response:
“He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).
I wish I had had that kind of maturity. To be able to surrender the identity I thought was mine and embrace the identity Jesus has for me instead.
John never saw Jesus as a red light in his life, but rather as The Light the whole world needed to see, and he was completely willing to let go of his identity and move aside as the Lord determined his steps (Proverbs 16:9).
So, what did Jesus want from me? Complete trust with the plan for my life and the red and green lights He has for me.
Not long after my moment, Jesus gave me a green light in a new job that fit me perfectly. And since then, even other green, and some red, lights have come along.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You that you know the steps You have for me. Help me to trust You and find my identity in who You are and not in what I do. Amen.
Reflection: Read John 3:22-30 and see that, ultimately, Jesus is The Light, and in it all, He needs to become greater, and us less.
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