Tag: Luke

Crushing Anxiety: Jesus’ Challenge to a Control-Obsessed Culture

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:34 to “not worry about tomorrow” may seem nearly impossible to apply in today’s fast-paced, future-oriented culture. The demands of work, family, finances, and even church life often leave us anxious about what lies ahead. But this command speaks just as powerfully now as it did to His original audience. In their day, many struggled to meet daily needs, and the future brought uncertainty. Yet Jesus called them, and us, to trust in God’s provision for every day rather than letting tomorrow’s worries rob us of today’s peace.

The anxiety that many of us carry is often a symptom of a deeper issue: our desire for control. We plan meticulously, hoping to safeguard against uncertainty, but when the unexpected happens, the illusion of control crumbles. Jesus’ instruction is a reminder that no matter how well we plan, we can never truly control tomorrow. Instead, He invites us to rest in the knowledge that God holds both today and tomorrow in His hands. It’s not a call to irresponsibility or carelessness but to faith that relinquishes the need to micromanage every outcome.

Jesus provides the antidote to this anxious striving by pointing us toward the care of the Father. He paints a vivid picture of God’s provision in the natural world, how He feeds the birds and clothes the lilies (Matthew 6:26-30), and asks us to trust that we are worth even more to Him. This trust allows us to focus on the present, embracing the moments we are given without being paralyzed by fears of what the future might hold.

This lesson challenges us deeply. In a culture driven by calendars, clocks, and deadlines, Jesus offers a counter-cultural way of living. Instead of obsessing over the uncertainties of tomorrow, we are invited to live each day fully, leaning on God’s grace and provision. Planning is not the problem; it’s when our plans turn into anxieties that we step away from trust. Jesus knew what it was like to be surrounded by demands, yet He continually withdrew to be with the Father, refusing to let the world dictate His peace.

This call to trust extends beyond simply easing our own anxiety; it shapes how we serve others. When we aren’t consumed with worry about the future, we are freed to love, serve, and give more generously in the present. Our confidence in God’s provision becomes a testimony to those around us, pointing to a hope that transcends human concerns.

Jesus’ teaching challenges us to let go of our attempts to control the future and place our trust in God. Each day has its own troubles, but it also has its own grace. As we learn to rest in that grace, we reflect a deeper faith that trusts God for tomorrow—because He’s already there.

Worship Without Walls: Making Peace with Others

Reading through Mark 3, Luke 6, and Matthew 5, we come across a powerful teaching that echoes across all three Gospels: the importance of reconciliation with others before offering anything to God. In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus says, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

This teaching is profound, challenging our natural inclination to put religious rituals ahead of relational harmony. It reminds us that true worship cannot be separated from the condition of our hearts and the state of our relationships. Let’s explore why Jesus emphasizes this and how it applies to us today.

In Jewish culture, the offering of sacrifices was central to worship. The altar was a place where individuals connected with God, seeking forgiveness, thanksgiving, and blessing. Yet, in this passage, Jesus places reconciliation with others above these sacred acts. Why? Because for Jesus, relationships reflect our understanding of God’s love and grace. Worship becomes hollow if we harbor bitterness or resentment toward others.

Imagine coming to worship on a Sunday morning with a heavy heart, filled with anger or frustration toward a family member or friend. No matter how beautiful the songs are or how fervent your prayers, something feels off. That’s because unresolved conflict creates a barrier not only between you and others but also between you and God.

Jesus’ instruction is radical because it forces us to prioritize peacemaking. Notice that the onus is not just on those who have wronged others but also on those who have been wronged. We are called to make the first move, to seek reconciliation even if we feel justified in our hurt.

Why is this so important? Because in God’s kingdom, reconciliation mirrors the gospel itself. Just as Christ reconciled us to God through His sacrifice, we are to embody that same heart of reconciliation in our relationships. The act of forgiving and asking for forgiveness is a reflection of the cross, where Jesus brought peace between humanity and God.

Jesus’ teaching challenges the religious tendency to separate the “sacred” from the “ordinary.” We may think that offering a gift at the altar or participating in a church service is a purely spiritual act, disconnected from our daily lives. But Jesus makes it clear that authentic worship is deeply connected to how we treat others. If there’s enmity between us and a brother or sister, our worship is incomplete.

