Lent: With One VoiceSample

AGAINST ALL ODDS

What obstacles stand in the way of your goals? It may be you have an unsupportive family, too little money, lack of education, the wrong gender, or any number of things. You convince yourself that if those obstacles were removed you would finally find success. The woman in our reading today was forced to face her obstacles. She was reminded by Jesus of the obstacles that stood in her way; her gender, her ethnicity, her religion. She could have walked away discouraged. However, faith caused her to speak up and to confess her confidence in God’s grace for all people. You may feel the odds are against you. Yet, Jesus’s death and resurrection has allowed God’s grace and love to come overflowing into every part of our life. There is no obstacle that keeps God from loving you. When God is for us, who can stand against us!


FOR REFLECTION
• What obstacle in your life can you surrender to God to allow Him to work on your behalf?
• Where in your life do you need to stand by faith rather than turning away, knowing that faith in God’s love for you is your true source of strength?

PRAYER
Father God, may Your eternal love for me give me courage to face the obstacles in my life. When I am ready to turn and run, remind me that You are with me always and You are my sure and certain protector and provider.