“Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment?” (Matthew 6:25, KJV)
Introduction
Peter found himself in a doctor’s office waiting room. The news playing on the TV caught his attention, filling him with concern. Sitting a few seats away, Mary, a woman with kind eyes, sensed his unease and felt moved to speak.
Devotional Story
The news anchor reported on various crises: wildfires ravaging communities, political conflicts unsettling nations, and poverty rates skyrocketing. It felt like the world was crumbling. Peter shook his head and muttered, “This world’s just falling apart, isn’t it?”
Mary, hearing the despair in Peter’s voice, saw an opportunity to share wisdom from her faith. “I can’t help but notice you’re bothered by the news. Jesus has a way of comforting us when the world feels overwhelming. He said,
‘Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment?'” (Matthew 6:25, KJV)
Peter’s eyes met Mary’s. “That’s from the Bible? You think that can really help with all that’s going on?”
Mary nodded, her face earnest. “Yes, I do. In times like this, Jesus also offers us another promise:
‘Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.'” (Matthew 11:28, KJV)
For a moment, the noisy waiting room seemed to fade away. Peter felt as though a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Mary’s words, filled with scripture, resonated with him, offering a sliver of hope amidst chaos. Peter finally heard his name called for his appointment. As he stood up, he felt different. The world’s problems hadn’t changed, but his perspective had. He felt fortified by Mary’s words, uplifted by the wisdom and assurance that he was not alone in facing life’s challenges.
Conclusion
The story of Peter and Mary in the waiting room offers more than just a narrative. It delivers a timeless message of comfort grounded in biblical truths. In a world increasingly fraught with crises and hardships, it’s easy to succumb to worry and despair. Yet, the Bible repeatedly reassures us that our anxieties, our burdens, and even our worldly troubles are not ours to bear alone.
“Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22, KJV)
It’s a profound notion: the idea that the omnipotent God invites us to cast our anxieties onto Him. Yet, how often do we forget this in the hustle and bustle of daily life, especially when the world’s woes seem magnified by 24/7 news cycles? Peter’s initial reaction to the news is one many of us can relate to—feeling overwhelmed, even despairing, at the state of the world.
Yet, as Mary reminds Peter, we have the assurance that when all seems lost, God remains a source of steadfastness and peace. The Bible not only encourages us to turn our gaze toward Him, but it also assures us that things will fall into place, even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, KJV)
In moments of difficulty, we are encouraged to surrender our worries to God and trust in His providence. Sometimes, a simple shift in perspective is all it takes to see our circumstances in a new light, just as Peter did after speaking with Mary.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV)
In times of turbulence and uncertainty, let us remember that the peace of God “which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, KJV). God’s word promises us that when we are burdened, we can find rest and peace in Him. This doesn’t mean that all of life’s problems will magically disappear, but it does offer the profound comfort that we are not alone in facing them.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7, KJV)