In our modern context, this might look like making amends with someone before taking communion or resolving an ongoing conflict before serving in ministry. God desires wholeness in our hearts and in our relationships. He longs for worship that is not only vertical but also horizontal—reaching out to those around us with love, grace, and forgiveness.

As we reflect on Jesus’ words, let’s ask ourselves: Is there someone I need to reconcile with? Are there any unresolved conflicts that are hindering my worship? God doesn’t want our offerings if our hearts are divided. He wants us to be at peace with one another.

This might mean sending a text, making a phone call, or sitting down for a difficult conversation. Whatever it takes, prioritize reconciliation. Only then will our worship be a true reflection of God’s grace and love.

Escaping Christian Celebrity Culture: A Lesson from Jesus

In today’s Christian world, there’s a growing trend that mirrors the celebrity culture we see in entertainment—prominent pastors, authors, and Christian leaders who garner massive followings and media attention. But when we examine the life of Jesus, we find a stark contrast. In Luke 5, Mark 2, and Matthew 9, we see that Jesus often withdrew from the crowds. Though He performed miracles and taught large gatherings, He never craved the spotlight. Instead, He sought solitude with the Father and avoided the temptations of fame.

Jesus exemplified that true leadership is rooted in humility and submission to God’s will. When the crowds clamored for His attention, He often retreated to spend time in prayer, ensuring His purpose remained aligned with the Father’s will (Luke 5:16). He wasn’t interested in gathering fame for fame’s sake; He focused on serving, healing, and ultimately fulfilling His mission to redeem humanity. This starkly contrasts with the celebrity culture that elevates human leaders to near-idol status.

Today’s Christian “celebrity” culture can be dangerous because it risks shifting focus away from Jesus and onto individuals. Pastors and leaders should not be viewed as celebrities but as vessels pointing people toward Christ. Unfortunately, recent high-profile failures remind us of the pitfalls of elevating any human leader. When we put anyone but Jesus on a pedestal, we set both them and ourselves up for disappointment. Christian leaders like Tony Evans, Robert Morris, and Steve Lawson remind us that even the most respected can falter, underscoring that no one is above accountability.

What can we learn from this? That true pastoral leadership should point people to Jesus, not themselves. A pastor should prioritize service, humility, and leading others to a deeper relationship with God—not to fame. If Jesus, the Son of God, rejected the spotlight in favor of solitude and humility, shouldn’t our pastors and leaders do the same?

This leaves us with a critical question: Are we following Jesus or are we seeking leaders who entertain or make us feel good about ourselves? A good pastor will always redirect our focus back to Christ, making sure that our hope rests solely in Him, not in human authority or charisma. The lesson from Jesus is clear—humility, service, and submission to God’s will should define leadership, not fame or celebrity. In this light, Christian celebrity culture is not just undesirable; it’s incompatible with true, Christ-like leadership.

When Jesus Calls

In the Gospels, we see a remarkable moment when Jesus calls His first disciples. While they were going about their everyday lives—fishing by the shore, mending their nets—Jesus walks up and simply says, “Follow me.” And just like that, they drop everything and follow Him. What’s most surprising is the immediacy of their response. They didn’t hesitate, ask for time to think about it, or even inquire about what this journey would look like. They left their nets, their boats, their livelihoods, and followed Him instantly.

We find this story in multiple Gospel accounts. In Matthew 4:18-22, we see Simon Peter and Andrew being called, followed by James and John. Luke 5:1-11 gives more detail about the miraculous catch of fish, which serves as a sign of Jesus’ power. In Mark 1:16-20, the simplicity of Jesus’ call is emphasized once more—there’s no fanfare, no big promises, just a command to follow. And they obey.

There’s something about Jesus’ call that cuts through the noise of everyday life and demands a response. The disciples might not have known the full scope of what they were getting into, but they knew this: Jesus was worth following. His call offered something more meaningful than their fishing nets, and they couldn’t ignore it.

What can we learn from this? Often, we can become so caught up in our daily routines, our plans, and our careers that when Jesus calls us to something new, we hesitate. We might ask ourselves, “What if I’m not ready?” or “What will this mean for my current plans?” But the disciples teach us that when Jesus calls, the only right response is to follow—without delay, without conditions.

