Journey: A New Believer's Guide to Spiritual GrowthSample

Filling the Gap

In John 14, Jesus speaks about His return to heaven after His death on the cross. He told His disciples He would come back and get them and take them to the place where He would be (aka heaven). Jesus tells His disciples, "You know the way to the place where I am going."

To that, one of Jesus' disciples named Thomas asked Jesus, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" This is when Jesus responds with, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

When it comes to life's basic needs, knowing where to go, knowing the truth about life, and then experiencing a satisfying life- about sums it up. Jesus is reassuring a concerned group of disciples about His departure from earth and He says that what should fill the gap between now on earth and where you will be one day, is himself--Jesus. It's Jesus who shows us the way when we're lost. It's Jesus who provides truth in the middle of confusion, and it's Jesus who offers the real and satisfying life all

humanity needs! 

But, that gap -- the one between "now on earth" and the point when we will be with Jesus forever- can get filled with all kinds of stuff: people, work, entertainment, social media, challenges, surprises-both good and bad. 

Jesus offers Himself as the One who fills the gap. He is the only One who will perfectly fill the gap in our lives. Is he the way you go in life? Is he your truth rather than the world's truth? He should be! Is He so involved in your everyday life that you could say He is your life?

If He is not, clear your mind and focus on Jesus. The text messages can wait. The calls and emails don't need to be responded to right now. It's time for you and Jesus to meet! Push all the distractions aside and set all your thoughts on Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus, today is all about you! I want my life to reflect your goodness and love to those around me, so right now, prepare my heart and mind to hear from You. Give me the spiritual eyes and ears to learn from You. Thank You in advance for what You're going to show me! In Jesus' name, Amen.