Ever wonder about the meaning of your life—what you’ve been put on this earth to do? Some people stumble around for years, confused about their purpose. (See Ecclesiastes 1.)

Jesus grew up in the home of a carpenter and learned the builder’s trade. But his mission in life had been written in Scriptures before his earthly birth. As this passage describes, Jesus read Isaiah 61.1,2. In a nutshell, this is the job of the Messiah (Luke 4:16-21). Jesus came to bring good news to all who suffer: the poor, the imprisoned, and the blind. As followers of Jesus, this is our mission as well. Consider the great commission: “Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples” (Matthew 28.19a). We can tell people about the saving love of Jesus, and show them what he is like.

Reflect:

In what tangible ways did Jesus show that he accepted his mission? Why were these actions necessary?

What is your mission? What Scripture(s) confirm this mission? What abilities has God given you to aid you in this mission? If you’re not sure about your abilities, ask someone in your church congregation. God often confirms the gifts he gives through the testimony of others.

Pray:

God our Father, thank you for Jesus who has given us a window into your ways. Thank you for your love. You give a helping hand to everyone who falls.

Next: Day 16 of 40

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Planet Earth could be renamed Planet Water. Although 75% of the Earth’s surface is water, only 1% is drinkable. Nations battle to keep this resource to themselves, building huge reservoirs and constructing dams to divert it for their own needs. Even at home, drought restrictions remind us to think carefully about our use of this precious substance.

In this passage from Isaiah, God promises water: the barren desert will burst forth with growth (Isaiah 41:17–20). The prophet’s words show the importance of water and the difference it can make in people’s lives.

Lack of water—or being forced to drink unhealthy water—is the biggest single cause of disease and death in the world today. Giving people clean water allows them to flourish. Crops can be grown, communities can be developed, families can bathe and children who otherwise would spend all day searching for water have a chance to get an education. Water can bring life to barren lives just as it can cause the desert to bloom.

Reflect:

What does God promise to provide in this passage? If you lived in a drought-impacted area, how would these promises make you feel?

What areas of the world are you aware of right now that are experiencing a drought?

Live it:

Consider donating money toward the construction of a well in a country that desperately needs clean water.

Pray:

You, Lord, can turn deserts into lakes and scorched land into flowing streams. Help us to work with you to channel water toward people who desperately need it.

Next: Day 15 of 40

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