Jen Tan: Finding Job’s God in the Cancer Journey

 

Please read an important footnote at the end 

Who does not know of Job? Mostly everyone. Who understands the Book of Job? Very few.

The Book of Job is a profound exploration of undeserved suffering and the limitations of human logic in the face of divine sovereignty. It follows Job, a righteous man who loses his wealth, possessions, home and health, and subsequently engages in a grueling dialogue with his friends, who mistakenly argue that his agony must be a direct punishment for sin. The most important aspect of the narrative is its rejection of a simple "transactional" morality; it concludes with shifting the focus from "Why is this happening to me?". We understand that his suffering does not come from God. Nor from his behaviour. He is an innocent victim of the War of Satan. Ultimately, Job’s restoration underscores that while human suffering is often inexplicable, trust and integrity can exist independent of a "blessing-for-behavior" contract.

As many of us, Jen too had questions. Specially the "why me" question. She took the trouble to read the Book of Job and we quote her conclusion here.

"Reading the book of Job, I see reflections of my own journey. Job lost everything, and even his friends assumed his suffering was due to sin. Yet he could not understand why he was suffering so much as he kept claiming he has done nothing to deserve such punishment.

Before my cancer diagnosis, I was living a comfortable and fulfilling life. I had many plans for the future and looked forward to the joy of achieving them. But everything came to a halt after my diagnosis, and I found myself unable to plan ahead as I once did.

There are times when, like Job I find myself questioning God - have I sinned so much that I deserve all these suffering? Yet deep within, I believe God does not place sickness upon His children.

Throughout my cancer journey, he has been by my side, giving me strength and helping me to keep going every time I feel like giving up.

Through this illness, however, I have drawn closer to God. In losing so much, I came to realise that God is ultimately all we truly have. We are called to place our full trust in Him. While God gives us Himself, He does not reveal every detail of His plans to us. This reminds me that this life, with all its pain and uncertainty, is not our final destination".

To find "Job’s God" while navigating the terrain of a cancer journey is to surrender the agonizing pursuit of "Why?" for the restorative presence of "Who." The enduring lesson from Job is not a simple promise of restoration, but a fundamental shift in perspective. The conclusion of this devotional is not one of easy answers, but of resilient faith.

Ultimately, we meet Job's God not in the rational explanations of friends, but in the dark, intimate, and often frightening moments of our deepest pain. This is the comfort that transcends logic: 

The God who managed the chaotic chaos of creation is the very same God who sits with us in the clinic.

Editors Note: 

Today we want to very specially ask you for your prayers for Jen. She has undergone a PET Scan today and we need to pray, and pray hard, that it shows good results. God Bless you all. If you want to send a message for Jen, please add it in the comments section.  

The Jesus Advisory

“He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” 

(Micah 6:8,NIV)

Does God ask too much of us? 

At times it may seem impossible to live the way He wants us to. But the fact is that while the price of our sins has been paid we still have work to do. But the good news is Jesus gave us guidelines and advice on how to live. Jesus’ teachings generally shifted between radical ethical shifts, practical wisdom for daily living, and spiritual mandates.

Below is a curated compilation of his core advice, categorized by theme with their primary New Testament references.

1. On Human Relationships & Conflict

Jesus’ advice on social interaction was revolutionary for its time, focusing on proactive peace rather than reactive justice.

a. The Golden Rule: Treat others exactly how you want to be treated. (Matthew 7:12)

b. The Radical Pivot: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:44)

c. Conflict Resolution: If someone has wronged you, go to them privately first to resolve it. (Matthew 18:15)

d. The Limitless Pardon: Forgive others not just seven times, but seventy-seven times (essentially, without limit). (Matthew 18:22)

e. Judging Others: Remove the "log" from your own eye before trying to take the "speck" out of someone else's. (Matthew 7:3–5)

2. On Anxiety & Mental Well-being

His advisory on worry is remarkably modern, focusing on mindfulness and the futility of over-planning for "tomorrow."

a. The Futility of Worry: Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or wear; worry cannot add a single hour to your life.(Matthew 6:25–27)

b. Daily Focus: Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34)

c. Finding Rest: If you are weary and burdened, come to him to find rest for your soul. (Matthew 11:28–30)

3. On Wealth & Ambition

Jesus viewed material wealth as a potential competitor for a person's heart and offered strict advice on priorities.

a. Priority of Heart: Do not store up treasures on earth where they decay; store them in heaven. Where your treasure is, your heart will be also. *(Matthew 6:19–21)*

b. The Dual Master Rule: You cannot serve both God and Money. (Matthew 6:24)

c. The Cost of Success: What good is it to gain the whole world but forfeit your soul? (Mark 8:36)

d. The Definition of Greatness: If you want to be "first" or great, you must be the servant of everyone else. (Mark 9:35)

4. On Personal Integrity & Faith

This section of the "Advisory" focuses on the internal world—motives rather than just outward actions.

