Then Philip . . . told him the good news about Jesus.

— Acts 8:35

Valerie sat in my study for the first time. With excitement, she introduced herself and said, “I have met God, and he has changed my life.” But then she asked me the question that was on her heart: “But who is Jesus? I need to know.”

She went on to share how she had been set free from a long struggle with addiction through Alcoholics Anonymous, where her desperate prayers to God had been remarkably answered. A conversation with her doctor led her to realize that this was the God of the Bible. And that’s why she came with her question to me, her doctor’s pastor. God had set her free, but she was hungry to know more. So we talked.

We talked about the Bible and the good news it reveals about God's love for a broken and rebellious world. We discussed how Jesus is the full expression of God’s love and forgiveness. With Jesus, there can always be a brand-new start and a lifelong journey of growing in faith, hope, and love.

Wonderfully, Valerie came to embrace Jesus as her Lord and Savior. As a song puts it, we are blessed that God “is mighty to save.” This is the power of the gospel.

Who is Jesus? Whatever you might be facing today, know that Jesus is your Savior, Lord, and friend.

Dear God, reveal yourself to us today. May we experience the life-giving power of Jesus in all the broken places of our lives. Amen.