The Power of Jesus to Change Lives

In my last year of seminary, I took an administrative class. It covered the basics: how to make a budget, how to run a session meeting, carry out a stewardship campaign. Just the kinds of things a pastor needs to know before they get out of school and go into a church. 

At the very end of the class, the professor brought in a retired minister who had years of experience. He was in his 70s at that time and carried a lot of wisdom. He emphasized the need to persevere and the need to be out visiting people. He shared with us all the ins and outs, the good, the bad, and the difficult. And at the very end, he said: Here is the most important thing. If you remember nothing else, please don’t ever forget the power of Jesus Christ to change lives – even yours.

I have never forgotten it. In fact, in the 23 years since, I have seen it happen again and again and again. I have seen lives changed, prayers answered, situations turned around, and redemption happen. So much so that today, no matter what the situation, no matter what the person might have done, no matter what happened, I always hold out for redemption. I hold on to the possibility of change. And, I hold on to hope.

I don’t know what you might be going through in your life, but I pray that you would never forget the power of Jesus Christ to change lives – even yours.

Let us pray: Loving God, today we lift up to you our anxious, worried hearts. Calm our spirits and help us to trust that your love will prevail. And may your peace which surpasses all understanding guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.