"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." -John 1:4

I was walking with one of my closest and dearest friends around the Dana Point Harbor, close to sunset. A warm breeze was coming off the ocean, boats were sailing in and out of the harbor, and we were on a path along the edge of the water. As we walked, we were talking about the kingdom and the love of God, and how being a believer in God brings you into this new reality of the kingdom life. That means that no matter what, you can be a happy, joy-filled person regardless of circumstance. That the unending full love of God puts deep within the heart of the human being a strength, an ability to experience the fruit of living no matter how hard life gets.

My friend, who's been struggling for a long time with a digestive problem, put his hand on my shoulder. He said, "You know, I've been struggling for five or six years. There are so many foods I can't eat. I always feel sick, and my energy gets zapped, and sometimes that makes it hard for me. I'm suffering. It's hard to feel this joy we're talking about, that this deep happiness can be a real thing for me. I'm not sure it can be."

After our talk, my friend overcame his digestive problems. Despite his struggle, he continued to hope every day. He believed God and had the faith that he would overcome. That led him to research his ailment, to think, to look, and to hope, and he was healed. But, imagine if he'd quit and given up. He'd still be stuck right where he was. We can't give up on God.

Prayer: Dear Lord, even when life gets hard, I still hope in you. I know you will lead the way from here to where I am to go. I know your will for my life is perfect. Amen.

Reflection: What is your biggest struggle? Do you have hope that God will get you through?

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Prayer:

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Reflection:

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
-John 1:4