Jesus’ call doesn’t always lead us away from our jobs or families, but it does lead us away from a life where we are in control. To follow Jesus means giving up the idea that we have everything figured out and trusting that His path is better, even — perhaps especially — when we can’t see where it leads. When the disciples left their nets, they didn’t know that they were stepping into a world-changing mission, that they would witness miracles, or that they would eventually become the leaders of the early church. They just knew that Jesus was calling, and that was enough.

For us today, the call of Jesus might look different—it could be a nudge toward a new direction in life, a call to serve in your church or community, or a challenge to step out of your comfort zone. Whatever it is, we are invited to respond like the disciples—immediately and wholeheartedly. Jesus still calls us today, and He calls us into a life filled with purpose and adventure. But we won’t discover that if we hold onto our “nets” and insist on staying in control.

What is Jesus calling you to today? Will you drop everything to follow Him?

What Does It Mean to Worship “In the Spirit”?

In John 4, Jesus has an unexpected conversation with a Samaritan woman. As they talk, the topic of worship comes up. The woman points out that Jews worship in Jerusalem, while her people, the Samaritans, worship on Mount Gerizim. She’s focused on the location — the outward, physical expression of worship. But Jesus turns her understanding upside down when He says, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

At that time, worship was deeply tied to physical places and rituals. For the Jews, worship meant making sacrifices at the Temple in Jerusalem. For the Samaritans, it was about their sacred site on Mount Gerizim. Worship involved tangible, fleshly acts like offering animals, burning incense, and performing rituals. It was all very external, based on visible actions that could be seen and measured.

But Jesus reveals something revolutionary: true worship isn’t about the right location or the right ritual. Worship is about connecting with God on a deeper, spiritual level — “in spirit.” God is not confined to one place or bound by physical forms. He is spirit, and so our worship must be spiritual too.

What does it mean to worship in spirit?

Worshipping in spirit means engaging with God beyond external acts. It’s not about just attending a service, singing songs, or going through the motions. It’s about our hearts being fully involved — a connection that goes beyond what we do and reaches into who we are. It’s a worship that is alive, personal, and sincere.

Reflect for a moment: How often do we let worship become a routine? Do we sometimes show up physically but forget to show up spiritually? Worshipping in spirit challenges us to move past the surface. It calls us to dig deeper, to approach God with genuine reverence and openness.

This doesn’t mean we abandon the outward expressions of worship. Attending church, singing, and praying together are all important. But the key is what’s happening inside. When we worship, are we really connecting with God? Are we letting the Holy Spirit guide our hearts and minds, or are we just checking off a box?

What about worship in truth?

Jesus adds that we must worship in truth. This means that our worship is based on a real understanding of who God is. It’s rooted in the truth of Scripture and the reality of God’s character. Worship in spirit without truth can become emotionalism — a vague sense of connection without a firm foundation. But worship in truth without spirit can become dry and mechanical, just going through the motions without real engagement.

Think about your own worship: Do you feel deeply connected to God, and is that connection grounded in the truth of His Word?

Why does this matter today?

In our modern world, it’s easy to let worship become just another part of our schedule. We attend church, sing the songs, say the prayers, but it’s possible to go through the motions without engaging our spirit. Jesus calls us to something more — to a worship that’s alive, personal, and real.

God desires our hearts, not just our attendance. He wants us to connect with Him in a way that transforms us from the inside out. Worshipping in spirit and in truth allows us to move beyond ritual and enter into a real relationship with the living God. It’s not about getting everything right on the outside; it’s about letting God work deeply on the inside.

Next time you’re in a moment of worship — whether it’s at church, at home, or anywhere in between — pause and ask yourself: Am I worshipping in spirit and in truth? Am I fully engaged with God? Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to guide my heart and mind, while grounding my worship in the truth of who God is?

God of the Gaps

In John 2, we find the account of Jesus’ first miracle: turning water into wine at a wedding feast. It’s a familiar story, but there’s a powerful lesson tucked into the dialogue between Jesus and His mother, Mary. When the wine ran out, a potentially embarrassing situation for the hosts, Mary simply brought the need to Jesus: “They have no more wine” (John 2:3).

