April 17, 2026
Second Week of Easter
Facing the Challenge
When the people saw the sign he had done…
John 6:14

“You’ve got this, JoJo! I am right here to catch you,” my daughter said, smiling at her three-year-old. Josephine stood still, looking at the water, her little toes wrapped around the very edge of the pool.

“Come closer, Mama!” she insisted. “Now don’t move!” And with that, she jumped, feet first, splashing water everywhere. After that first trusting jump into the arms of her mama, there was no more wavering, no more delay. My granddaughter’s faith in her Mama gave her freedom, and just a few weeks later, she was doing flips in the deep end!

There have been so many moments in my life when I prayed for a bite to sustain me and instead walked away with “twelve wicker baskets” (v. 13) of leftovers. Like the large crowd following Jesus across the Sea of Galilee, I see sign after sign that Jesus performs. Still, I fret. I fear. Facing the next challenge in my life, I hesitate to jump fully into the arms of Jesus.

Today, Lord, please grant me the grace to trust like JoJo.

- Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda

Acts 5:34:42 ✚ Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 ✚ John 6:1-15
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Comments

Stormi
April 17, 2026 at 05:43 PM

Maria trust is one of the hardest things I think us humans can do. Jesus was the ever perfect in his love and trust in his father. May we all know his strength. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs these days. Vicky G. and more. Holy spirit fill the hearts of all to guide us to a more heavenly earth.

Salina (not in control)
April 17, 2026 at 10:46 AM

It is difficult to face challenges especially when we have no ideas what to do and how to deal with it!!! I received a gift of this Verselets (a bracelet with the first letters of the verse) in Psalm 27:13, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!” (IRCOTIWSTGOTLITLOTL) I look at it especially when I don’t know what to do! ******* The truth that God is sovereign in Acts 5:35-39, “Then Gamaliel spoke to the Sanhedrin. “Men of Israel,” he said, “think carefully about what you plan to do to these...
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Mary Beth
April 17, 2026 at 10:01 AM

Vicky G I am praying for your entire family as you go through this very difficult challenge. May the Lord wrap all of you in His arms of unconditional love.

Gary
April 17, 2026 at 09:59 AM

Thank you for your story Maria. May we all trust to leap into the arms of Jesus. Amen!

freeter
April 17, 2026 at 09:30 AM

Amen! :)

CBR
April 17, 2026 at 09:28 AM

Wow what a great way to describe trust in someone I have the same problem with trust and today and every day after I am going to ask God to help me trust him more thank u for this God be with us all Amen Amen Amen

ADV
April 17, 2026 at 08:49 AM

AMEN!

Holly
April 17, 2026 at 08:26 AM

Amen!

Vicky G
April 17, 2026 at 08:18 AM

Oh Maria. I know that fear, the fear of the next challenge, the fear of the next day sometimes. I come to you all once again because I believe in prayer and God’s mercy through many voices crying out to Him. Yesterday my future daughter in law was found unresponsive after being sick with a recurrent sinus and ear infection. She was admitted to the CCU where they determined she has no autonomic responses and no brain activity. She is on life support and today we return so my son and her dad will need to make further decisions. My...
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Kjc
April 17, 2026 at 11:25 PM

VickyG Heading to sleep now but will pray for you and your family and Jennifer and her family right now. Please know God loves you. Ken

Bill L
April 17, 2026 at 05:50 PM

I've got you and your family in my rosary tonight, Vicky. Don't know if Garrett is a reader but there is a book in our church library titled 'When Bad Things Happen to Good People' by Rabbi Harold S. Kushner that may help him.

Stormi
April 17, 2026 at 05:40 PM

Oh Vicky G I am so sorry. Many prayers for you and the whole family. I pray God holds you all in his loving hands and a miracle from his love brings peace and good answers.

Kjc
April 17, 2026 at 12:09 PM

VickyG I am praying for you and Andrew and Jennifer right now. Tell Garrett that we don't understand why God allows things to happen. Only God knows. Bible says in Isaiah 55: 8,9" For my thoughts are not your thoughts nor are your ways my ways says the Lord. " Finish reading verses 10 and 11 Bishop Fulton Sheen says it in another beautiful way "Our Blessed Lord used an illustration of this mystery, You cannot understand the blowing of the wind, but you obey its laws and thus harness its force; so also with the Spirit. Obey the law...
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PeggyR
April 17, 2026 at 10:25 AM

Dear Vicki, please know that I join with the LFF in prayer for you and your whole family. This is certainly a heartbreaking tie for all of you. Praying that OurLord will be present for Jennifer and Andrew and Jennifer’s Dad. My heart goes out to all of you.

Salina (not in control)
April 17, 2026 at 09:56 AM

I’m so sorry, Vicky, what your son and the family are going through ✝️ Reminds me of the conversation Martha and Jesus had after Lazarus died and buried in John 11:21-27, “ “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “I wish You had been here! Then my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you anything you ask for.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again. This will happen when people are raised from the dead on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I...
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Cindy A
April 17, 2026 at 08:36 AM

My prayers are with you all. God bless you.

JudyF
April 17, 2026 at 08:36 AM

VickyG, praying for your devastated family during this very hard time. Ear infections can be surprisingly serious. Virtual hugs from your LFF.

Holly
April 17, 2026 at 08:25 AM

Praying for everyone in need of healing. God be with you.

Mike
April 17, 2026 at 08:13 AM

Amen

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