Author Archives: 4mthesoul

Daily Christian Devotion

God Will Rewrite Your Story

“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” Romans 8:18 NLT

I would like to share an inspiring real-life story that even came as a movie to encourage people to believe and to hope.

A young couple in a small village in India was losing their babies on the third day after delivery. She lost three or five babies that way. Later she was admitted in a Christian hospital to deliver her sixth child. A baby boy was born on March 19, 1947.

The baby was struggling to survive, and on the third day she went to the bishop in the chapel and poured out her grief and anguish. The bishop prayed, named him Yesanna, and prophesied that he would become a great man of God.

When the boy was 10 years old, he was tormented by demonic spirits and wandered the streets without a right mind. He was terminated from school because of his unstable mind. He wandered around, roaming as a mad man, vomiting blood, sleeping on footpaths and railway platforms, living a miserable life. At times, he even ate from the garbage.

On February 15, 1964, this young boy was wandering the streets as usual and was led to a Christian cottage meeting happening outside a house. The worship songs and praises caught his attention, and he went and sat inside.

After the meeting was over, around 11 p.m., a bright light shone on him. As he turned, he saw the face of the Lord Jesus Christ in dazzling light, and he was healed immediately. That same night, after seven years, he went back to his home with a sound mind.

The next day he visited the man of God he had met the previous night. The pastor explained how Jesus healed him, referred him to the Bible, and handed him one. From that time, the young man gave his life to Jesus, began reading the Bible continually, fasting and praying regularly.

At the age of 19, he dedicated his life to ministry, and God started to use him mightily. For over 40 years of ministry, God worked through him. He went to be with the Lord at the age of 67.

This brother, Yesanna, is the founder of Hosanna Ministries, which transformed many lives. Without television or social media, he would gather more than two million people every year and feed them as well. He transformed the state of Andhra Pradesh in South India by his powerful testimony, miraculous healings, and many witnesses during his ministry. I hope his ministry continues to carry his legacy.

This minister of God is an example to encourage us that God is still in the life transformation business today.

In the Bible, it talks about a woman named Rahab who lived in the city of Jericho. She was a prostitute, placed on the social margins of society. Despite being a Canaanite woman in her own land, Rahab demonstrated strong faith and extraordinary courage. She saved the spies from Israel, hid them from the soldiers who came to kill them, and helped them escape from the city.

Before they left, she begged them to show mercy to her father, mother, brothers, and sisters and spare their lives when Joshua’s army came back to take over the city. The spies kept their promise, and when Jericho was destroyed, Rahab and her family alone were spared.

This woman was not only spared from death, but she also received redemption. A name people would be ashamed to call was written into the genealogy of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1). God could have easily bypassed this “unclean” woman, but His redemption shows us that He does not look at social status, family dignity, or how bad the situation is. He only sees faith.

Redemption found its way into this humble woman’s house because of the love she had for Yahweh. Every time we read about the birth of Jesus, we are reminded of Rahab. After 29 generations, God changed her story from being called a harlot to being remembered in the lineage of the Redeemer.

In the same way, God can rewrite your story. Just as He changed Brother Yesanna from a “mad man” into a minister of God, He is ready to rewrite your story as well.

What is your story? Give it to Jesus as it is. He will rewrite the script, change the direction, and the climax will be a glorious one.

As the Scripture reminds us, your present suffering is nothing compared to the glory you will see soon. Give it to Him—the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Prayer

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ. Today, in faith, I give my story to You. May my story declare Your goodness, and may Your glory be revealed through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More about Brother Yesanna’s ministry:

https://hosannaministries.co

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Daily Christian Devotion

Stand On The Promises Of God

Romans 10:17

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

One of my friends had a minor accident. A few weeks later, she began experiencing dizziness and a loss of balance. At first, she ignored it, but when it continued, she became fearful and went to the doctor. The doctor diagnosed it as vertigo—a condition where everything around feels like it’s spinning, leaving you dizzy and unstable. He explained that the force of the car impact may have caused damage to the nerve in the inner ear. This condition might even cause someone to even fall down.

In the same way, life’s trials and temptations often hit us with such force that we feel shaken, unstable, or afraid of falling. This fear of stumbling or failing usually comes when our faith is weak in the things God has promised but we cannot yet see.

