Gary Varvel: Schumer shutdown 2.0
New Humor Me cartoon caption contest PLUS a devotional on prayer. Behind the paywall: an archive cartoon about Democrat policies
Mic Check… Interrupted
A week before the State of the Union, Senator Chuck Schumer decided the most effective rebuttal isn’t a better argument — it’s a pair of scissors. If you can’t counter the message, just cut the mic. By pushing a partial government shutdown at the most politically convenient moment, Schumer seems less interested in governing and more interested in stage-managing silence. Apparently, when Donald Trump prepares to address the nation, the opposition’s plan is simple: if you don’t like what he’s about to say, make sure nobody can hear it.
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DEVOTIONAL
The Verse for Today
“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” — Mark 11:22–23
What is the mountain in your life? What obstacle stands in your way, keeping you from moving forward in obedience, in peace, or in hope?
In his book Why Christians Sin, J.K. Johnston tells a story about a small town that had long been “dry.” When a businessman decided to build a tavern, concerned believers from a local church organized an all-night prayer meeting, asking God to intervene. Not long afterward, lightning struck the tavern and it burned to the ground.
The tavern owner sued the church, claiming their prayers were responsible. The church, in turn, hired a lawyer to argue that they were not. After reviewing the case, the judge remarked, “No matter how this case comes out, one thing is clear: the tavern owner believes in prayer—and the Christians do not.”
It’s a humorous story, but it carries a sobering truth. The issue is not about removing taverns. It’s about whether we truly believe that God answers prayer.
So let me ask you gently: Do you believe Him? When you pray about that strained relationship, that financial burden, that health concern, that calling you’re afraid to pursue—do you pray with expectation? Or with polite religious language but quiet doubt?
Jesus invites us to trust Him with the mountains. Not because we are strong, but because He is. There is nothing too hard for God.
Ask in faith. Trust His timing. And when He answers—whether by moving the mountain or by strengthening you to climb it—your faith will grow. And a watching world will see that our God is still in the business of moving mountains.
HUMOR ME
HUMOR ME: Fix my cartoon with a snarky remark. Email your entries to gary@garyvarvel.com. Winners announced in Friday’s newsletter for paid subscribers.
