The Upper Room Devotion for Tuesday April 9, 2024, was written by Jennifer Kirsch of Ohio.
Scripture
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many members, yet one body.
1 Corinthians 12:12-20 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
A few years ago, I felt like something was missing from my life. My days lacked meaning and purpose. However, instead of bringing my concern to God, I looked for fulfillment in lots of wrong places - which only left me feeling emptier. I struggled to change my ways and turn to God. My church group was focusing on spiritual health and encouraged members to share their struggles. At first I was hesitant to discuss my emptiness. Most people value strength, independence, and success, not fragility or need. But I finally opened up to the group and asked for help.
After that meeting, ten people started praying for me. Soon after, I sensed God's presence and power in the circumstances around me, stearing me away from distractions. Sermons, devotionals, and Bible verses reminded me of God's provision. Together, these factors helped me find new life in God.
Being vulnerable wasn't easy. But when I asked, I found that others were glad to help. Group members checked in on me regularly and offered encouragement. Their prayers and God's responses gave me hope that God would give me new purpose and supply what was missing from my life.
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
Jennifer’s reflection reminds that the church should be a community where: 1) There are safe judgement free spaces where people can be vulnerable, 2) The culture and environment makes it ok to ask for help, and 3) The spiritual health and development of members is emphasized.
Author's Prayer
Thank you, God, for responding to the prayers of our church family. Help us to ask for support when we need it. Amen.