Desperation

Question to think about: Are you desperate?

Have you ever been desperate for relief? Have you thought if, a problem could be solved . . . then, you would be okay . . . but eventually, down the road of life . . . you were once again desperate for relief?

Desperation occurs when every thought, emotion, and action revolves around a specific problem. Relief needs to be found or we will either implode or explode. Either way, desperation is usually messy, painful, and oppressive.

In the course of our journey, there will be a time that we find ourselves desperate. A government official was desperate . . . he needed help. He had heard about Jesus . . . went to Jesus . . . and begged Jesus to heal his son:
In the course of his journey through Galilee, he arrived at the town of Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. There was a government official in the city of Capernaum whose son was very sick. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea and was traveling in Galilee, he went over to Cana. He found Jesus and begged him to come to Capernaum with him to heal his son, who was about to die. (John 4: 46-47, NLT)

The government official had position and power in the community; however, he had a need that could not be relieved through what he had or did. Re-read the above two verses. Jesus was present . . . and in desperation the man found Jesus.

Jesus, God with us, is present . . . wanting and inviting us to come and find relief.
The key to relief, shalom (peace), is highlighted throughout the pages of the story of God as an invitation.
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." (Matthew 11:28-30, NLT)

Those that are desperate for Jesus on a daily basis perceive and manage life through a peace that transforms.
Be desperate for Jesus.
Go to Jesus.
Give Jesus every problem, big and small.
Jesus will give you peace . . . a peace that restores you to be able to continue on the journey.

Learning with you to give Jesus the burden and receive peace,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)