DON’T WASTE THE PAIN
Are you going through a season of hardship or sorrow? Are you burdened by trouble? Exhausted by trial or disappointment? Don’t waste the pain. God is still God. He is still sovereign. Such seasons are never enjoyable at the time, but when we look back on them, we see how God was at work. For we need not wonder what God is up to with us. He is making us like Jesus.
God cares more for our character than our comfort. He disciplines us for our good, so that in every way we are being sanctified, made holy, as His children. He loves us. He has not left us alone, but is actively present with us always.
So don’t waste the pain. Don’t give up! “Take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees” (Heb. 12:12). And when you wonder what God is up to, remember what the apostle John said. “Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is” (1 John 3:2).
PRAYER: Dear Father, we put our trust in You. For You are our God and even when things seem chaotic and overwhelming, we keep our eyes on You. For You love us and will always do what is best for us. Strengthen our tired hands and weak knees. Empower our speech to proclaim Your gospel. In Jesus’ name, amen.