Romans 8:15-17 This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Lately, I’ve been exchanging messages with a friend from high school who will soon be transferring two foster children in her care back to the home of their mother. She has cared for these children for several months now, and her home has been a loving, stable environment for them… their longest “stability” ever. Naturally, she is dreading the day that they will leave her… for many reasons.
While my husband and I were not fulltime foster parents, we did spend a lot of time with my little nephew, Timothy, during his first 2½ years of life. Saying “Good-bye” to him when he moved to another state last December was truly heartbreaking. I understand on some level what my friend is experiencing… I know the dread of “the day” and the sadness of the actual “good-bye.” I also know that God has never left me… He has given me strength and courage when I sad and defeated. He has enabled me to smile, laugh and find joy… and given me a deeper appreciation for other children. And I am assuring my friend that He will do all of this – and more – for her.
The point of sharing this is not to make you feel sorry for my husband and me… or my friend. It is to show you that God not only shares our pain and heartaches… He shields us and lifts us, also. He never leaves us… and out of our most difficult circumstances, He sets us upright and enables us to ask, “What’s next?” Because of my experience, my friend knows that my words of encouragement are genuine and based in firsthand knowledge. And because of Jesus’ suffering, we can trust that He understands our own – and His comfort comes from a place of true empathy.
There are heartaches, challenges and sufferings of all kinds for each of us. Being a Christian doesn’t insulate us from these experiences… but it does insure us against a terminal suffering. In Psalm 30:5, we read that “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”(KJV) I like how The Message puts it… “The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter.” Isn’t this great news? We should be deeply encouraged to know that a “new life in Christ” includes another day with a fresh start and a return of joy and laughter… and that Jesus is with us every step of the way.
Remember two things today: 1) God totally understands everything you are going through… your joys AND your sorrows… the good times AND those that are painful. When you suffer, He suffers with you, and… 2) God will restore your joy. I have no idea what your challenges, or heartaches are… but with God’s help, you WILL get through whatever it is you are suffering or grieving. God will see that you experience “good times” again.
Recognize the presence of Jesus and His Holy Spirit. Thank Him for His company… His grace, mercy, and blessings. Learn from God, and share the comfort you have received with others who have similar needs. Reach out and genuinely say, “I’ve been there… I understand… and you will get through this!” Because Jesus suffered on the cross, He can say, “I know how you feel… I understand what you are going through.” Remember the adage that “people don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” Because I know that Jesus cares, I care what He knows… and I want more of Him each and every day. Don’t you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label suffering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label suffering. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for August 15, 2011
Psalm 106:1-5
We will celebrate and praise you, LORD! You are good to us, and your love never fails. No one can praise you enough for all of the mighty things you have done. You bless those people who are honest and fair in everything they do.
Remember me, LORD, when you show kindness by saving your people. Let me prosper with the rest of your chosen ones, as they celebrate with pride because they belong to you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Unless you have been under a rock for the last few weeks, you know that we are in full “back-to-school” mode. Everywhere you turn, there are new beginnings… first days at kindergarten, middle school, junior high, high school – and college. Some are starting new teaching careers… some are spending their first “first day” of school in decades as a newly retired teacher. There is a lot to celebrate… a whole lot of history in the making… and many things for which to thank God.
At the same time, school is not anywhere near the radar of some who are facing their own “firsts”. Some are starting their life without a loved one who has begun a “new life” in Heaven. A friend of mine just kissed her mom “Goodbye” for the last time, while another is lovingly waiting with her dad as he enters his last days on this earth. A former member of our community died in a motorcycle accident… and other friends and relatives lie in hospital beds across the country, struggling to get well again and experience a “first day” of good health.
Yet in all of these things, we give thanks and celebrate. We celebrate because those who are beginning new school years have so much ahead of them. Those who are dying or have just passed into Glory belong to God and have received the ultimate blessing… a place in His physical presence. Those who are sick are under God’s care… covered by the prayers of countless faithful believers who have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father and believe He will do mighty things.