a. Authentic Prayer: When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray in private rather than making a show of it. (Matthew 6:6)

b. Simple Honesty: Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything beyond this comes from the evil one. (Matthew 5:37)

c. The Foundation: Don't just hear these words; put them into practice. It is the difference between building a house on sand versus building on a rock. (Matthew 7:24–27)

d. Persistence: Ask, and it will be given; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened. (Luke 11:9)

Today’s Practical Steps: 

a. Identify one person who frustrates you or with whom you have a minor "cold war." Spend 60 seconds privately wishing them well or praying for their success today. Notice if it changes your internal tension the next time you see their name on your phone.

b.  Whenever you catch yourself spiraling into a "What if?" scenario about next week or next month, physically stop and name three things you are responsible for only in the next three hours. Focus your energy exclusively on those immediate tasks.

c.  Look for a "low-status" task today—something that needs to be done but offers no praise or recognition (like tidying a shared space or helping a junior colleague with a tedious task). Do it quietly and move on.

d. Avoid the urge to "over-explain" or give a polite excuse for a boundary today. If you cannot do something, give a kind but firm "No" without the fluff. If you commit to something, ensure it is done exactly when you said it would be.

Active Trust

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." 

— Psalm 27:14

We often view waiting as a "gap" in our lives—a period of unproductive silence where we are stuck between a prayer and its answer. In a world that prizes immediate results and quick fixes, the act of waiting can feel like failure.

However, Scripture teaches us that waiting is not passive resignation; it is active trust. David repeats the command in Psalm 27 to emphasize its difficulty and its necessity. It takes immense courage to remain steady when the horizon remains empty. Yet, it is in this resistance that our spiritual "muscles" are built. Just as physical strength requires tension to grow, faith requires patient dependence to mature.

Do not mistake silence for absence. God often performs His most profound work in the quiet. While you are waiting for a change in your circumstances, He is working on a change in your character. He is building the endurance, trust, and refinement that you will need for the very blessing you are seeking. If you remain steadfast, He promises to strengthen your heart from the inside out.

Recall the Israelites at the Red Sea. With an ocean in front and an army behind, they were completely out of options, except wait for God to deliver them. There was no strategy to deploy and no strength left to fight. It was in that moment of absolute helplessness that Moses declared: “The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

Their deliverance didn't come through their own effort, but through surrendered obedience. They stood still, and God moved. The sea parted not because they fought, but because they trusted.

There are battles in your life today that striving cannot win. Worry will not solve them, and sheer determination will not overturn them. When you have prayed and done what is right, there comes a moment for holy stillness.

Choosing calm over panic is your greatest testimony of faith. When you stop scrambling and start resting in His sovereignty, you invite Him to move in ways you could never orchestrate yourself. Trust His timing, for He still knows how to make a way where there is no way.

Pray for the courage to stand still and watch Him move on your behalf. 

Peace in the Storm

                                  Peace in the Storm.

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” — Mark 4:39

Unlike stormy weather, life’s storms rarely send warnings. Financial strain, fractured relationships, sudden loss, or inner turmoil can rise like waves against your peace. In those moments, fear can feel louder than faith. Yet the same Jesus who stilled the sea then still reigns now. His authority has not diminished with time.

Sometimes the storm outside remains for a season, yet His presence calms the storm within. Let His Word speak louder than your anxiety. Refuse to let panic dictate your response. Invite Him into the center of your distress. Trust that the One who commands wind and waves also governs the details of your life. Go to His word and let His Spirit calm you and strengthen you.

Remember -

His peace is not the absence of storms, but the presence of His authority within them.

Action Step:

Pause today when anxiety stirs. Whisper, ‘Peace, be still.’ Let His presence steady your spirit before circumstances shift.

Monday Reset: Mercy in Motion

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.” — 

Psalm 136:1

This psalm was sung in the aftermath of exile, as the people of Israel reflected on the Lord’s covenant faithfulness. Each verse resounds with the refrain, “for His mercy endureth for ever,” recounting creation, deliverance, provision, and victory. The repetition was intentional—it anchored memory to mercy.

Having returned from captivity, the nation realized their survival was not due to strength or strategy, but steadfast love. Every line became a testimony that God’s goodness outlasts rebellion, exile, and hardship. Gratitude was not shallow sentiment; it was a declaration of theology and trust.

Gratitude reshapes the way you interpret your life. When you intentionally recount God’s faithfulness, your perspective begins to shift. Even when challenges persist, thankfulness redirects your attention from what feels lacking to the goodness that still surrounds you. Gratitude steadies anxious thoughts and softens restless striving. It trains your heart to recognize grace in ordinary moments.

Anchor Thought for the week: Gratitude is the lens that reveals mercy in motion.

As we begin this week, let us actively and intentionally remember His mercy. Let thanksgiving rise before worry, and praise precede every plan. Let us "Anchor" our hearts in gratitude so that peace may guide our steps.

Start this week by naming three mercies from last week—big or small. Speak them aloud. Let gratitude set the tone for the days ahead and may gratitude overflow from our lips and bring glory to His name. 

