Hebrews 12:5-13
Reflect
I have been praying for a family whose house burned down just a couple of weeks before they had their fourth child. Within a month, they hit a deer with their truck and rolled their car (totaling it) on the way to church. Their question is, “what is God trying to tell us”?
Often when disaster strikes, we question if God is even watching over us, or is punishing us for something we have done.
Our passage today shows us that hardships can be the Lord’s discipline. Not a discipline as a harsh punishment, but that of a loving Father Who desires our maturity.
Tim Keller (The Timothy Keller Sermon Archive) points out three pictures that help us see the hand of God in difficult times – a parent (a loving Father Who has a purpose in every trial He allows), a trainer (Who helps us grow and develop) and a therapist (where the hardships are meant to make us stronger and well).
There is a song by Laura Story called “Blessings”. Some of the Lyrics are:
“… what if your blessings come through raindrops? What if Your healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near? And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?”
Pastor Jerilyn
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for Karen Alksne, our Congregational Life Ministry Associate.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.