Believe It! (#342 of 365+)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16)

Joni talked about Chuck, a developmentally delayed young man who was
born with Down syndrome. One Sunday he and his friends made a presentation for disability awareness at a church that wasn’t familiar to them. After he recited John 3:16 from the stage, he received laughter and applause. But he wasn’t there to entertain them; he was serious about God’s word and wanted to communicate it to this sanctuary filled with souls. In frustration he said, “Don’t laugh, I mean it. I really believe it!”

His reaction to their lighthearted attitude must have surprised them, and maybe even offended some members, because Joni said, “His defense of the gospel gave pause to the congregation.”

“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:26-30)

Lord, you are my “righteousness, holiness and redemption.” Your infinite qualities are beyond my ability to express with words. A single thought in your mind is beyond my ability to comprehend. But I can say this: I know I’d be nothing and going nowhere without you. Thank you for your amazing grace, for the presence of your Holy Spirit, and for being my everything. Help me to defend the gospel and live in a way that will bring glory and honor to you. Amen.