Sabbath Vespers: The Power of Prayer

                  

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16 (KJV)

James wrote to believers scattered under pressure, reminding them that prayer was not a final option when everything else failed—it was their first and greatest resource. In the Epistle of James, he emphasized that “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” To illustrate this truth, he pointed to Elijah, a prophet who prayed and saw drought come upon the land and later prayed again and witnessed rain fall. Elijah was not presented as superhuman but as a man subject to like passions as we are. His example demonstrated that heaven responds to earnest, faith-filled petitions. 

Let us not measure the effectiveness of our prayers by immediate visible change. Some answers unfold gradually, shaped by divine timing. Continue to pray with faith, not frustration. Lay our needs before Him consistently and trust that He hears every syllable. Our lives matter and our petitions matter. Our tears are seen. 

Almighty Father, ignite our prayer life with fresh faith. Teach us to pray with persistence and confidence in Your promises. Let our prayers align with Your will as we pray continue to pray for Jen before You today again. Be with her, strengthen her body and mind to respond to her treatment. We pray for Samira - grant her physical and mental resilience as she recovers from Immunotherapy. For Lisa, as she supports her daughter Arielle during her treatment. We ask for your wisdom in here family life. For the miracle of complete healing for Arielle. For strength to Lisa in re-building her life and her court case. We pray for Victoria and Alison, for Joan and Lindsey. And Lord, we widen this prayer to every person fighting cancer right now, including Swenson's husband. We pray for the seniors, specially the senior gentleman in India who has been your humble servant. We pray for his healing and strength as he undergoes dialysis and for his daughter and caretaker. We ask for prayer for Tem's nephew, as he goes into surgery, for an aneurism. We pray that God guides the surgeon's hands and that he makes a full recovery. We pray today very specially for John, for your miracle to undo any abnormality in his body. For Venus and her heart condition and for Pastor Ben and his family in India. We also pray for your servant who has dedicated his life for you - and is now facing hardships in job and health.

May this Sabbath bring:

Rest that restores. Peace that settles the soul. Joy that rises from gratitude. Faith that grows deeper. Light that guides every step.

May the peace of this day linger in our hearts long after the sun sets, fueling our purpose for the week to come.

Amen.

Please join us every week in our Sabbath Prayer for the week. We request your support in adopting prayer points for people mentioned, in your own prayers this week and become vessels of His healing.

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An Honourable Life: Jen Tan

Today, Jen talks about what it means to live a transformed life. How it effects our personality and behaviours. She talks about her own transformed life, motivating us as well. 

"Reading the book of Romans has taught me what it means to live an honorable life. As it says in Romans 12:17-21:

“Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”

This reminds me that an honorable life is not about status, achievements, or how others treat us, but about choosing what is right in God's eyes. Choosing to act with grace, patience, and love, even in challenging moments.

Reading the Bible has changed my perspective on what an honorable life truly is. Before I started reading it, my life was centered around myself - my job, my earnings, my home, what I could accumulate, my hobbies, my family and my friends. Everything revolved around "me" and "mine". I measured life by what I could gain, control or enjoy.

But after going through cancer and beginning Bible study, I slowly began to see there is a different way to live in this world. A life not centered on self, but centered on God. A life that is not focused on worldly success, but by faith, purpose and trust in Him. As Romans 12:2 reminds us:

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

This transformation does not happen overnight. It is a daily commitment to surrender and trust God even when we do not fully understand His plans and allowing him to guide us through our journey. I am learning to fully rely on him and that His will is not something to be feared, but something good, pleasing, and perfect, even in the midst of challenges.

As children of God, we are called to live differently - to joyfully offer our time and gifts in service to Him instead of holding tightly to our own plans. I am beginning to realise that true fulfilment does not come from my possession, but from who I belong to. In Him, I find peace, a stronger hope and a purpose that goes beyond this world." 

The Great Darner

"Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases." 

— Psalm 103:2–3

Did you know that "darning" is not actually the same thing as "mending"?

By definition, mending is simply repairing a damaged piece of fabric—often with a patch or a quick stitch. Darning, however, is the art of rebuilding the fabric from its core to revive its original form. In Persian and Urdu, the word for darning is "Raphoo." It is no coincidence that in the original Hebrew of Psalm 103:2–3, King David uses a word for "healing" that sounds strikingly similar: "Rapha." The Meaning of Rapha In the English language, "healing" often just means the absence of pain or closing the gap.  But the closest meaning of Rapha is: "to be made whole again." Rapha isn’t just about stopping the hurt; it is about restoring purpose. When a broken bone is Rapha-ed, it is mended so that the leg can once again carry the weight of the person. When God Rapha-s you, He isn't just stopping the bleeding; He is restoring you to your original, intended design so you can fulfill the specific plan He created you for.
Unlike modern medicine, which often separates physical health from mental or spiritual health, the word Rapha knows no such boundaries. In Scripture, it is used for:
A. Physical Ailments (The body)
B. Spiritual/Moral Injuries (The conscience)
C. Mental Brokenness (The soul)
When the Bible uses Rapha, it implies the restoration of the whole person. It is Holistic Wellness.
It’s Not Just What He Does—It’s Who He Is
Finally, and most importantly, Rapha is not just a description of something God does; it is a definition of Who He Is. God gives Himself the official title of Jehovah Rapha (The Lord Your Healer). He essentially says, "I am the One whose very nature is to stitch you back together when you are torn." Restoration is not an afterthought for God; it is His defining characteristic.
But can holistic healing be done without forgiveness? Let’s ask the author of the Psalm.
Scholars agree that David wrote Psalm 103 in his later years, looking back on a long, turbulent life. His references to being "redeemed from the pit" and God "healing all your diseases" suggest a man recovering from a significant physical and spiritual crisis. Unlike Psalm 51—which was an agonizing plea for help written after his affair with Bathsheba—Psalm 103 is a celebration of help already received.
By the end of this Psalm, David’s mind is at peace. He isn’t asking for forgiveness; he is marveling at the fact that God has already removed his sins "as far as the east is from the west" (v. 12). David understood that Rapha—true wellness—is impossible without the total forgiveness of your past and present alongside your physical recovery. Why? Because he knew, from experience, that without forgiveness one can never carry our God's purpose. 

