Scripture: John 14:1-3
“Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
Reaction: Today’s reading came from a list of suggested scripture passages titled ‘Where do you live?” This sheet was part of some retreat materials that were still in my Bible. Even though I hadn’t looked at them for a month, I turned to this reading from John today.
My impression of the Father’s house was one of belonging and acceptance. I felt that God had picked out a room just for me, where I would be accepted, useful and complete. Though I believe Jesus was speaking of heaven in this passage, today it had a different meaning for me. Christ was telling me that He wouldn’t have called me to the place He was preparing for me if He didn’t have something special in mind. This place is here on Earth, and the something special is a task I haven’t even envisioned. The ‘many rooms’ represent different functions that people might serve, and the room where I’ll be assigned is still a mystery. But this room is still under construction, and when the time is right I will go there.
These reflections came right at the perfect time for me. I had been feeling somewhat inadequate because of an event that took place earlier in the week. Where I had hoped to be eloquent, I’d been tongue-tied; where I had wished to appear flexible, I came across as rigid. I felt I had few talents and little to offer to the group. And the fact that I was so self-absorbed as to worry about how I looked to others just made matters worse.
Now I feel that despite all of my inadequacies, both real and imagined, I still have a useful role to play in service to the Lord. The first phrase of today’s reading, ‘Let not your hearts me troubled’, told me to quit feeling sorry for myself and to continue believing in God’s power and presence. He will guide me to the room He has prepared for me when I least expect it.
About Me
- Michele S.
- In 2007 I took an early retirement to ‘find myself’ and to discern God's plan for me. My journey has led me down many paths, where, among other things, I’ve cared for an ailing relative, volunteered with the needy, subbed in the schools, taught a fitness class, become a freelance resume writer, initiated a small prayer group, and competed in Senior Olympics Dance Sport events. My most rewarding experience has been developing a rich relationship with the Lord by praying daily with the scriptures. Each day I choose a Bible passage based on my mood or on the church calendar. Then I meditate on God’s words, imagining that Jesus is speaking them directly to me. I might repeat a specific word or phrase like a mantra, letting it envelope me and eventually find a place in my heart. I try to hear, feel or sense what God is trying to say to me through the scriptures. Finally, I respond with my own words and impressions, and record them in a prayer journal. From time to time I post these reflections on my blog ‘Seek Ye First’. I feel very blessed that my life is such a lovely balance of work (fun stuff, but little money!), play, family, friends, and most importantly, devotion to God.
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