And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.   

- 1 Peter 4:10

People often say the two things you can count on in this life are death and taxes.

While it is true that we will all one day die, it doesn’t have to fill us with fear.

Instead, we can relax in the hope that, as God’s children, this life doesn’t end here on earth. As believers, we are assured that we will be restored to wholeness in a place without suffering, pain, or sorrow. We will be reunited with loved ones and friends who also have placed their trust in Christ.

While here on earth, we will have struggles because man has free will.

Therefore, we can hurt one another and be hurt by others.

However, God is greater than all our struggles!

And, as His children, we are assured He will make us strong, firm, and steadfast in Him.

Our thoughts can easily stray when we are hurting, discouraged, and in doubt.

We may question if God really has a plan for our lives. We may get angry or doubt Him. If He loves us, then why does He allow us to hurt?

Sometimes the testing and waiting are to stretch and grow us. The Bible tells us that our faith’s testing produces perseverance, and that perseverance matures and completes us to be more like Christ.

Other times, God uses our problems to direct, guide, or even protect us. While we may not understand Him, we know we can trust Him. He gave His only Son to die for us to provide us with eternal life.

If He was willing to do that for us, then how much must He love us?

Today: Can you trust Him in and with your current situation?

God, please help me rest in your excellent provision for me. Help me trust you to work all things for my good. Amen.

With Love,
Sherry Shepherd