Today, we often treat our lives in silos: we go to a doctor for the body, a therapist for the mind, and a gym for the physique. Psalm 103 refuses to separate them. It acknowledges that "diseases" aren't just physical; we suffer from "dis-ease" of the soul—burnout, anxiety, and bitterness.
If you are currently asking God, the Great Darner, to heal you, remember that His goal is to restore you to your original self and His purpose. 

But. Before you ask Him, ask yourself: When I am rapha-ed am I prepared to fulfil Gods purpose? 

The honest answer may surprise you. 

The Restoration that Built the Church: Pastor Rajiv

                                           

John 21 verses 1-19

Biblical scholars feel that the most significant aspect of this account is not what happened on the sea but what happened on the shore.

Just picture this - Jesus and his disciples sitting around a fire eating breakfast.

The blessing here was not the massive catch of fish but spending time with Jesus.

Then comes the most significant part of this whole narrative  and  the crux of this message today - the restoration of Peter.

Today, in this message let us understand from Pastor Rajiv - Why it had to be done, how Jesus did it and why it matters to us today. 

Who is Perfect?

                                    
"Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God." — Revelation 3:2

Beginning of the week often comes with the pressure of a "fresh start." We look at the clean slate of a new week and feel the weight of expectation—the need to be the perfect employee, the perfect parent, or the perfect Christian.

But the message to the church in Sardis offers a startling perspective on perfection. It isn't about a flawless record; it’s about completion and spiritual alertness.

The church in Sardis had a great reputation. To an outsider, they looked like a thriving, "perfect" congregation. But Jesus looked past the brand and the busy schedules to see the heart. He found that while they had a name for being alive, they were actually dying.

Likewise, often, we strive for a "perfect" image while our inner life—our prayer, our integrity, our peace—is gasping for air. We are so busy maintaining the look of life that we forget to actually live in the Spirit.

In the original Greek, when Jesus says He found their deeds "unfinished" (or "not perfect"), the word used is "pepleromena". It refers to a vessel that hasn't been filled to the brim.

Who is perfect? In this context, perfection isn't the absence of mistakes; it is wholeness. It’s finishing what God started in you. It’s not abandoning the mission when it gets boring or difficult. It’s ensuring your private devotion matches your public profession.

The disciples went back to fishing because they thought the "project" of Jesus was finished at the cross. They were wrong. Jesus came to show them that the most important work—the spiritual harvest—was just beginning.

The beauty of Revelation 3:2 is that it is a message of hope. Jesus doesn't say, "It’s over, give up." He says, "Strengthen what remains."

Even if you feel like only 10% of your faith is still flickering, God can work with that 10%. He doesn't demand that you start from scratch with a perfect track record; He asks you to wake up and tend to the embers that are still glowing.

As you head into your week, stop asking, "How can I be flawless?" Instead, ask:

"What have I left unfinished?" Is there a conversation, a discipline, or a calling you’ve let slide into "survival mode"?

"Am I awake?" Are you moving through your tasks on autopilot, or are you alert to where God is moving in your workplace and home?

The Bottom Line: God isn't looking for people who never fail; He’s looking for people who refuse to stay asleep. Be "perfect" today by being fully present and fully His.

Monday Reset- Fishing on the Wrong Side by Pastor Rajiv

Happy Monday. It’s the start of a new week, and if we’re honest, many of us are showing up to our "boats" today out of habit, exhaustion, or perhaps a lingering sense of defeat from the week before.

There is a powerful lesson in the moments following the Resurrection that speaks directly to our Monday morning hustle. The Comfort of the "Normal"

After the trauma of the crucifixion, the disciples were adrift. The vision they had served for three years seemed to have died. In their grief and confusion, they did something deeply human: they went back to what they knew. When Peter said, "I’m going fishing" - The others followed.

They retreated to their old comfort zones—the familiar smell of the lake and the rhythm of the nets. But there was a problem. They fished all night and caught nothing.

When Jesus appeared on the shore, He didn't lead with a theological lecture. He asked a practical, almost stinging question: "Friends, haven't you any fish?" (John 21:5)

Jesus wasn't looking for a fishing report; He was highlighting their emptiness. He drew their attention to their failure not to shame them, but to show them that their self-directed efforts were yielding zero results.

