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Phil Manginelli
Phil Manginelli

Jesus sees us.

It’s a simple statement, but I can’t tell you how many times I have spoken that to myself in quiet moments. Jesus isn’t withholding. Jesus doesn’t set me up to fail. Jesus isn’t hiding.

Jesus is for me, not against me. And no matter what I’m walking through, Jesus sees me.

Ministry can be very isolating. Before you know it, even in the middle of good and victorious seasons, you can feel utterly alone, like there is a massive weight that you and you alone are carrying. If you’re not careful, you accept these thoughts without much consideration, and soon enough they become the truth guiding your life.

In these quiet moments, where isolation seems to be our reality, we must remind ourselves what is true, to let Scripture come alive within us and become written on our hearts. First Peter 5:7 reminds us to cast our anxieties on God because He cares for us. It’s so simple but so important. We spend so much of our lives trying to be profound, but often the simplest of beliefs holds the most power.

He cares for us. Take this timeless truth and write it on your heart. Put it in your own words. Say it in your own moment. Jesus sees you. He sees your heart and your life.

This Week’s Prayer Focus [5 in 5]

Personal Prayer

1. Examine what thoughts guide your life—are they from the Lord?

2. Ask God to remind you this week of the simple truths that are the foundation of your belief.

3. Spend some time casting any anxieties before the Lord, and bask in His great love for you.

Foursquare Focus

4. As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, look into your community for anyone who is alone or seeking relationship, and invite them in with a spirit of fellowship.

5. Please continue to pray for all those affected by the three wildfires in California. Ask the Lord to send a healing rain to stop the fires, to protect those battling the flames and comfort and resources to those who have lost loved ones and homes. For information on how you can help, click here.

Share your thoughts. See comments below, and add your own.

is senior pastor of The Square (Smyrna 2 Foursquare Church) in Smyrna, Ga.
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