At first, Jesus’ response might seem like a refusal: “My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4). But Mary doesn’t push or try to argue. Instead, she turns to the servants and says, “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5). In that moment, Mary demonstrates a profound kind of faith: the kind that brings a need to God and leaves the solution in His hands. She didn’t know exactly what Jesus would do, but she trusted that He would act in the best way.

There’s a powerful lesson here for us today. How often do we face situations where we don’t know what to do or how things will work out? Maybe it’s a financial strain, a family conflict, or a decision that leaves us feeling lost. We can feel like we’ve run out of resources or options, just like the wedding hosts had run out of wine. But this story reminds us that we don’t need to have all the answers. Our job is simply to bring our needs to Jesus and trust Him to fill the gaps in ways we may not expect.

Jesus didn’t just fix the problem; He transformed it. The water He turned into wine wasn’t just any wine — it was the best wine of the feast, far exceeding what anyone had provided. When we trust God to handle the things we can’t, He often works in ways that surpass what we could have imagined.

Sometimes, like Mary, our faith doesn’t need to be flashy or dramatic. It can be as simple as bringing our concerns to God and then stepping back, knowing He will work in His timing and in His way. We don’t need to try to control the outcome, but we can trust that He is faithful to respond.

So, when we face situations where we feel uncertain or overwhelmed, may we follow Mary’s example: bring the need to Jesus, then trust Him to do what only He can do.

From Bloodline to Faith: Jesus’ Better Covenant

John’s powerful rebuke to the crowds gathered at the Jordan River reveals a profound shift in God’s plan for salvation. When John tells the crowd that their claim to Abraham as their forefather isn’t enough to save them (Matthew 3:9), he’s laying the groundwork for a new covenant that Jesus would usher in—a covenant that wasn’t based on bloodline but on faith. This is a critical moment in understanding the transition from the old way of thinking, where lineage determined your identity as part of God’s people, to the new way, where it’s faith in Christ that defines who belongs to God.

In the Old Testament, the promise to Abraham was deeply connected to his descendants—God chose Abraham and promised that through his offspring, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). The Jewish people took pride in being Abraham’s physical descendants, as this bloodline represented their covenant relationship with God. But John’s rebuke highlights a truth that had been foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament: salvation has always been about more than just physical descent.

Even before Jesus came, there were those who were saved not by their bloodline but by their faith. Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, was not part of the family of Abraham by blood, yet she is included in the genealogy of Jesus because of her faith and her actions in protecting the Israelite spies (Joshua 2, Matthew 1:5). Similarly, Ruth, a Moabite widow, was not an Israelite by birth, but her faithfulness to God and her trust in His provision brought her into the fold of God’s people (Ruth 1:16, Ruth 4). These women—outsiders by all human standards—were saved by their faith, and they became part of the lineage through which Jesus, the Savior, came.

What John was doing in his rebuke was preparing the people for the truth that Jesus would soon reveal: that God’s plan had always been bigger than a single nation or bloodline. Jesus came to bring that plan to completion, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham while expanding them. No longer would salvation be confined to those who could trace their ancestry back to Abraham; now, anyone who has faith in Christ is considered a child of Abraham (Galatians 3:7). Jesus took the bloodline of Abraham, the promise made to one family, and fulfilled it so completely that it could be opened up to the whole world.

This is incredibly good news for us today because it means that salvation is not something we inherit or earn through who we are or what we do. It’s a gift of grace that comes through faith in Jesus. Just like Rahab and Ruth, we are invited into God’s family, not by our lineage or our efforts, but by trusting in Him. And just as they were counted righteous through their faith before Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are now made right with God through the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

This message is particularly significant in our time, where people often find their identity in their background, status, or achievements. Jesus’ invitation is open to all, regardless of their past, their family, or their mistakes. The promise that began with Abraham, was carried through his bloodline, and was fulfilled in Jesus is now extended to all who would believe.

In Jesus, the bloodline of Abraham is brought to completion, and a new, better promise is made available to us all: salvation through faith. Just as Rahab and Ruth were brought into God’s family by faith, so too can we become part of His family, united not by blood, but by the Spirit of God that draws us to faith in Christ. That is the true fulfillment of God’s plan and the good news we celebrate today.