Today lets understand ourselves -Why the Nets Stay Empty?

Like the disciples, we often fill our Mondays with "doing"—grinding away at tasks, projects, or habits that we think we should be doing, or things we've reverted to because we've lost sight of our higher purpose.

The emptiness of their nets was a mercy. It was a sign that they were working outside of their calling. They were trying to live their "old life" with "new hearts," and it simply didn't fit anymore.

As you look at your "to-do" list today, ask yourself:

Am I fishing on the wrong side? Am I putting all my energy into things I haven't been asked to do? Whose voice am I following? Am I working out of habit, or am I listening for the voice on the shore?

Let us remember: The breakthrough usually isn't about working harder; it’s about working in obedience.

Have a fruitful week—one filled with the kind of abundance that only comes when He directs the net.

Sabbath Vespers

                                             

If you call the Sabbath a delight… then you will find your joy in the Lord."

Divine Architect of Rest, we pause today as the sun climbs high, acknowledging that the world continues to turn even when our hands are still. We thank You for the gift of the Sabbath—a sanctuary in time where we can lay down our tools and pick up our peace.
We ask for a refreshing of our minds. In a season where our days are often filled with the noise of productivity and the rush of innovation, let this day be a quiet room. We release the weight of "doing" and embrace the grace of "being." Restore the energy we have poured out into our work, our students, and our communities over this past week.
For Shared Purpose We lift up our global family. We pray that our shared purpose would be the thread that binds us together across every distance. May our collaboration be marked by empathy and our leadership by a servant’s heart. Let us remember that while we build for the future, we live in the present.
We lift Jen before You today again. Be with her, strengthen her as she goes to the hospital on Monday. We pray for Samira - grant her physical and mental resilience as she undergoes another round of Immunotherapy on Wednesday. For Lisa, as she has survived and overcome, let he daughter Arielle overcome as well. For strength to Lisa in reestablishing her life and her court case. We pray for Victoria and Alison, for Joan and Lindsey. And Lord, we widen this prayer to every person fighting cancer right now, including Swenson's husband. 
We pray for the seniors, specially the senior gentleman in India who has been your humble servant. We pray for his healing and strength as he undergoes dialysis and for his daughter and caretaker.
We pray for Pastor Ben and his family in India.
May this Sabbath bring:
Rest that restores. Peace that settles the soul. Joy that rises from gratitude. Faith that grows deeper. Light that guides every step.
Closing May the peace of this day linger in our hearts long after the sun sets, fueling our purpose for the week to come.
Amen. 

Please join us every week in our Sabbath Prayer for the week. We request your support in adopting prayer points for people mentioned, in your own prayers this week and become vessels of His healing.

To download our mobile app Click here

Why Believe in God? - Jen Tan

                 

Life can be tough and we often face difficulties and challenges that seem overwhelming. We feel helpless, alone and abandoned. But the good news is that God is always with us, no matter where we go or what we face. He is the same God who walked with Jacob and He promises to walk with us too. 

As Jen walks her walk of faith in her long treatment of cancer, she shares her own experience of the truth of God's word. 

Application study Bible : Romans 8:28 - God works in everything- not just isolated incidents - for our good. This does not mean that all that happens to us will be pleasant, and we do not have to call pain good. Even though evil pervades our fallen world, God is able to turn every circumstance around for our long-range benefit. Note that God does not work only to make us happy but to fulfill his purposes. Note also that this promise is not for everybody. It can be claimed only by those who love God and are called by him- that is, those the Holy Spirit convinces and enables to receive Christ. Such people have a new perspective, a new mind-set. They trust in God, not in life’s treasure; they find their security in heavenly priorities, not earthly ones. Their faith in God does not waver in pain and persecution because they know God is with them.

Jen says- 

"Reading Romans this morning reaffirmed God’s calling and purpose in our lives. I once asked a friend, “Why believe in God if He cannot guarantee us a good and pleasurable life throughout our journey?” The answer has always been the same: God does not promise a life full of roses, but He gives us the strength to pull through. Most importantly, He protects us from every trap we face.

My recent hospital admission during my cancer treatment brought a lot of pain and suffering. Did I ever think of giving up my hope in God because of it? No. I have chosen to walk bravely and fearlessly. As it says in Deuteronomy 31:6: “So be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Through this experience, I have grown stronger despite the pain and suffering. I have decided to fully place my trust in Him who has given me this life. I now have a greater desire to study the Bible—this book of instruction—continually, to meditate on it day and night so that I may obey everything written in it. Only then will I prosper and succeed in all that I do (Joshua 1:8–9).

I have also learned that if we want to successfully accomplish God’s mission for our lives, we should stop looking for a vision and start looking for a verse. God does not write our mission in the sky; He has already written it in His Word.

My goal in life is to read diligently, believe wholeheartedly, and act faithfully on His Word. Lord, bless me and send Your Holy Spirit to guide me—this is my humble prayer."

