#180 THE JESUS FACTOR 9-23-26

All is different when Jesus enters the equation. We can look at the same circumstance, face the same difficulty, and carry the same burden, but everything changes when we remember that Jesus is there.

Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on water as long as his eyes were fixed on Jesus. When he looked at the wind and waves, fear took over. Jesus did not remove the storm before Peter stepped out. He simply made His presence greater than the storm. The Jesus factor does not mean we will never have trouble. It means trouble never has to have the final word.

The Jesus factor changes what we do with our burdens. Paul could say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Notice that Paul did not say he could do everything because circumstances were easy. He had known hunger and abundance, suffering and comfort, rejection and acceptance. His strength came from Christ. When Jesus is at the center, weakness can become an opportunity to discover His strength. The burden may still be heavy, but we no longer carry it alone. As Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

The Jesus factor also changes how we see other people. Jesus looked at Zacchaeus and saw more than a dishonest tax collector. He saw a man who needed salvation. Jesus looked at Peter after his denial and saw more than his failure. He saw a disciple who could still be restored and used. At the cross, Jesus prayed for those who were crucifying Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).

When Jesus becomes the center of our lives, people stop being interruptions and start becoming opportunities to love, serve, forgive, encourage, and introduce them to the Savior.

And perhaps that is the greatest difference of all. Jesus does not merely improve a life. He gives life a new center, a new direction, and a new hope. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Put Jesus into your marriage, your work, your suffering, your decisions, your relationships, your plans, and your future. Put Jesus into the ordinary Tuesday and the darkest Friday.

The circumstances may not immediately change, but you will not face them the same way. The Jesus factor is the difference Christ makes when He is not merely part of your life, but the heart of it.

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Lord Jesus, help us to remember that everything changes when we place You at the center. Give us Your strength when we are weak, Your peace when we are troubled, Your wisdom when we are uncertain, and Your love when people are difficult to love. Teach us to see every circumstance and every person through Your eyes, and let our lives show the difference You make. Amen.

BDD