When Jesus healed the deaf man, he yelled out, “Be opened!” When you are open to trusting God, you are receptive to His guidance, help and healing. God is faithful. If you find yourself shutting down and facing a crisis of faith, close your eyes and pray, “Be opened!”

If you are feeling restless, fill your mind with God’s Word. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Let these verses sink deeply into your mind and spirit.

Jesus invites you to join Him and continue growing, learning and following Him throughout your life. Center your prayer life by reading and rereading the Bible. Develop new skills that will help you to be ready for any challenge.

As you reflect on your life, instead of being critical, be kind and recognize that you are a work in progress and are developing a better and deeper relationship with yourself and God. If you are struggling with a painful memory or a challenging problem, ask God to help you look ahead with hope.

The next time someone is unkind to you, instead of reacting with anger, practice self-control and find peace. Ask God to help you respond as Jesus would. Exchange good for evil, and try to turn your enemy into your friend.

In the above verse Peter asks Jesus why he can’t follow Him. Sometimes, a period of waiting is exactly what we need to get to the next level spiritually. Just as a caterpillar must rest and transform in a chrysalis, we must be patient and trust Him on our faith journey.

Job suffered greatly, yet he never turned his back on God. Do you feel disappointed, betrayed or abandoned by God when bad things happen? Be assured that even in the midst of trials and sorrow, God’s plan is at work. With His help, you’ll be able to see your troubles as part of a bigger picture.

The Bible reminds us that our days on earth are, like grass, finite. Yet, if we spend our time wisely and faithfully there is a future life beyond this one, with God. Theologian John Piper said, “Life is short. Eternity is long. Live like it.” In the busyness of life it’s easy to forget that time is precious.

If you are lacking a clear plan for your life, go before Jesus and pray. Let Him know that you want to make a difference in the world. Ask for the Holy Spirit to work in your life, to show you the path that you should take.