Note: We at "This Week with Jesus" blog humbly and sincerely request you to please include Jen, Lisa, Alison, Joan, Victoria, Samira and Arielle in your daily prayers. They are all going through a very challenging time yet stick to their faith in God. 

What Would You Have me do Today?

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." — Lamentations 3:22–23

Every sunrise is more than just the start of another day—it is a divine invitation. God gifts us a new promise, a new beginning, and another chance to walk in His will. For the brokenhearted, it is a day of hope. For the weary, it is a day of renewal. For all of us, it is a day to experience His unfailing love.

Life unfolds in phases:

Youth — when we read and believe His Word.

Middle age — when we live and experience His Word.

Later years — when we testify to His Word, becoming living evidence of His faithfulness.

No matter the season, each day is a choice: to live for ourselves alone or to include God and others in our journey. Creation itself teaches us that everything gives something to someone — Trees give shade, rivers give water, the sun gives light. So we must ask: What will we give today?

Because a life worth living is one that gives life to another.

Just as God gives us hope, we can become hope for someone else. Just as He provides, we can become provision for another. To love as Christ loves is to embody agape—selfless, sacrificial love—in our words, actions, and presence.

As we thank God for the gift of a new day, let us remember His mercies are fresh each morning, and His love sustains us. 

We are His extension into this world. For His great commission. Can we ask Him daily: “What would You have me do today? Who would You have me reach out to? What would You have me say?”

We can be hope for the hopeless, strength for the weary, and love for the lonely. May our lives reflect His compassion, and may we run eagerly toward His will with each sunrise.

Tomorrow, when the sun rises, pause and ask God:

Who can I encourage today?

How can I show love in action?

Where can I be His hands and feet?

Then step boldly into the day, running toward His instruction.

Surrender For Victory

1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Agatha Christie once remarked that the "saddest thing in life... is the knowledge that there is someone you love very much whom you cannot save from suffering."

There is a unique kind of grief that comes from watching a child, a spouse, or a friend walk through a "valley of the shadow" that you cannot pull them out of. Our instinct is to be the fixer, the shield, and the savior. Yet, we eventually hit the wall of our own humanity. We realize that while our love is vast, our power is finite.

But there is someone who does have that power, and the sooner we realize it the better for us. The Bible contains several verses that address the concept of human limitation and the fundamental need for divine support. These passages often emphasize that while human effort has its place, it is insufficient on its own. Surrender in this context is often described not as giving up, but as letting go of the need to control the outcome. It is the act of placing your physical or emotional pain into the hands of a power greater than yourself, trusting that you are supported regardless of the circumstances.

The overarching message in the quoted texts is not one of despair, but rather one of surrender. The Bible frequently posits that acknowledging one's own helplessness is the prerequisite for receiving "strength that is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

In the biblical tradition, this "helplessness" is often met with the idea of intercession—when you cannot act physically, you stand in the gap spiritually. When we reach the end of our ability to save someone, we must hand that responsibility over to a source of care that is greater than our own.

Think of Mary at the foot of the Cross. She could not stop the nails; she could not dampen the pain. But she was there. Sometimes, the greatest act of spiritual maturity is staying present in the suffering, in surrender, rather than trying to fix it.

Hebrews 6:1 encourages us to move toward maturity. Part of spiritual maturity is the "blessed surrender"—recognizing that the person you love is also loved by a Creator whose reach is longer than yours. When your hands are tied, it is an invitation to place that person into the hands of the Great Physician.

Trade helplessness for hope. Pray for the strength to stay present, the grace to be silent when needed, and the faith to believe that God is working in the places we cannot reach.

Practical Step for Today:

Identify one person whose suffering you have been trying to "solve." Take a moment to physically open your hands in front of you, naming them, and silently "handing" them over to God. Focus today not on being their solution, but on being a source of quiet, steady love.

Wisdom at the Cross

What does it take to be wise? 

In the biblical context, wisdom is rarely defined as a static concept or mere intellectual data. Instead, it is portrayed as a dynamic, practical, and ethical skill set. While the "fear of the Lord" is the starting point (Proverbs 1:7), wisdom itself is the application of that reverence to the complexities of life.

Here are the primary ways the Bible defines and characterizes wisdom:

1. Wisdom as Moral Discernment

In the Hebrew tradition, wisdom (chokmah) is often synonymous with righteousness. It is the ability to distinguish between good and evil, and the discipline to choose the former.

In Practical Life, it is described as "skill in living." Much like a craftsman has skill in a trade, a wise person has the skill to navigate relationships, finances, and speech in a way that honors God.

It is frequently set against "folly." Wisdom is not just being smart; it is being "spiritually sensible."

2. Wisdom as "The Mind of Christ"

In the New Testament, the concept of wisdom undergoes a shift, becoming more closely tied to the person of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit.

a. Christ as Wisdom: Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:30 that Christ "has become for us wisdom from God." In this sense, wisdom is not just a set of rules, but a person to be followed.

b. Counter-Cultural: The Bible often distinguishes "godly wisdom" from "worldly wisdom." What the world considers powerful or smart, God often identifies as foolish (and vice versa).