In Hebrews 11, we read about Abraham. God called him and promised to make him a great nation, to bless him, and through him bless all the families of the earth. When Abraham received this promise, he was still in his homeland.

By faith, Abraham began his journey. His greatest stumbling block was that he and Sarah were old and unable to have children. Yet God promised that his descendants would be as numerous as the sand on the earth. In all his trials, the only thing that kept Abraham moving forward was his faith in God’s promises.

Though his circumstances seemed impossible, Abraham held tightly to God’s word. Every time doubt or weakness threatened to unbalance him, God’s spoken promise gave him strength. Abraham stood firm on the Word, and in time, God fulfilled everything He said. That is why Abraham is called the father of faith.

Even today, the enemy works hard to stop us from hearing the Word of God because he knows it builds faith and gives life. But when we keep listening to the Word and living by it, our feet are set on solid ground, unshakable by trials.

So, identify what keeps you from hearing God’s Word. Remove those obstacles. Align your life to His Word and build your faith on that strong foundation. Then, even on rocky and uncertain paths, you will not stumble—for the Bible says, “the righteous will not be shaken.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word that strengthens our faith and keeps our feet steady. Remove every distraction and obstacle that keeps us from hearing You. Plant Your Word deep in our hearts so that we remain unshakable, trusting in Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

He Heals the Brokenhearted

Psalm 147:3

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

One man, holding his broken pottery, walked into a shop believing it could be fixed. This potter’s shop looked delicate yet beautiful, displaying great craftsmanship. The man felt disappointed because this pottery was once his chandelier—the first thing anyone noticed when they entered his house. It was not only beautiful but also part of the home’s identity.

He then went to a place where the art of Kintsugi was practiced—the Japanese craft of restoring broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. The shattered vessel was placed into the gentle hands of a skilled workman, who carefully gathered each fragment and set them back in place. With patience, he sealed the cracks with lacquer and dusted them with gold, transforming the once-broken pottery into something even more beautiful than before.

When the workman handed the finished pottery back to the man, he was overjoyed. He carried it home, hung the chandelier, and displayed it under the light. The brokenness had become the beauty of the pottery. The cracks now formed a unique pattern through the master’s workmanship, and the pottery became even more valuable. Under the light, its beauty was admired by everyone who saw it.

Similarly, in our lives, we may go through seasons of brokenness that seem beyond repair. The pain you carry may refuse to be comforted. The disappointments you bear may feel unfair. A once beautiful life—where people praised and honored you—may seem shattered into pieces. The very people who once valued you may now treat you as if you are worthless.

But the Word of God brings encouragement: walk straight into the hands of the Master Craftsman who created you in your mother’s womb and called you by name (Jeremiah 1:5). The blood of Jesus covers your pain, shame, and guilt caused by brokenness. He heals your bruised soul and crowns you with goodness. Just as the cracks in the pottery were filled with gold, your scars will be covered with His glory.

The very things people once looked down on you for will become the very things God uses to display His power. When you carry the light of God, people will not only see His light but also glorify the Master. You will never be the same. Your brokenness will bring hope and healing to others. Your words will carry value, and your life will reflect God’s divine love.

So, do not delay in giving your brokenness to Him—whether it is relationships, sickness, poverty, or lack of knowledge. The Master Workman, Jesus, is waiting with care and comfort. He will not simply put the pieces back the way you imagined but far beyond human comprehension. Once in His hands, you are changed—forever redeemed.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus Christ and for His blood that heals the brokenhearted. Today, I give You my life, my situations, and my brokenness. I pray that You bring healing and that Your name be glorified in my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

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Daily Christian Devotion

It Is Time To Open Your Eyes

John 9:6–7 ESV

“Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud and said to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.”

In the summer of 2004, municipal workers were digging in the City of David to repair a sewer line. Suddenly, as the dust settled, the outline of two ancient steps appeared. Archaeologists rushed to the scene, and what followed was a breathtaking discovery—the Pool of Siloam, the very place where Jesus healed the blind man.

