I found Yoda.

I found Yoda in the Bible.


(My path to finding him there was a bit convoluted, so here's some backstory):

I moved to a new town six months ago. New job, new location, new faces, new life role. Ever since, I've been trying to establish myself - home, activities, friends. I've been trying to find a routine that fulfills me. I've been trying to be the best I can be. Trying to reflect the light of Christ into my community. Trying to be an active, on-fire disciple.

It hasn't been working.

Maybe it would be better if I'd never had wonderful, faith-filled experiences before. Summer camps, nurturing homes, Christ-centered educational institutions, mission work - all with individuals who exemplified what means to be a Christian.

I've been trying, and failing. Trying, and failing.
A routine of morning exercise and devotions, inevitably squeezed short by the snooze button.
An evening regimen of Sabbath School studies, blurred by weighted eyelids.
Aspirations of mid-week Bible studies and youth groups, inconvenienced by distance.
Aims of proclaiming the good news to patients, guarded by a bushel basket of fear and trepidation.



That's when I found Yoda.



"No! Try not.
"Do. Or do not. There is no try."
(Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back)

"Silly Jess, that's Yoda on Dagobah! Not in the Bible," you say.


...Ok. Perhaps it's better to say that Yoda turned me to the Bible. A text I've heard and read and believed all my life, but never before Yoda-ized:


I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)


Not I can try all things.

I can do all things. Through Him.


Here's where I stop trying. I stop trying to be better on my own, to improve myself, to buff off the rust and make myself presentable.
Here's where I start doing, through Christ.



Do not merely listen to the word... Do what it says. (James 1:22)
Let us do good to all people. (Galatians 6:10)
Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31)