{{first_name|Friend}},
Learning to trust beyond our understanding.
As we continue in these final days of Lent and 40 Days for Life, I wanted to share a reflection from my prayer this morning.
I was reading John 2:3, the wedding at Cana. When Mary brings the need to Jesus, He responds that it is not yet His time. What struck me is not just His response, but hers. She does not argue, question, or become anxious. Instead, she simply turns to the servants and says, “Do whatever He tells you to do.”
I pondered that. I found myself asking, what does “whatever” look like?
In my Bible, the words of Jesus are printed in red, making it easy to see when He is speaking. As I opened to one of my favorite passages, Jesus says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, … Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow…” Matthew 6:33-34.
And in that moment, it became clear.
This is what “whatever” looks like.
It means seeking God first, before anything else shapes our thoughts or stirs fear. It means allowing His Word to ground us before we respond to anything around us. It means choosing trust over anxiety and surrender over control.
Over the past several days, we have talked about very real challenges. We have acknowledged what is unfolding, the urgency of this moment, and the call for us to respond together with faith and unity. It would be easy to become discouraged or anxious when we see things happening that feel outside of our control.
We are seeing things unfold that we do not want, and we are facing a situation that is serious and urgent. And yet, God is not asking us to respond with anxiety. He is inviting us to remain rooted in Him, to seek Him first, and to move forward in faith.
When we do this, we are not ignoring reality. We are responding to it with trust.
As believers, we are not meant to be defined by fear. We are called to stand in hope, grounded in His Word, confident that He is at work even when we cannot yet see the outcome.
Let us not become afraid or discouraged. Let us not question or try to take control. Let’s simply trust and do whatever He tells us.
We pray you can join us this Saturday.
This will be a joyful and powerful time as we thank God for all He has done and celebrate the lives touched during these 40 days.
Reminder: Sidewalk Story Contest
We would still love to hear from you.
Share a moment from your hour at the vigil that impacted you, whether it was a conversation, a quiet encounter, or something the Lord placed on your heart.
We will share a few of these stories as a witness to what God is doing on the sidewalk.
Please email your story to [email protected] with the subject line: My Sidewalk Story
Gratefully in Christ,
Jessica Sifuentes
President & CEO
Southwest Coalition, Inc.
Devotional for Day 33
Intention:
For trust in God’s timing and freedom from anxiety.
Scripture:
“Do whatever He tells you.” John 2:5
“Seek first the kingdom of God…” Matthew 6:33
Reflection:
In our own lives, we often want clarity before we move, but God invites us to trust Him first. When we begin our day rooted in Him, we are less shaken by what unfolds. Trust grows not from having answers, but from staying close to Him.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to seek You first and to trust Your Word. Help me to walk in faith and not in anxiety.
Challenge:
Begin your day by seeking God first before anything else, and Pray Psalm 51 for Dr. Theard.
40 Days of Gift Giving
Each day, one Registered Prayer Volunteer from every vigil site will be selected to receive a small Southwest Coalition merchandise item that we already have on hand. It is a simple and joyful way for us to thank you for showing up and standing faithfully in prayer.
Today’s Winners Are…
Pink House/Hillrise Vigil: Esther Vazquez
Santa Teresa Vigil: Ivonne Zapata
UNM Vigil: Rosendo Gallegos
Planned Parenthood El Paso Vigil: Guadalupe (Lupita) Gonzalez