This pool was more than a source of water—it was a testimony of God’s faithfulness. Fed by the Gihon Spring through King Hezekiah’s tunnel, it sustained ancient Jerusalem both physically and spiritually. It symbolized God’s continual provision and grace. Here, people performed purification rituals, celebrated, and lifted songs of praise in the temple. Yet later, because of the people’s unfaithfulness to their faithful God, both the city and the pool were destroyed, and the stream was silenced.

It was at this very place that Jesus encountered the man born blind—one who had never seen light since birth. He lived only by sound, touch, and the emotions of life around him. As Jesus passed by with His disciples, the man became the subject of their questions. Jesus answered them by declaring, “I am the light of the world.” He not only proclaimed this truth—He demonstrated it.

Jesus spat on the ground, made mud, anointed the man’s eyes, and instructed him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. The man obeyed, washed, and returned seeing.

This miracle revealed a deeper truth: sin and unfaithfulness blind us from recognizing and enjoying God’s provision, peace, and blessings.

While God’s goodness continually flows into our lives, we must ask ourselves: what has blinded us from experiencing His mercy? The pressures of this world easily shift our focus from God’s nature and trap us in darkness, where we see only our problems. The lust of the flesh distances us from His love, and pride in our hearts convinces us that we can live above God.

Like the blind man, many today sit in isolation—hearing the joy of others but unable to join in, excluded from fellowship, unable to praise because of the darkness within.

But the Word of God speaks hope: you have been rejected for too long, blinded for too long. Today Jesus invites you to wash in the pool of living water. His touch will bring light to your life and open your eyes to experience the ever-flowing goodness of God.

The blind man not only received his sight but also became a living testimony of God’s power and love. Now it is your turn, get ready to be washed and to see again like never before. Darkness has no authority when you walk in fellowship with the Light of the World—Jesus.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the Light that pierces my darkness. Forgive me for the times I have been blind to Your goodness and unfaithful to Your calling. Wash me in Your living water and open my eyes to see Your grace, provision, and love. Guide my steps so that I may walk in Your light and live in worship and fellowship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Christ, Hope

God Sees Us Differently

1 Samuel 16:7

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

A man named Jesse lived in Bethlehem with his eight sons. Jesse was a farmer and a sheep breeder. His older sons served as soldiers in Israel’s army, alongside the king. But the youngest, David, was only a shepherd and a skilled musician.

God instructed the prophet Samuel to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the future king of Israel. After the ceremonial cleansing and sacrifice with Jesse’s family, Samuel began to search for God’s chosen one. His eyes were immediately drawn to Jesse’s oldest son. Tall, strong, and already a leader in the army, the prophet assumed he must be the one. But the Lord quickly corrected him, saying, “Do not look at his appearance or his height, for I look at the heart.”

Jesse, too, likely felt disappointed. In those times, the eldest son usually carried the family’s honor, responsibility, and leadership. His eldest seemed perfectly fit to be king—with strength, skills, and military experience. Yet Samuel rejected him. One by one, Jesse presented his sons, but each time the prophet said no.

After showing all seven of his sons, each with an impressive profile, Jesse finally said to the prophet that he had no more who were qualified to be king. But Samuel was not convinced, because he knew for certain that God had sent him on this mission. He asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”

Reluctantly, Jesse replied, almost as an excuse: “Yes, but he is out in the field taking care of the sheep.” The father who eagerly presented his older sons showed no enthusiasm to present David. In Jesse’s eyes, David was fit only to tend sheep and play music when needed. David did not even cross his earthly father’s mind. But God already had a rescue plan prepared, choosing the humble young shepherd boy.

While Jesse saw David as running after sheep, God was training him to fight bears and lions. While his brothers used arrows and swords in the army, God trained David to snatch lambs from the mouth of wild beasts. These were practical lessons in how to love, care for, and rescue people. His brothers were taught to dress like warriors, but David was clothed with strength from God.

The prophet was adamant to see David and even refused to eat until David was brought before him. What the earthly father failed to see, the Heavenly Father had already planned. When Samuel saw David, he anointed him, and God placed a future king on the throne.

This word encourages us today: we serve a God who sees what others fail to notice. God has a plan for you, no matter how lonely or humiliated your place may look. He is building resilience, forming strength, and preparing you in secret. Your gifts and talents may even be suppressed by your own loved ones, but God will send help—just as He sent Samuel—to reveal the identity He has marked for you.

