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Oct 24, 2025 06:00am

What Now, Lord?

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A dear friend’s mother passed away recently. She hadn’t been well, but they certainly hadn’t expected this. She was described as the matriarch and cornerstone of the family.

I think many of us have been in a similar situation or experienced great loss where we find ourselves wondering, “What now?” Who will lead? What should we do? How do we move forward?

I can imagine, if given the opportunity, those who have been so influential in our lives might give this advice as they go.

1 Corinthians 16:13–14
“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.”

Paul closes out his letter to the church at Corinth. Throughout the letter, he has provided instruction, correction, and encouragement. With these words, the people must have felt more like soldiers preparing for war than ordinary believers.

And that’s exactly what Paul would want them to remember.

As a follower of Christ, there would be great opposition. Many would desire to destroy them. There would be false teachers and temptations that would threaten individual believers and the church. Pride, division, and false doctrine could and would rear its ugly head, so they needed to be ready.

Watch. Stand firm. Show courage and strength. But remember what it’s all about—do everything in love.

Let’s not forget why we’re here or miss this.

Let all things be done with love. Because there’s something bigger at stake.

Today, as you prepare for what’s ahead—maybe you’re facing a new group of students in a classroom. Or a job that has been challenging. You may be sitting in the doctor’s office right now, about to receive treatment for cancer, filled with fear because you don’t know the outcome. You might be fighting a battle no one else knows about. Maybe you’re planning a loved one’s funeral, and it feels as if your world is crashing down.

“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.”

The Lord has lavished His great love upon us, and we must show that to others. Even amid the unknowns and pains of life. Because of Jesus, we can be courageous. Share Him today.

I pray you know the Father’s love. I pray you know that because of your faith in Christ, you have hope! There is a future for you in heaven no matter the circumstances here on earth. You can be a shining light to show others the way to Jesus—even when your world feels dark.

I’d love to help you discover more about your purpose and a life devoted to the Lord. Go to follow.lifeword.org, or in Spanish at follow.lifeword.org/spanish.