I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

(John 14:6 NIV)

During a children’s message at church, a preacher tried to teach a lesson on hard work and preparation by using squirrels as an example. He gave the kids clues about his “mystery animal”:

“It lives in trees… it eats nuts… it has a bushy tail… it jumps from branch to branch…”

The children sat quietly, no hands raised. Finally, one little boy cautiously lifted his hand and said, “I know the answer is supposed to be Jesus…but it sure sounds like a squirrel to me!”

I have to smile at a child who expects the answer to every question to be “Jesus.”  But then again, I wonder how much better life would be if I lived the same way.  What if I expected the answer to every question to be “Jesus”?

Questions like:  How can I possibly cope in the face of the disaster I’m facing (divorce, rebellious children, financial troubles, disease, death of a loved one)?  How can I find the strength to overcome the addiction I’m enslaved to?  How can I salvage a marriage where we don’t love each other anymore?  How can I overcome the bitterness and resentment I’m struggling with?  How can I find true joy and peace in life?

Life is full of problems that don’t have easy answers, and sometimes the choices in front of us feel confusing.  But Jesus’ words in John 14:6 remind us that he is not just one answer among many.  He is the answer: “I am the way and the truth and the life.”

Think about what that means:

a) When you’re unsure which direction to go — Jesus is the way.
b) When the world feels like it’s drowning in lies — Jesus is the truth.
c) When you’re exhausted, worn out, or running on empty — Jesus is the life.

So, the next time life presents you with a problem and you’re not sure what the answer is, start with Jesus.  You’ll never go wrong.

Prayer:

Lord, you are the answer I need most. When the world feels confusing, quiet my heart and remind me that you are the way, the truth, and the life. Teach me to always trust you with the simple faith of a child.  Amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day