Human effort, without a heart aligned to God’s values, will be rejected. But the Lord, honors the humble, redeems the rejected and makes the kind-hearted into a king, a leader for His glory. Just as David became king, one day you too will sit before the Lord and sing with gratitude:

“Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?”

—2 Samuel 7:18 (NLT)

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for not seeing me the way people see me. Thank You for working in my life, even when I feel hidden or overlooked. Today I choose to trust Your plans and stand in faith, believing You are preparing me for greater things. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Christ

All things Will Work For Our Good

Romans 8:28

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Once, a group of friends set out to explore a beautiful deserted island. During the journey, their ship collided with hidden rocks and was destroyed. Sadly, the entire crew perished—except for one young man. With all his strength, and by clinging to pieces of the broken ship, he managed to swim ashore.

Though he survived, he was left in deep pain and fear, mourning the loss of his friends. He screamed for help day after day, but his voice only echoed back at him. As time passed, he realized no one was coming. Slowly, he began to accept his situation. Gathering the remains of the wreckage, he built a small shelter. After many attempts, he learned how to make fire, survive on fish, and drink coconut water.

One evening, after lighting a campfire, he went a little distance to collect sticks. When he returned, he was horrified to see his small wooden hut engulfed in flames. Everything he had worked so hard to build was destroyed. In despair, he cried out to God, shouting, weeping, and cursing in his hopelessness. That night, he fell asleep brokenhearted.

But the next morning, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the shore. The captain called out through a megaphone, asking if anyone was on the island. Overwhelmed with joy, the young man shouted back, waving his arms. He was rescued at last!

Curious, he asked the captain how they had found him. The captain replied, “We saw the flames rising high into the sky and knew someone must be alive here.” At that moment, the young man realized that what he thought was his greatest loss was actually the very thing God used to bring his rescue.

This is how God works. Even in our darkest, most painful situations, He turns everything around for our good when our lives are surrendered to Him.

Romans 8 is one of the most powerful chapter in Scripture. It reveals the steadfast love of God and the privilege of sonship through Jesus Christ, by whom we can call Him Abba, Father. The Sovereign God is your loving Father. This Father does not abandon you, nor does He keep record of your failures or sins . Nothing—absolutely nothing—can convince Him to withdraw His love for you. He went so far as to give His only Son, Jesus Christ, so that through Him we may be brought close to the Father.

We cannot impress God with mere works; it is faith in Jesus that pleases Him. When we invite the Holy Spirit into our lives, He revives our mortal bodies, strengthens our souls, and fills us with hope. No matter how fearful or hopeless your situation may seem, the Lord promises to work all things together for your good—not just some things, but all things—when you trust Him as your Abba Father.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,Thank You for the privilege of calling You Abba, Father. Give us the grace to trust that You are working all things together for our good. Strengthen our faith in Jesus, and help us to rest in Your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Christ, Uncategorized

I’am His And You Are Mine

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”

— Isaiah 43:1

This is the true story of an eight-year-old girl who grew up in a village where strict religious rules were enforced. She was forced into marriage with a middle aged man—a religious leader who had already been married several times. To the villagers, marriage was portrayed as a gift from God, but for this young girl, it became a prison.

While she longed to run and play freely outside, she was weighed down with heavy garments and jewelry. Her days were filled with fear and anxiety. The wedding night was a traumatic experience, leaving her with pain, shame, and silence. She learned to obey without question and spoke only when spoken to, becoming a servant in her husband’s household.

By the age of eleven, her husband had brought another wife—just sixteen years old. That girl advised her to stay quiet, for that was all she herself had learned. At twelve, the young girl’s body began to change, and soon she was pregnant. She suffered greatly during her pregnancy and nearly died while giving birth at thirteen. The experience left her broken, filled with anger, emptiness, and questions about God and the injustice she endured.

One day, while secretly using her husband’s old phone, she stumbled upon videos of people sharing their testimonies about Jesus. Though she had been taught that even speaking His name was forbidden, she was drawn to the truth and freedom in their stories. That night, she whispered, “Jesus, come to me.”

In a dream, Jesus appeared, pulling her from a dark pit and saying, “You are not forgotten. You are loved. You are mine.”

