Like the crowd of people described in John 6:28, this is a question we are asking ourselves, and God, a lot these days. We have seen God move in remarkable and unexpected ways in recent months, as they had, and we’re trying to understand how to move forward. Considering the humanly impossible tasks God has set before us we expect Him to do many more miracles in the near future, but “what should we do” in tandem?

Our hours are filled with shoe sales (Jon), grad school papers and reading (Erika), counseling kids (Erika), commuting, sifting through our things deciding what to pack and what to sell or donate, behind-the-scenes preparations for sharing our new ministry, personal meetings, emailing, phone calls, quiet time with God and some occasional R&R as a couple. As we juggle all the responsibilities God has given us we struggle to determine how to “do” it all without getting caught in the deception of self-sufficiency.

Jesus’ response to the crowd was “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” (John. 6:29) Though it’s unlikely Jesus was actually saying that when we believe in Him we don’t need to ‘do’ anything else, it seems that based on the context He was refocusing the people on the most important thing: eternal life. When it comes to finding eternal rest in Him I can do nothing because, “The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing” (John. 6:63). At least no matter how many to do lists I have which never seem to end, my salvation is secure, and isn’t that why I’m doing all this? So that I can share what I’ve found with others who have never heard?

Honestly each day we resonate with the disciples as we look to the Lord and tell Him how hard this journey is especially because so many of His ways that are beyond our understanding, but “to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life” (John 6:68). First blog post, check. Renewed hope in God, check.