READ: LUKE 12:22-31; PHILIPPIANS 4:4-13

Anxiety seeped into my brain. What would happen? Would my dad be okay? My dad had been suffering from mysterious symptoms for the past year. Doctors told him it was anxiety, but he didn’t believe it.

I was scared. If something ever happens to my dad…I need him.

I pulled out my Bible. My eyes skimmed the pages for something—anything— encouraging. I flipped through Matthew, Mark, and then suddenly, Luke 12:27 popped out at me, where Jesus says, “Consider how the wild flowers grow…”

I kept reading, realizing I had read this passage multiple times yet only now understood the depth of its meaning: God cares for the mere flowers. Wouldn’t He also care for His child, whom He created in His glorious image (Genesis 1:26-27)?

I realized that life could get tough. Scratch that. Life was already tough. But I found peace knowing Jesus would always be with me, and He would always be fighting for me. And, one day, my Savior would return and make all things new (Revelation 21:1-5). No more disease, decay, or death. No more fear, anxiety, or tears. Christians, including my dad and me, will be reunited with each other. And we will live with Jesus forever, praising our Savior who conquered Satan and defeated death.

But those truths didn’t fix my dad’s health. That’s when I remembered what my youth pastor had said: “Jesus isn’t just with you; He’s in you.” The Spirit of Christ was in me, working through me, living inside of me (John 14:17; Romans 8:9; 1 Peter 1:11).

I continued flipping through the pages and found Philippians 4:12-13, where Paul says, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Jesus will get me through everything, whether smooth or bumpy. So, no matter what happens, I know I can find peace in Jesus, in whom I trust. • Emma Pamer

• Can you think of a time Jesus guided you through something difficult? What was that like?

• What are some struggles you are currently facing, or afraid you might face in the future? Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about these.

[Jesus said,] “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (NIV)