Read the Word:
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Meditate on the Word:
Years ago, I worked at a nursing home in the unit that housed Alzheimer’s patients. I observed the entire cycle from being slightly confused to full-on combativeness to finally being bedridden. It was very tough for their families, and of course, emotionally and physically draining on the staff who were there day after day. One thing that these residents had in common was that what they saw and believed did not correspond to reality. They would believe that parents were still alive, that they could still go home, that they were being held captive and could fight their way out. One thing that almost never helped was to try to convince them of the truth.
Often, it is tempting for us to become frustrated with those who will not be convinced by a truth that is completely obvious to us. Paul recognized this frustration. As one who formerly refused to believe the truth about Christ, it took a literal post-resurrection encounter with the living Christ in order to convince him. Truth be told, that is what it takes for our loved ones to be convinced as well. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6). “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.” (John 6:44). We can be frustrated in our inability to convince people about Christ, but the truth is, that is the job of the Holy Spirit. It is our job to pray for the Spirit to draw them.
Pray the Word:
Think of a loved one who needs Christ. Pray that the Lord would draw him/her to Himself.
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