“In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
My son came into the kitchen and asked for a cookie. I said no. Supper would be ready soon, and I wanted him to eat that instead. He left, sad and still hungry, but he trusted me.
Last time, we talked about God’s wisdom; He has the best goal for the world, and the gospel is the best way of making that goal happen. Yet, when we face pain and sadness (such as hunger, sickness, mistakes, injuries, failing a test, losing a job, or the suffering and death of a loved one), people can have a hard time believing that God has the best goal in mind for individuals.
Jesus promised that in this world we will have trouble. God has immediate goals for us when we face these troubles. His purpose is to make us into something we are not yet. He is drawing us deeper into a relationship with Him, delivering us further from sin and showing us the power of His grace. He is using our story to share the gospel with the world. Considering these wise goals, how should we respond? 1. Receive challenges as from God. 2. Ask how God requires us to respond. 3. Trust and obey. 4. Share your testimony of how God saves sinners.
When supper was ready, my son ate a nutritious meal until he was satisfied. Later, he had a cookie. May God give us all the eyes to see beyond our pain and give us eyes of faith.
Suggestions for prayer
Thank God for the troubles He allows to come your way. Ask to know how to respond to pain and sorrow. Ask for strength to trust and obey Him.
Katelyn Van Haren is a member of Redeemer United Reformed Church in Lacombe, Alberta. She received a liberal arts degree from Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ontario in honours accounting and is a CPA. Katelyn and her husband have five children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com