In the midst of hostility and fear, she found peace. She discovered freedom and began to read the Bible secretly on a downloaded app. With each page, she gained strength and courage. When her cousin later discovered her reading Scripture, she confronted her. But the young girl refused to deny Jesus, because she had found unshakable boldness in His Word.

Her refusal led to violent persecution. She was locked up, beaten, threatened with fire, and accused of being possessed. Bruised and bloodied, she eventually escaped with the help of a local person. She found refuge with a Christian woman who cared for her and introduced her to a community of believers who had endured similar suffering.

Today, she testifies that Jesus has given her peace, love, and a sense of belonging. Though healing is a process—with scars and flashbacks—she draws strength from God’s presence. Now she helps others who have been abused, silenced, or forgotten, offering them hope and freedom in Christ.

You may not be that young girl in her situation, but you may know the feeling of being fearful, of being left alone, unheard, or of having dreams shattered. The Bible reminds us that the Lord sees your fear and says to you: “Fear not.”

The same Lord who found His way into her locked doors is here today, assuring you: “I have redeemed you.” You may not see a drastic change in your situation right away, but slowly and surely He will set you free and give you peace.

Scripture says, “I have called you by name,” which means the Lord knows the details of your situation—the family you come from and what you are facing right now. He assures you that you are not abandoned or forgotten. He says: “You are mine.”

He owns you, He owns your problems, and He takes ownership of your future to give you hope and everlasting joy. Give it all to Jesus and watch Him handle you with care.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me that I am never forgotten. You know me by name and call me Your own. I give You my fears, my hurts, and my broken dreams. Fill me again with Your love, and give me peace that only You can give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Christ, Uncategorized

Weight Of The Pain Pebbles

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 (ESV))

There was once a little bird in a rainforest that collected pebbles. Each pebble represented a burden—a sorrow, a painful memory, or a difficult lesson from the past. The bird believed these “pain pebbles” were valuable treasures, reminders that made it stronger. But as the pouch of pebbles grew heavier, the bird’s flight became more difficult and painful.

An old wise owl observed the bird and asked, “Are you truly living in the present, or just carrying the weight of yesterday?” But the little bird ignored the advice and continued collecting pebbles. Over time, its wings grew weaker and fragile until they finally broke. Unable to fly, the bird began walking with the heavy pouch strapped to its back.

One rainy day, the weight became unbearable. The bird slipped, and the very burden it had been carrying crushed it. By the time help arrived, it was too late. The owl sighed and said, “The past was meant to guide us, not to weigh us down.”

Many of us live like that little bird. We treat our burdens as treasures—carrying them everywhere we go. Even at joyful occasions, such as weddings, dressed in beautiful clothes, we still cling to our dirty pouch of pain pebbles. We struggle to lay them down, because we do not fully trust anyone to care for our burdens. In the end, these weights rob us of our joy, drain our strength, and keep us from dancing freely.

We carry these burdens into our workplaces, schools, homes, social gatherings, and even places of worship—only to carry them back again. But the truth is this: the weight of burdens will eventually crush us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

The good news is that God offers us a safe place to lay them down—at the feet of Jesus. Here, there is no judgment about the size or nature of your burden. Whether big or small, Jesus handles it with love and care. He not only receives your burden but also gives you peace and a way forward.

Carrying the weight of the past prevents us from enjoying the present and moving into the future. The Bible encourages us to forgive, to let go, to move forward, and to live in peace. Remember—burdens are meant to be laid down, not carried.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for inviting me to lay down my burdens. Thank You for the cross. Today, I come boldly and cast every weight I carry at Your feet, believing You will handle each one with care. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Christ, Uncategorized

An Invite To Taste

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!”

Psalm 34:8 ESV

Out of the great revival, many missionaries came to Northeast India to spread the gospel. The region of Assam was home to many tribes, known to be aggressive and even headhunters. Into this hostile community, a group of missionaries from the American Baptist Mission came to preach the message of love, peace, and hope found in Jesus Christ to the Garo tribe.

In this challenging environment, one man named Nokseng, together with his wife and two children, accepted Jesus as their personal Savior. His faith began to influence others, and many gave their lives to Christ. However, the village chief grew angry. He summoned the family who had first accepted Christ and demanded that the man publicly renounce his faith—or face death.

