Devotionals – Gauthier Jet

Devotionals – Gauthier Jet

(This devotional was written by one of our incarcerated students, sharing their faith and study of God’s Word.)

Psalm 119:105, 11: “The word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Thy words I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against Thee.”

I wrote this on a piece of cardstock and taped it above my door inside my cell. I would read it numerous times a day, whether I was on lockdown and just pacing or about to leave. It was night there. It is such a powerful statement! To be completely honest, though, there are so many moving, motivational, and inspirational sections and chapters in the Bible.

For example, Genesis 22:1-12—what an amazing example of 100% commitment and faith in the Lord! Abraham was willing—willingly, I might add—to sacrifice his son. How could I, after reading this, ever not be willing to sacrifice anything and everything the Lord requires?

Another example is Job. Many of us have heard the story of Job, but I challenge you to truly digest what is happening there. He lost everything. Abandoned by everyone, he never gave up hope and faith. He never cursed the Lord.

There isn’t a single day that I don’t have to remind at least one person that it could always be worse. It’s sad to think about how sinful the world has become and how consumed society can be. If we don’t receive instant gratification, people begin to doubt their faith and claim that God doesn’t care. What I’ve learned is that if I am going through some sort of trial or troubling time, it’s an opportunity for me to learn something. It’s a lesson. I just have to be open and willing to see it for what it is—not as an opportunity to say, “Why me?” but instead say, “Why not me?”

Another truly inspiring thought comes from 1 Kings 19, where Elijah went 40 days on just two meals. Jesus and Moses also fasted for 40 days, but just thinking about their willpower is truly inspiring! The Bible is full of so many great and enlightening examples of absolute faith, trust, and strength.

What these stories have taught me is that God will never give us more than we are capable of handling. That’s not to say we will never struggle or suffer. We will, because the Lord knows what’s within us and what we’re capable of. But in order for us to discover this, we need to step out of our comfort zones. Through trust and faith, we can confidently enter the unknown and the unfamiliar, setting a new boundary.

Thank you, Lord Jesus! God bless!