Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.

John 4:19

Several years ago, “What Would Jesus Do?” was a popular phrase among Christians. This was the measure to use in decision-making. Pattern your behavior after Him. Not a bad idea, right? It’s a little harder to put into practice.

Did you see how Jesus answered in John? He did ONLY what the Father ordained. He never steered away from the Father’s plan. Ever. Can we say the same about ourselves?

I often make choices that are not God’s best for my life. If asked, I would tell you that I know what God would have me do, and His ways are always right. But, what do my actions say? Sometimes I am too independent. I need more dependency on my Father, just like Jesus.

What are you depending on these days? During times like these we often look to other sources rather that the Father. Are you depending on the websites that track the numbers of COVID-19? Are you watching to make sure the numbers of new cases are going down in your county? Are you depending on that news channel to know how to proceed in your day? Are you watching and waiting for officials to say what is next for us? Are you depending on that mask or that distance from others? If we do these things just right, then maybe we will be okay.

Listen, I understand that we do need to be informed about this virus. We need to follow the guidance of our leaders. We implement safer practices to love our neighbors well and be mindful of others. We should be examples of Christ’s love in times like these. But if we take an honest look at ourselves, we often depend on these practices or the words of others rather than Jesus.

If Jesus is your Savior, He has given you the gift of Himself. He will guide, teach, strengthen, and encourage you as you go. During COVID-19 and always, you can trust Him. Is God sovereign over everything that is happening around us? YES. Is it a difficult time we are living in? YES. But we have Hope and we have Jesus. There is no better place to be than in His Hands, depending on the Father.

My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge (Psalm 62:7).

Julie Smith