Empowered to Speak: The Holy Spirit’s Work in Us

As we read through Luke 1:39-2:40 and Matthew 1:18-25, one pattern stands out: when the Holy Spirit filled people, they spoke prophetic words. Elizabeth, Zechariah, Simeon—all of them, when filled with the Spirit, declared truths about God’s promises and the Messiah. Even the angel’s words to Joseph can be seen as a Spirit-inspired message, guiding him to protect and nurture Jesus.

This pattern shows that when the Holy Spirit moves, He empowers His people to proclaim God’s truth boldly. What lessons can we draw from this today?

1. The Holy Spirit Still Moves

First, it’s clear that the Holy Spirit is active. Just as He filled these people at critical moments in salvation history, He continues to fill and empower believers today. We are called to recognize and welcome His presence in our lives. The Spirit is not just a distant force; He is personal and present, ready to guide, strengthen, and inspire us in our walk with Christ.

2. Prophetic Words are Spirit-Led

When the Spirit filled Elizabeth, Zechariah, and Simeon, they spoke truths about God’s promises. These were not random thoughts but divinely inspired words of prophecy. Today, while the specifics of prophecy may differ, the principle remains: the Holy Spirit empowers us to speak truth, often in ways that bring encouragement, correction, or guidance.

This doesn’t mean we all have the “gift of prophecy” in the same way, but it does mean that God’s Spirit can move through us to share His message with others, whether in words of wisdom, comfort, or exhortation.

3. Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness

Another lesson from these passages is how often the prophetic words pointed to God’s faithfulness to His promises. Simeon, for example, praised God for allowing him to see the fulfillment of the promise he had waited for: the Messiah. When the Spirit fills us today, He often leads us to declare God’s faithfulness, reminding ourselves and others that God’s promises still hold true.

Sometimes we face seasons where it’s hard to believe in God’s promises. Yet, just as Simeon waited with expectation, we can trust that God’s Spirit will sustain us in hope and prompt us to speak words of life when the time is right.

4. We Are Empowered to Speak Boldly

Elizabeth’s response when Mary came to visit was immediate and bold. She didn’t hold back; she declared Mary blessed among women and praised God for the child she carried. The Holy Spirit gives us courage to speak out in truth and love. Sometimes we hesitate to speak up, whether due to fear of rejection or doubt, but the Spirit empowers us to share what needs to be said, especially when it comes to pointing people to Jesus.

5. The Spirit’s Work is Always Christ-Centered

In each instance of prophecy in these passages, the message pointed to Jesus. The Holy Spirit’s primary mission is to reveal and glorify Christ (John 16:14), and this is true for us today. When we are filled with the Spirit, we should expect that our words and actions will reflect Jesus and His Kingdom. Whether in a conversation, a moment of prayer, or even through our lifestyle, the Spirit will move us to point others to Christ.

The Takeaway

What we see in Luke 1 and Matthew 1 is the Holy Spirit filling people not just for their benefit but for the sake of proclaiming God’s truth. Today, the same Spirit that moved in the lives of Elizabeth, Zechariah, and Simeon is available to us, empowering us to speak boldly, proclaim God’s faithfulness, and point others to Jesus.

As we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us, we should be ready to speak words of encouragement, truth, and hope to those around us. May we be open to His leading, and like these figures in the Gospels, may we have the courage to declare God’s greatness in every opportunity we are given.

Unexpected Heroes: The Women Who Shaped Salvation

When we read through the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1, we’re confronted with an unexpected detail: the inclusion of five women. In a time when genealogies typically traced lineage through men, the appearance of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary stands out. But what’s even more striking is why these women, in particular, were chosen. They weren’t the matriarchs like Sarah or Rebekah, and they weren’t the well-known mothers of the tribes of Israel. So why these women? What did they contribute to God’s redemptive plan that others did not?

Each of these women played a direct, active role in the salvation story—often in ways that were culturally or morally controversial. Their actions not only shaped the lineage of the Messiah, but they also reveal a deeper truth about how God works through those who are often overlooked, scandalized, or marginalized.

