By Tina Teng-Henson

(Continued from Part 6–>)

In closing, Jesus has been teaching me a great deal in the first three months of this year. I’ve learned to abide and rest in his authority. I’ve learned to listen to his voice, and to obey. I’ve learned not to overthink things, but simply do what I’m asked to do, as best as I can, and trust him to provide the resources needed, when they’re needed. I’ve learned not to be afraid of spiritual forces, but to acknowledge that there is an evil one who has been at work in every chapter, who is the one who steals, kills, and destroys. He loves to accuse and disturb and distract us from our core purpose. 

But Jesus is the greater one, who redirects us. Who rebukes the accusations of others. Who comforts us in our distress. Who guides us back to our core purposes and leads us back into restored relationship.

Jesus is the one who restores what has been stolen, raises to life what has been killed, and repairs and heals and rescues all that has been destroyed. 

He is the Son of God, who was sent into the world, to proclaim salvation to the lost and the helpless, and restore those who have been broken-hearted. 

He sets captives free. 

From despair. From discouragement. From depression. 

From fear. From sadness. From generational brokenness. 

From all the sad things that can happen here on planet earth. 

He brings us to the Father heart of God. 

Where there is the deepest acceptance possible. 

Where there is radical forgiveness. 

Where there is quiet embrace. 

Where there is anointing, and consecration, and being set aside for holy purposes. 

All of that is for you, and all of that is for me. 

Rejoice, and take heart. He has overcome the world! 

Tina Teng-Henson serves as a spiritual director and hospice chaplain. As a wife and mother of three, she occasionally guest-preaches and teaches. When she’s not volunteering at her children’s schools, she plays volleyball, reads, and writes.