Start out with God

Jesus figured out how to solve that problem. In this week's Gospel (Mark 1:12-15), He has to start teaching people about God. Beginning that work must have been really hard, but Jesus finds a way to do it.

After He was baptized, Jesus went out into the desert for 40 days. Wild animals were there, but angels came and helped Him. After that, Jesus went to the town of Galilee, telling the people there, "The kingdom of God is near. Come back to God."

Jesus' work was pretty hard. He had to tell people to stop worshipping God the way they always did, and learn a new way. People didn't like to change, so Jesus had a tough job ahead.

If you have to do homework or clean your room, there are different ways to get started. You can do the worst part first -- your hardest homework or cleaning under your bed. Some people like to do something easy first, just to get moving.

Jesus' story reminds us that there's one other important part of getting started: praying. Before Jesus started His work, He went out into the desert for 40 whole days, just to be alone with God! He asked God to help Him get started, and spent time with God and the angels. Then He was ready to work.

It might feel funny at first to pray before you do your homework or clean your room. But if you try it, you'll find out what Jesus did: that God will be right there next to you, helping you get started, get your work done, and get finished!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, teach me to ask you for help getting started with all my work! Amen.