Devotionals for the Heart: Answers

What Am I Searching For?
A devotional by Jessica Collazo

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” –Hebrews 1:3 (ESV)

A few weeks ago, I attended a conference where the keynote speaker said something that has stood with me, which if I am honest, I am still processing.

She talked about how Jesus had all of the answers.

You may think, “Jessica, we know that already.” But I want us to pause and think about the weight of that statement. As Jesus walked this earth, he was fully God, meaning He knew all things. Everything that has happened, was happening and would happen.

For some reason, this stood out to me this time because I truly started to think about how I can get fixated on having all the answers. On understanding why things are happening or what solutions I can come up with. This was the first time that it hit me. Finally, I realized that Jesus had all of the answers, and that didn’t stop him from feeling the weight of everything that would happen to him: the sadness of losing a friend, the anger of seeing the house of God disrespected.

I have lived my life seeking to have answers, thinking that if I have the answers, it would change how I feel or the overall outcome of the situation. I am guilty of spending more time praying for answers to my situation, than praying for the Holy Spirit to guide me through the situation.

It is only through prayer and intimacy with God that I can face my problems. I have to accept that there are times when I may have answers to why things happen, but other times I may not. I also have to acknowledge that having answers cannot supersede having faith in God.

Jesus fully surrendered His will to His Heavenly Father, and I must learn to do the same no matter what is happening in my life. I know how hard life can be, but I hope that today you can remember that so does Jesus.

Let’s Pray: Thank you, Jesus, for loving us so much that you willingly came to this earth and carried the weight of our sins on that cross. Thank you for modeling what it’s like to wrestle with your emotions yet fully surrender your will to the Father. I pray for anyone who is struggling at the moment and seeking to understand why things are happening in their life. I pray that they would find peace in you. Help them to surrender their need for answers, and trust that you are taking care of every detail of their life. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen. 

*Note from Alexis: Jessica's devotional message today reminds me of the song "My Jesus'" by Anne Wilson. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jessica Collazo is a Chicago native with a heart that beats for Jesus. 

Her passion is to challenge women to think differently, gain a new perspective and live confidently. Because she knows, it’s possible.

Using God’s Word, a little bit of humor, strategic way of thinking and personal stories, Jessica offers a fresh take on where to go when women feel stuck, overlooked or overwhelmed.

Jessica’s greatest passion is to help women take off the identities they have been given by the world and realize who they are in Christ: known, dearly loved, set apart, and chosen.

Jessica is the senior manager of operations at Proverbs 31 Ministries who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband, Jerry, two sons and dog, Sawyer. Prior to working at Proverbs 31 Ministries, Jessica has over 10 years of experience working in women’s ministry, marriage ministry and outreach.

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Connect with Jessica:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jessicacollazo/
Website: https://jessicacollazo.com

31 Days of Prayer: Because God has ALL the answers

If you're looking for the answers to anything in life, look no further than Jesus Christ.

It's like that song "Remedy" by Christian artist Rachael Lampa in which Rachael sings about how Jesus Christ is the remedy to every malady in life so she keeps Him close. How do you think we, like Rachael, can keep Jesus close? If you're thinking of the word "prayer" then you are absolutely right! The Bible says to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It does not mean that we have to be in prayer position on our knees all day and night. Remember, you can pray anywhere silently in your mind. It doesn't mean that you should obsess about prayer. It just means to be in a prayerful spirit. When God impresses you to pray for someone or you have something on your heart you want to share with Him, then wherever you are, in the privacy of your own mind, say a prayer. God hears you.

Trust God to provide all the answers you need, according to His will. Now I say, "according to His will" because though God has ALL of the answers, it does NOT mean He's going to tell you everything. If we knew the answers to everything in life, we would not need God. Embrace the fact that you will never know ALL the answers. But be at peace with having a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ whose knowledge of all the answers and perfect love for you will keep you safe and secure in this world no matter how crazy it gets.

Today, we're keeping it short and simple.

Let's pray.

Dear God,

Thank You for being our remedy. Please help us to continue seeking You in prayer, trusting that You have all of the answers to our every question in this life. May we be at peace in what you choose to tell us and what you keep from us because we know You have our best interest at heart. Help us to keep our faith in You strong through the storms of life and help us to give you all of the glory, honor and praise when you take us from darkness into Your marvelous light.

In Jesus' Name I pray,

Amen.