March 24, 2009

Read John 6:16-27

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.—John 6:27 (King James Version)

In this passage, Jesus says that we should seek what is enduring, not what is in the moment, and reminds us that what is enduring is the promise of everlasting life.

Life isn’t always easy. In fact there was a six-month period from October ’07 until March ’08, where I thought God was punishing me for some big sin, or maybe for my collective sins. During that time my 19-year-old and my Dad both died. I wondered: where was the benevolent Jesus I believed in?

The truth is that I didn’t do anything to “make” it happen. It just happened. I had turned my back on Jesus, then found The Gathering where my heart has filled with God’s grace and I am learning to bask in the promise of everlasting life where I can be reunited with those I love. And I am at peace in that promise.

Dear Jesus, may we learn through your teachings to trust in you, that even when we don’t understand, you will provide not only what we need in the moment, but for all eternity. Amen.

Lonni Schicker is a Registered Nurse, currently completing a Doctorate in Education. She works for SSM and is a Professor of Health Administration at Lindenwood University. Her children, grandchild and family, as well as the gift of The Gathering and the love of Jesus Christ are her joy.