Written by Guest Contributor Dora Lozano

“I have told you these things , so that in me you may have peace.  In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 

While the rest of the world is in a state of panic and fear, we have peace. In the verse above, Jesus simultaneously gives us the gift of peace and a guarantee that we will have trouble in this world.  On Saturday, I went to multiple stores to buy a bag of rice and there was no rice to be found anywhere! The part of this experience that surprised me was that I wasn’t upset or worried. I was mildly annoyed, however, my peace remained intact. 

This season is our time to live out our faith.  Even as I write this devotion, I received a text message that while meant to inform me could easily put fear into me. We are called to be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16, KJV).  Use wisdom, ask Father God where to go to get what you need, reach out to family members who may be willing to share their supplies and continue to pray for our world and nation. Take advantage of worship with your faith communities online, use social media to have watch parties, this is the time when people who have left the faith may return and those who don’t believe could become followers of Christ.

Lord, we thank you for your peace. Father, while we are in this season of trouble, help us to keep our eyes fixed on you.  Thank you for sustaining us, providing for our needs and keeping us under your wing during this time of uncertainty. Jesus, keep us and our loved ones safe and in good health.  In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Guest Contributor Bio: Dora Lozano is a faithful follower of Christ living out her faith daily. Dora is the mother of two amazing children. The eldest is in their junior year at university. The youngest is in their sophomore year of high school. Dora has spent thirty years working in the California Community College system. Currently, Dora is an academic counselor for foster youth and homeless youth at a community college in Southern California. Dora’s personal mission statement is to “Love God, Do Good and Serve, Teach and Encourage Others”. Dora lives out her mission through her work and in her faith community where she serves on the usher team. Dora enjoys spending time with her children and her sweet puppy dog. As a family they enjoy being loud and silly, listening to a wide variety of music, taking road trips, making popcorn and watching movies. Dora is honored to be a guest contributor on the devotional for Mary E. White Ministries.

Photograph Credit: Erica Rodriguez-Duvergel

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