Tamar: Preserving the Line of Judah

Tamar’s story (Genesis 38) is one of desperation and justice. Widowed twice, she found herself in a situation where the family of Judah failed to fulfill their duty to provide her with a husband and offspring. In response, Tamar took a drastic step: disguising herself as a prostitute to bear a child through Judah himself. While her actions seem morally questionable on the surface, she was acting to preserve the family line—ensuring that the tribe of Judah, through which the Messiah would come, continued. She forced Judah to fulfill his responsibility, even when he was unwilling to do so. Tamar’s inclusion in the genealogy isn’t about celebrating deception but recognizing her critical role in ensuring the continuation of the Messianic line.

Why Tamar and not someone like Leah or Rachel? Tamar’s direct action ensured the survival of Judah’s lineage. Without her, the line that would bring forth Jesus might have ended. Leah and Rachel, while important, were part of the natural unfolding of events. Tamar’s story is one of stepping in to secure the future when everything seemed to be falling apart.

Rahab: The Outsider Who Saved Israel

Rahab (Joshua 2) was a Canaanite prostitute living in Jericho. Yet, her faith in the God of Israel led her to hide the Israelite spies and help them escape. In return, her family was spared when Jericho fell. Rahab not only became part of Israel but also married into the nation, becoming the great-grandmother of King David.

Why Rahab and not other women of faith from Israel’s history? Rahab’s story emphasizes that God’s salvation is for all people, not just the chosen nation of Israel. Her inclusion highlights the expansive nature of God’s grace. She wasn’t born into the covenant but was grafted in through faith. Her faithfulness was pivotal in the conquest of the Promised Land, making her a vital part of the salvation narrative.

Ruth: The Loyal Foreigner

Ruth’s story (Book of Ruth) is one of loyalty and redemption. A Moabite widow, she chose to leave her homeland and stay with her mother-in-law Naomi, declaring that Naomi’s God would be her God. Her devotion led her to Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer who married her and continued the family line, eventually leading to the birth of King David.

Why Ruth and not the matriarchs like Sarah or Rebekah? While Sarah and Rebekah were critical to the birth of Israel, Ruth’s story is about the inclusion of the Gentiles. Ruth was an outsider, a Moabite, and yet she became the great-grandmother of David. Her faithfulness in an uncertain situation ensured the continuation of the line that would produce the Messiah. Ruth’s inclusion teaches us that God’s plan is not limited to those within the covenant but includes those who choose to enter it by faith.

Bathsheba: The Mother of the King

Bathsheba’s story (2 Samuel 11-12) is filled with tragedy and scandal. She was the wife of Uriah, a Hittite, and became pregnant by King David after he summoned her. Her first child with David died, but their second child, Solomon, became the king through whom God’s promise to David was fulfilled. Despite the circumstances of their union, Bathsheba’s role as Solomon’s mother was vital in ensuring the continuation of David’s line.

Why Bathsheba and not others like Abigail or Michal? Bathsheba’s inclusion points to the complexity of human sin and divine grace. Despite the scandal of her relationship with David, she bore the king who would build the temple and continue the Messianic line. Bathsheba’s story shows that even in the midst of sin and failure, God’s redemptive purposes are at work.

Mary: The Faithful Servant

Mary’s inclusion is perhaps the most obvious. She was the young woman chosen to bear the Messiah (Luke 1). Her faithfulness in accepting God’s will, despite the social stigma she would face as an unwed mother, sets her apart. Mary’s quiet submission to God’s plan is a powerful example of faithfulness in the face of uncertainty.

Why Mary? Mary’s unique role as the mother of Jesus makes her central to the salvation story. Unlike the other women, she was directly chosen by God for this role, and her faithful acceptance of God’s will brought the Savior into the world.

Conclusion: Faithfulness Over Status

What sets these women apart isn’t just their actions, but their willingness to step into God’s redemptive plan, often in messy, complicated situations. They were not chosen for their status or for adhering to societal expectations but for their faithfulness in the face of difficulty. Their stories show us that God’s primary desire is not to bring about social change, but to transform lives. When we are faithful in the circumstances we find ourselves in, God can work through us, even when the situation looks hopeless or morally complex.

While today’s culture often pushes for external reforms and changes, the Gospel calls us to internal transformation. The change we need begins with hearts surrendered to God, and from that place, societies are transformed as a byproduct. The lives of these women remind us that true change comes from faithfulness in the margins, not through performative actions but through trusting God to use our brokenness for His glory.