What I want you to take away from this scripture today is this… even in our darkest hours, we can celebrate God. He is with us for our greatest joys and our deepest sorrows. We can choose to walk with Him… or we can choose to go through life alone. I guarantee you, the “highs” won’t be as high, and the “lows” will be almost unbearable unless you make a place for God in your life.
I don’t know what you are experiencing today – where you are on the spectrum of “highs” and “lows” – but I do know that God is ready and able to do mighty things… to bless you in ways you cannot even begin to imagine! And that is worth celebrating. Have you asked God to walk with you today – and always? Have you given Him praise for His never-ending care? How will you celebrate God today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
We will celebrate and praise you, LORD! You are good to us, and your love never fails. No one can praise you enough for all of the mighty things you have done. You bless those people who are honest and fair in everything they do.
Remember me, LORD, when you show kindness by saving your people. Let me prosper with the rest of your chosen ones, as they celebrate with pride because they belong to you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Unless you have been under a rock for the last few weeks, you know that we are in full “back-to-school” mode. Everywhere you turn, there are new beginnings… first days at kindergarten, middle school, junior high, high school – and college. Some are starting new teaching careers… some are spending their first “first day” of school in decades as a newly retired teacher. There is a lot to celebrate… a whole lot of history in the making… and many things for which to thank God.
At the same time, school is not anywhere near the radar of some who are facing their own “firsts”. Some are starting their life without a loved one who has begun a “new life” in Heaven. A friend of mine just kissed her mom “Goodbye” for the last time, while another is lovingly waiting with her dad as he enters his last days on this earth. A former member of our community died in a motorcycle accident… and other friends and relatives lie in hospital beds across the country, struggling to get well again and experience a “first day” of good health.
Yet in all of these things, we give thanks and celebrate. We celebrate because those who are beginning new school years have so much ahead of them. Those who are dying or have just passed into Glory belong to God and have received the ultimate blessing… a place in His physical presence. Those who are sick are under God’s care… covered by the prayers of countless faithful believers who have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father and believe He will do mighty things.
What I want you to take away from this scripture today is this… even in our darkest hours, we can celebrate God. He is with us for our greatest joys and our deepest sorrows. We can choose to walk with Him… or we can choose to go through life alone. I guarantee you, the “highs” won’t be as high, and the “lows” will be almost unbearable unless you make a place for God in your life.
I don’t know what you are experiencing today – where you are on the spectrum of “highs” and “lows” – but I do know that God is ready and able to do mighty things… to bless you in ways you cannot even begin to imagine! And that is worth celebrating. Have you asked God to walk with you today – and always? Have you given Him praise for His never-ending care? How will you celebrate God today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 15, 2011
Psalm 51:1-2
You are kind, God! Please have pity on me. You are always merciful! Please wipe away my sins. Wash me clean from all of my sin and guilt.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Every year when I revisit The Purpose Driven Life, I gain new insights. God continues to show me things through His word and individual studies of the Bible and Christian life. These last few days, I’ve been reminded of our importance to God and how forgiving He can be. If you think for one minute that you are not important to God, you are sadly mistaken. And if you think He can’t forgive you for whatever mistakes you have made, you are doubly wrong.
“But I keep being tested,” you may say. “Why would God test me and allow life to be so hard and hurtful if He really loves me?” One of my early studies this week spoke about testing, and Pastor Warren said this… “You will be tested by major changes, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers, underserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies. A very important test is how you act when you can’t feel God’s presence in your life. God never allows the tests you face to be greater than the grace He gives you to handle them.”
So what does this mean for us? Does this mean God wants us to suffer and make mistakes? First of all, our “suffering” can never come close to the suffering Jesus endured on our behalf… no matter how bad we feel our situation may be. And secondly, God doesn’t make mistakes… and He doesn’t do things on a whim. We can’t begin to understand His purposes… and that is the point. He wants us to trust Him… to consider every single incident in our lives as not only a test, but an opportunity to accomplish His will.