3. The "Tests" of Wisdom

The Book of James provides perhaps the most concise "checklist" for what wisdom actually looks like in practice. According to James 3:17, wisdom from above is:

* Pure: It starts with integrity.

* Peace-loving: It seeks reconciliation rather than conflict.

* Considerate: It is mindful of others.

* Submissive: It is willing to yield and listen.

* Full of mercy and good fruit: It results in tangible, positive actions.

* Impartial and sincere: It is without hypocrisy.

In short, if the fear of God is the foundation, wisdom is the house built upon it—the practical realization of a life aligned with divine truth.

Easter Monday Reset: New Beginnings

 

(Based on Galatians 5 Ver 22-23)

Resurrection requires a complete "reset" or a "new beginning"—one that is both an outward departure from the past (water) and an inward transformation by the Divine (spirit). We have to move forward - move from "believing" to "becoming.

Having gone through lent, the passion week, Holy Saturday and the Resurrection, today let's think: what difference did all this make in my life?

To help us think this through, let's look at what will look like. PAUL has been quite clear in this matter when he talks about how our relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, effects a change in our spiritual and physical life. He called it the "fruits of the Spirit".  Let's see how we can progress: 

1. The Inward Fruit (our Relationship with God)

These qualities anchor our internal world and provide the "roots" for everything else.

Love (Agapé): Map this to your motivations.

Ask: "Am I doing this (my job, my service, my posts) to be seen, or out of a genuine desire for the well-being of others?"

Action: Practice "anonymous" kindness.

Joy: Map this to your perspective, regardless of circumstances.

Ask: "Can I find God’s goodness even in a 'disaster"?

Action: Keep a gratitude journal (like your "name three things" exercise) to anchor your joy in God's character rather than your comfort.

Peace: Map this to your anxiety levels.

Ask: "Am I resting in God’s sovereignty, or am I trying to control every outcome?"

Action: When a problem arises, use the "Quiet Blessing" approach—pray before you plan.

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2. The Outward Fruit (our Relationship with Others)

These qualities are the "branches" that others interact with daily.

Patience (Longsuffering): Map this to your reactions.

Ask: "How do I respond when things move slowly (in recovery, in business, or in traffic)?"

Action: Intentionally wait. Let someone go ahead of you in line; breathe before responding to a difficult email.

Kindness: Map this to your tone.

Ask: "Is my 'output'—my words and social media presence—useful and healing, or sharp and critical?"

Action: Send one encouraging text or prayer to someone every day.

Goodness: Map this to integrity.

Ask: "Do I do the right thing when no one is watching? (e.g., being honest about a flaw in a vintage item I'm selling?)"

Action: Choose the path of honesty even when it costs you a "sale" or an advantage.

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3. The Upward Fruit (our Character & Discipline)

These qualities are the "ripeness" of the fruit, showing maturity and strength.

Faithfulness: Map this to your commitments.

Ask: "Am I reliable? Do I follow through on my prayers and my promises?"

Action: Be consistent in the "small things"—daily prayer, finishing a task, or showing up for a friend.

Gentleness (Meekness): Map this to your power.

(Note: Gentleness isn't weakness; it is "power under control.")

Ask: "Do I use my influence to lift others up or to push my own agenda?"

Action: Listen twice as much as you speak today.

Self-Control (Temperance): Map this to your appetites and impulses.

Ask: "What is 'driving the bus' of my life? My emotions, or the Holy Spirit?"

Action: Practice a small fast (from social media, sugar, or complaining) to remind your body that the Spirit is in charge.

Weekly Practise Schedule

Silent Saturday Prayer

"The book of Ruth is filled with sweeping drama. It begins with a famine, and we meet a widow, Naomi, who has lost everyone she holds dear. But Naomi is not left alone, and we witness selfless acts of love that restore her spirit. Through the entire book, we see God’s lovingkindness toward His people. And the end points forward to our Savior who will introduce the greatest love story of all.

No matter what you are facing today, let Ruth’s story draw you in, assuring you that God sees you and your situation. He cares for you. And we know that He can do the impossible, bringing good things out of difficult circumstances" - Jamie Janosz. 

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the Cross. We thank You that we do not have to wonder if we are Yours, for Your Spirit bears witness with our spirit. Produce in us a harvest of righteousness. Let our lives be so full of love, joy, and peace that the world knows we have been with Jesus. May our gratitude today transform our worship and steady our spirits.

We lift up our dear Jen, Lindsey, Alison, Lisa, Halleen, Joan and Laurik in our prayers to you today and everyday. You know their need for strength and your peace. We pray that Cindy receives peace and stays hopeful during her upcoming battle with cancer. Give her courage, hope and your peace. But above all they need to know you are with them. Let them feel your presence today.

We pray for Williams SIL who is in the late stages of Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease. Pray that God will heal her and give her a normal lifespan. We pray for baby Barrett. He is in the hospital with Covid. We pray for the mammograms of Beth and Diane and that they are normal.

May this Easter bring:

Rest that restores. Peace that settles the soul. Joy that rises from gratitude. Faith that grows deeper. Light that guides every step.

