May 8, 2025 // Thursday of the Third Week of Easter

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: John 6:44-51

Reflect on the Word // 

Within one week’s time, everything had changed. Instead of continuing with my training at the art academy, I found myself in a severe health crisis needing to start intensive treatments in a new city for the next several months. I had recently moved my entire life to apprentice under a master artist and begin my professional art career. I had trusted God in pursuing this calling, and at the moment when everything felt like it was flowing beautifully, everything fell apart. I didn’t want to spend all my time at a health clinic. I wanted to be back at the studio working alongside my fellow apprentices, not sitting in lengthy hours of IV treatments and spending each day going from appointment to appointment.

“They all shall be taught by God” (John 6:45).

God reminds us that first and foremost we are apprentices of Jesus. I had moved my life to train under a master artist, but God reminded me He is my Master and Teacher. 

“Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from Him comes to me” (John 6:45).

None of us want to attend the school of suffering or sign up for classes in patience and surrender. Yet each day of my treatment was a school of intimacy with the Lord. I wanted to be back in my drawing program, but God was drawing me closer to Him. 

“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent me draw Him” (John 6:44).

In our suffering, He forms us, shapes us, creates us as a beautiful work of His hand. He taught me to pray and come close to Him, offering every hour of treatment as an hour of prayer. God expanded my heart to Him as well as to the new friends I made in the people suffering beside me. 

Life is full of unexpected tragedy. But acceptance and trust can be the means into deep, sweet intimacy and peace. Whatever the situation, let us enter the school of prayer. Let us apprentice under Jesus, listening to Him and hearing what the Father has to teach. 

Relate to the Lord // Have you experienced intimacy with Jesus in sorrow or suffering? What did He teach you?