So when you are confronted with illness, an unpleasant boss or co-worker, a really difficult teacher, or even a parent you feel is being unreasonable, you have an opportunity to go one of two ways… you can honor your faith in God and operate in love, grace and mercy, or you can let the devil have control and wallow in anger, self-pity, frustration, and more. When things don’t go like you want – you lose your job and can’t find another – or you don’t get the job you want… when your relationships seem to fall apart… when “life” seems to kick you in the gut… these are not just “tests” – they are opportunities.
Ask God to show you how to serve Him in even the most insignificant events… from school work to cleaning your room/home/car to doing your very best in the workplace and your community. Consider the daily “tests” of life to be opportunities for growth – and understand that when you “fail” them or fall short, God is ready to forgive you and strengthen you for the next time. The key is seeking Him… calling on God to forgive you and help you to grow… and following through in a genuine effort to do better afterward.
Rick Warren says “Life is about letting God use you for HIS purposes – not your using Him for your own.” Are you focusing on God and trusting Him to guide your daily choices? Have you asked Him to forgive you and restore you to a stronger Christian walk? Isn’t today a good time to start?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You are kind, God! Please have pity on me. You are always merciful! Please wipe away my sins. Wash me clean from all of my sin and guilt.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Every year when I revisit The Purpose Driven Life, I gain new insights. God continues to show me things through His word and individual studies of the Bible and Christian life. These last few days, I’ve been reminded of our importance to God and how forgiving He can be. If you think for one minute that you are not important to God, you are sadly mistaken. And if you think He can’t forgive you for whatever mistakes you have made, you are doubly wrong.
“But I keep being tested,” you may say. “Why would God test me and allow life to be so hard and hurtful if He really loves me?” One of my early studies this week spoke about testing, and Pastor Warren said this… “You will be tested by major changes, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers, underserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies. A very important test is how you act when you can’t feel God’s presence in your life. God never allows the tests you face to be greater than the grace He gives you to handle them.”
So what does this mean for us? Does this mean God wants us to suffer and make mistakes? First of all, our “suffering” can never come close to the suffering Jesus endured on our behalf… no matter how bad we feel our situation may be. And secondly, God doesn’t make mistakes… and He doesn’t do things on a whim. We can’t begin to understand His purposes… and that is the point. He wants us to trust Him… to consider every single incident in our lives as not only a test, but an opportunity to accomplish His will.
So when you are confronted with illness, an unpleasant boss or co-worker, a really difficult teacher, or even a parent you feel is being unreasonable, you have an opportunity to go one of two ways… you can honor your faith in God and operate in love, grace and mercy, or you can let the devil have control and wallow in anger, self-pity, frustration, and more. When things don’t go like you want – you lose your job and can’t find another – or you don’t get the job you want… when your relationships seem to fall apart… when “life” seems to kick you in the gut… these are not just “tests” – they are opportunities.
Ask God to show you how to serve Him in even the most insignificant events… from school work to cleaning your room/home/car to doing your very best in the workplace and your community. Consider the daily “tests” of life to be opportunities for growth – and understand that when you “fail” them or fall short, God is ready to forgive you and strengthen you for the next time. The key is seeking Him… calling on God to forgive you and help you to grow… and following through in a genuine effort to do better afterward.
Rick Warren says “Life is about letting God use you for HIS purposes – not your using Him for your own.” Are you focusing on God and trusting Him to guide your daily choices? Have you asked Him to forgive you and restore you to a stronger Christian walk? Isn’t today a good time to start?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 28, 2011
Psalm 10:16-18
Our LORD, you will always rule, but nations will vanish from the earth. You listen to the longings of those who suffer. You offer them hope, and you pay attention to their cries for help. You defend orphans and everyone else in need, so that no one on earth can terrify others again.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend shared with us recently that her daughter laughed at those who so eagerly share photos of their children on Facebook… until she had her own baby. She said, “Now I get it.” And truly, until we have walked in others’ shoes, we often don’t understand their thinking… the things that make them happy, sad, proud, embarrassed, encouraged or defeated.
