And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

1 John 2:17

On confirmation day, my pastor spoke the words of 1 John 2:17 over me in the language of the King James Version. Now, more than 60 years later, those words have more meaning than ever.

As a child or young confirmand, many of us may have felt the world seemed safe. But life happens, and we grow to realize it’s a fallen world. By God’s grace, that fact leads us to the good news. Jesus is preparing a perfect world for his followers. No need to despair. “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that overcomes the world — our faith” (1 John 5:4). God’s will is that we rest our faith in the redeeming work of his Son.

Marj Maynard
Pipe Creek, TX

Gracious God, thank you for my life here and for my perfect forever home. Amen.

Reflect: When world news causes despair, let God’s Spirit renew your mind.

Read: John 6:28-29 and Romans 12:1-2