In the name of the One who gave it all.

Amen

Please join us every week in our Sabbath Prayer for the week. We request your support in adopting prayer points for people mentioned, in your own prayers this week and become vessels of His healing.

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The Evidence of the Tree: A Good Friday Devotional

Let us start with a question: How do you know you are a Christian?

Galatians 5:22-25 & Matthew 7:20
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance... And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." (Galatians 5:22-24, KJV)

"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." (Matthew 7:20, KJV)

On this Good Friday, our eyes are fixed on a rugged wooden cross—a tree of death that became a tree of life. It is here that we find the answer to the deepest question of the soul: How do I know I truly belong to Him?

Being a Christian is not merely a label we wear or a set of rules we follow. It is a fundamental change in our "spiritual DNA." Just as a literal tree is identified by the fruit hanging from its branches, a follower of Christ is identified by the "output" of their life.

The Evidence of the Spirit

The world looks for credentials, but God looks for character. When the Holy Spirit dwells within you because of what Jesus did on the Cross, He begins to produce a specific kind of harvest. You know you are a Christian not because you are perfect, but because these "fruits" are growing where there used to be thorns. Take a look how - 

Love and Gentleness: Do you find yourself loving the "unlovable" or responding with kindness when you are provoked? This isn't human effort; it is the overflow of Christ’s love from the Cross working through you.

Peace and Longsuffering: In the midst of the "Good Friday" seasons of your life—seasons of suffering, waiting, or injustice—do you have a peace that passes understanding? A Christian is marked by a supernatural ability to endure with hope.

Faith and Temperance: Is there a new desire to be faithful to God and to exercise self-control over old habits? This "crucifying of the flesh" is the signature of the Spirit's work.

How do you know you are His? You know it when you see your focus shifting away from what is missing and redirecting toward what God is doing. You know it when bitterness is replaced by a soft heart. You know it when your primary reaction to difficulty is no longer a complaint, but a prayer.

The Fruit of the Spirit is the "evidence of His sustaining grace." It is the proof that the sacrifice of Jesus was not just a historical event, but a living reality in your heart today. Every moment of patience you show, every lesson of goodness you learn, and every battle where peace carries you through is a testimony that you belong to the King.

Looking at the Cross today, can you see how His "gentleness" and "meekness" provided the template for your own walk?

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the Cross. We thank You that we do not have to wonder if we are Yours, for Your Spirit bears witness with our spirit. Produce in us a harvest of righteousness. Let our lives be so full of love, joy, and peace that the world knows we have been with Jesus. May our gratitude today transform our worship and steady our spirits. In the name of the One who gave it all, Amen.

Before you rest this Good Friday, name three specific moments today where you felt the Spirit leading you to respond with "fruit" (patience, love, or peace) instead of your natural reaction. Speak them out as a sacrifice of praise.

Lent2026: Gratitude in the Shadows

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV)

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34)

The Mandate of Gratitude

On this Maundy Thursday, we enter the Upper Room—a place of intimacy, but also of impending shadow. We often associate "Maundy" with the mandatum, the new commandment to love. Yet, as we look at the table set before the disciples, we see that this love is anchored in a profound, intentional posture: gratitude.

Paul tells us to give thanks "in everything." He wrote this to encourage believers to remain thankful not just in moments of ease, but in every circumstance. As Jesus sat at the table, knowing the cross was hours away, He took the bread, and He gave thanks.

Gratitude in the Shadows

Gratitude is not a reaction to perfect conditions; it is an intentional act of faith. On this holy night, we see Jesus demonstrating that thanksgiving shifts our focus away from what is missing—safety, comfort, or worldly recognition—and redirects our hearts toward the sovereignty of the Father.

Gratitude in the Struggle 

Jesus gave thanks for the bread that represented His broken body. This reminds us that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our comfort. Even when life feels uncertain or unfinished, thankfulness anchors us to the truth that God remains loving.

The Gift Disguised

Not every gift arrives wrapped in celebration. Some of the greatest graces of the Passion were disguised as the strength to endure, the patience to wait in Gethsemane, and the peace that carried Christ through unseen spiritual battles.

A Daily Posture

When gratitude becomes our daily posture, it guards us from the bitterness that could have easily overtaken the disciples in their confusion. It keeps our hearts soft toward God even when we are standing at the threshold of a "Good Friday" season.

Thanksgiving has the power to transform our worry into worship and our restlessness into peace. It lifts the weight of our burdens off our hearts and places them back into God’s capable hands. Every breath we take and every moment of provision is evidence of His sustaining grace—the same grace that sustained our Lord as He moved from the table to the garden.

Before you rest tonight, intentionally name at least three things you are thankful for. Speak them out loud if you can. Let this act of gratitude calm your thoughts and prepare your heart to receive God’s mercies again tomorrow, even in the shadow of the Cross.

As we move through the solemnity of Good Friday and the silence of Saturday, we are called to slow down. We must reflect on the quiet blessings woven through the sacrifice. The Cross is the ultimate gift, and our response is the "will of God in Christ Jesus": to be a people of thanks.

(Adapted from a KJV Devotional)