But God always understands. He knows the heartache of orphans who long for a home and someone to love them. He understands the fears and disappointment of those who are abused by a parent, spouse, or someone else. He sees the child who is bullied, and His heart is grieved. He “gets it” when someone we love is sick and we are unable to help heal.
I remember feeling so helpless when my brother was ill and slipping away from us. There was nothing we could do to restore his health this side of heaven. I know the frustration of holding a screaming child who can’t tell me where he hurts or what is wrong… and wondering what on earth I can possibly do to soothe him. But GOD knows exactly what to do. He hears everything… feels the pain and suffering… understands the heartache and sorrow… and HE can fix what we mere mortals cannot.
It may seem like small consolation to think that God knows what is happening when you are being abused or mistreated… when you are sick and/or suffering. You may be wondering… “If God knows this is happening, why doesn’t He DO something about it?” The answer is complicated, but here’s the “nuts and bolts” of it… God does see our needs, and He IS meeting them. What we have to understand is that God’s timing may not align with ours. Also, we must learn to stay faithful and close to God even when we feel He is not hearing our cries… the times we feel He is not listening… much less answering.
We will never fully understand how God operates in this lifetime. But we must stay faithful that He is “on the clock” on our behalf. He will always rule… He will always have our back… and He will always be right on time. Our job is to believe this… stay strong in our faith… and not resort to criticism of God’s timing. Someday, just like my friend’s daughter, we will “get it.” For now, let it be enough to know that God is always working in your behalf… for the perfect outcome when the time is right.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Our LORD, you will always rule, but nations will vanish from the earth. You listen to the longings of those who suffer. You offer them hope, and you pay attention to their cries for help. You defend orphans and everyone else in need, so that no one on earth can terrify others again.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend shared with us recently that her daughter laughed at those who so eagerly share photos of their children on Facebook… until she had her own baby. She said, “Now I get it.” And truly, until we have walked in others’ shoes, we often don’t understand their thinking… the things that make them happy, sad, proud, embarrassed, encouraged or defeated.
But God always understands. He knows the heartache of orphans who long for a home and someone to love them. He understands the fears and disappointment of those who are abused by a parent, spouse, or someone else. He sees the child who is bullied, and His heart is grieved. He “gets it” when someone we love is sick and we are unable to help heal.
I remember feeling so helpless when my brother was ill and slipping away from us. There was nothing we could do to restore his health this side of heaven. I know the frustration of holding a screaming child who can’t tell me where he hurts or what is wrong… and wondering what on earth I can possibly do to soothe him. But GOD knows exactly what to do. He hears everything… feels the pain and suffering… understands the heartache and sorrow… and HE can fix what we mere mortals cannot.
It may seem like small consolation to think that God knows what is happening when you are being abused or mistreated… when you are sick and/or suffering. You may be wondering… “If God knows this is happening, why doesn’t He DO something about it?” The answer is complicated, but here’s the “nuts and bolts” of it… God does see our needs, and He IS meeting them. What we have to understand is that God’s timing may not align with ours. Also, we must learn to stay faithful and close to God even when we feel He is not hearing our cries… the times we feel He is not listening… much less answering.
We will never fully understand how God operates in this lifetime. But we must stay faithful that He is “on the clock” on our behalf. He will always rule… He will always have our back… and He will always be right on time. Our job is to believe this… stay strong in our faith… and not resort to criticism of God’s timing. Someday, just like my friend’s daughter, we will “get it.” For now, let it be enough to know that God is always working in your behalf… for the perfect outcome when the time is right.
©2011 Debbie Robus
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