Daily Devotional

When the wine had run out, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine.

Jesus replied, "What do we have in common, woman? My hour has not yet come.

His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you".

John 2:3-5

The hosts were facing a crisis: the party had started, the guests were present, the bride and groom and their families were celebrating, but they had run out of wine. Wine at wedding parties in those days was like cake at our birthday parties: it was essential. Wine symbolized joy, and not having any to offer your guests could appear incredibly disrespectful.

In this story, we read that Mary reacted to this dilemma by turning to Jesus. He responded to her with words of authority as someone might when they know they aren't subject to another person's instructions. He would act at the right time and only according to his Heavenly Father's will. Mary goes on to give the servants the best possible advice, advice that we too should follow: "Do whatever he tells you". The servants obeyed Jesus and witnessed a great miracle: water turned into the finest wine.

Navigate life's challenges by obeying Jesus

• Identify your problem. That's the first step you need to take to solve it.
• Pray to God! Whenever you face a problem, large or small, offer it up to Jesus.
• Trust and wait on him. Submit to God's will and timing. He wants to help you.
• Pursue the Word of the Lord (read it, meditate on it and apply it to your life).
• Obey! Do what He says and you will see Him act in your favour.

Pray:

Lord God, thank you for always helping me through my daily dilemmas... Help me to place all my problems in your hands, trusting that you will do your will in my life, in your own precious time. You are a God of miracles. Teach me to listen to and obey your word, so that I may follow every commandment and instruction that you give. In the name of Jesus, I ask you. Amen!

"and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will giveyou many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."
- Deuteronomy 30:20

Our life, longevity and well-being depend on just one thing: obedience to God. This is the cost of a life in the presence of Jesus. We mustn't forget that our relationship with God is based on love and commitment to his will. If we refuse to obey him, we jeopardise everything that is most important in life.

That was also the cost of living in the Promised Land: obeying the Lord. As much as they thought the Law was rigid, that there were too many rules, or that it was too difficult, the commandments were given to protect and help the people stay on the path.

Likewise, in our lives, God's commandments are good, they guide us and they are for our good. They enable us to live in God's presence and in peace with one another. The life of blessing that God wants to give us is linked to the obedience we give him in love.

The benefits of obedience are far greater

• Pray and ask God for forgiveness if you have been disobedient to His Word.
• Reflect: "It is better to obey than to sacrifice" (1 Samuel 15:22)
• Obeying is a personal decision. Be careful not to follow bad examples and the influence of disobedient people.
• God doesn't want your harm. On the contrary, obedience to what He determines will be the best thing for you.
• "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). Have priorities.

Pray:

Lord God, help me to obey you in everything, whatever the cost. Forgive me when I selectively choosing inwhich areas of life to obey you. I need to be honest and totally faithful to your Word. Help me to cling to you, because my whole life depends on you. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray and thank you.
Amen!