Moved by the Holy Spirit, the man declared: “I have decided to follow Jesus.” Furious, the chief ordered his two children to be killed with arrows. As their bodies fell to the ground, the chief gave him another chance: “Renounce your faith, or I will kill your wife.” The man replied: “Though no one goes with me, still I will follow.” Enraged, the chief ordered his wife to be killed as well.

Finally, the chief gave one last chance for the man to deny Christ and save his own life. His final words were: “The cross before me, the world behind me—no turning back.” He was then killed like the rest of his family.

But the story did not end there. The chief, who had ordered the killings, was deeply moved by such faith. He wondered why a man, his wife, and children would willingly die for someone who lived in a faraway land centuries ago. Convicted, he realized there must be an extraordinary power behind their faith, and he wanted to experience that love. The chief himself confessed Jesus as Lord and declared his faith publicly.

When the villagers heard their chief, they too accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. The man’s last words became the inspiration for the famous hymn: “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back.”

In the Bible, we also read about David, a warrior who once fled for his life. To escape death, he even pretended to be insane before his enemies (1 Samuel 21). In that desperate moment, David later wrote: “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). A warrior, running for his life, still testified of God’s goodness and encourages us to do the same.

Both this martyred family and David remind us that even in life-or-death situations, it is the love and peace of God that satisfies the soul. When you truly taste the goodness of God, you will decide to follow Him—and never turn back.

Today, I invite you: Jesus has set a place for you at His table. Come, taste His goodness. I am confident that you too will never turn back.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your love, Your goodness, and Your peace. Give me the opportunity to know You more deeply and to taste Your goodness, so that I may never turn back. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Christ, Uncategorized

The Power Of Exchange

and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:5–6)

There was a beggar at a railway station who had been begging for a long time. People gave him alms each day. One day, he approached a well-dressed businessman for alms. The businessman asked him whether he had ever given anything to anybody. The beggar replied, “No.” Then the businessman said, “If you have never given anything, you have no right to ask for anything in return.”

The beggar walked away in great sadness and began to think. He realized that in order to receive, he must first give. While staring at the platform, he noticed wildflowers growing beside the railway track. He plucked them and returned to the platform. This time, when people gave him money, he gave them a flower in return. To his surprise, this brought smiles and joy to those who gave. People began to give more cheerfully, and he received more than before.

There was now an exchange—of joy, happiness, and even respect. After a few months, he met the businessman again. This time, when he asked for alms with flowers in his hand, the businessman smiled and gave him a large sum of money in exchange for the flowers. The beggar went back, not only with more money but with joy in his heart.

Many years later, he returned to the same railway station—no longer to beg, but to board a train. He was now well dressed. As he sat down, he happened to meet the same businessman. The businessman looked at him and asked, “Do I know you?” The former beggar replied, “Yes, I am the one you once spoke to about the greatness of exchange.” He went on to explain how he had started a flower business a few years ago, and now he was heading to a meeting to expand it. The businessman smiled and greeted him with joy and respect—not as a beggar this time, but as a fellow businessman.

The Bible reminds us of the greatest exchange:

“Even when we were dead in our trespasses, [God] made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:5–6)

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. A great exchange took place upon the cross—Christ offered Himself for our sins so that we could be set free from the consequences of sin, which bring death. Not only physical death, but also grave-like situations such as fear, absence of peace, sickness, shame, and guilt. In exchange, Jesus offers joy, peace, and healing.

Today, there is an open invitation: give your heart, your circumstances, and your sicknesses to Him, and receive your portion from the exchange that was accomplished on the cross.

Remember—whatever you need, God invites you to give in exchange. If you want love, give love. If you desire respect, give respect. If you long to be treated kindly, then treat others kindly. And if you seek blessings, be a blessing to others.

Just as the beggar was lifted to sit as an equal with the businessman, the Word of God declares that the grace of God will make us sit with Christ in heavenly places.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the great exchange and for offering us the chance to partake in it through the cross. Today, give us the grace to offer our circumstances, situations, and sicknesses in exchange for Your joy, peace, and healing. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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