Oh, my goodness! Usually, I'm not one to be lacking words, but how could I answer the question that I had just been asked? In my head, I thought that it certainly couldn't be a quick, flippant response, nor preachy. Lord, help me to say what my friend needs to hear.

Has someone ever put you on the spot like that? As she patiently awaited my answer, I pondered silently for what felt like an hour but, in reality, wasn't likely even a minute:

"What does Jesus mean to you?"

I finally came full circle to the simplest response: To me, Jesus is The Way! He is The Way: to live, to hope, to love, to survive, and to thrive!

After all, Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6 NIV)

I shared how, on my own, without the Lord showing The Way, I couldn't have survived these past two years without my best friend and husband, Bob. The Lord has held me tenderly, guided me, loved me, and forgiven me, even though I fall so short! He not only set the example of how to live and love, but also gives me hope for each day. As I become more conscious of His presence, the words of an old hymn reassure me that "He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own", both now, as well as for eternity! In conversational prayer, I am assured that, as Bob used to sing, "He's as close as the mention of His name, Jesus"! (Gordon Jensen)

As usual, I couldn't help but share another piece of music that flooded my heart and mind. "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine. Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His spirit, washed in His blood!" (Fanny Crosby)

Jesus really is The Way! Without Him, we wander aimlessly and without hope. I continued to sow seeds and urged my friend to come alongside and follow Him, too!

I urged her to read Scripture, and recommended the YouVersion smartphone app that I've found extremely helpful, especially because it offers a variety of translations. I also suggested searching out solid Christian speakers online and listening to Christian music. Each "vehicle" strengthens and lifts me up spiritually! Of course, I made suggestions of a few specific ones that I find so helpful.

In Scripture, we are urged, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15b NIV)

I did my best, and now, I've left my friend in the Lord's hands. I pray, trusting that the Lord will open her eyes, ears, and heart to accept Jesus as her best friend, too — The Way! I suggested some tools, and she knows that I'm open to sharing, whenever. Now it's up to her to make the choice.

Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for coming to earth in the form of Jesus, Who comes alongside us to show us and be The Way! Help us to accept His invitation to come to Him and to walk closely with Him day by day! In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

MaryLou Tompkins <bmltompkins@icloud.com>
Lindsay, Ontario, Canada
Send your feedback to the author