07 April 2025 - Only By Grace Reflections

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TOPIC: Do I get discouraged when things aren’t happening as quickly as I want?

Reading 1: Daniel 13:41-62
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6
Gospel: John 8:12-20

First, “God’s in control, no matter what.” The Pharisees couldn’t arrest Jesus because God didn’t allow it yet. Even though they were angry and wanted to stop Him, their plans didn’t work. It’s a reminder that God’s will can’t be overpowered by anyone’s bad intentions. He only allows tough situations when there’s a greater purpose behind it. Second, Jesus’ “hour” was coming, but it wasn’t about failure, it was about victory. Eventually, Jesus would be arrested and would experience the suffering of the Cross. From a human perspective, it looked like a total defeat. But from God’s perspective, it was actually His greatest victory over sin and death. The very thing the Pharisees thought would destroy Jesus ended up being His path to glorification.

As we get closer to Holy Week, it’s a good time to remember that what looked like defeat for Jesus was actually His triumph. God was working through it all. So in your prayer time today, reflect on the times when you got frustrated or discouraged because things are not happening as quickly as you want. Like Jerrick’s tree or Jesus’ journey to the Cross, maybe the delay is part of God’s perfect plan.