Do we accept responsibility for our sins, or are we like a lying child who won’t face something he has done, choosing to make an excuse, or blame it on another instead? When we have succumbed to the snare of temptation, and done a wrong thing, we will certainly face the punishment for it, we will get our just desserts, and yes, we will have fallen into a hole that we dug for ourselves. So how often is it that we deny our sinfulness, hoping that we can escape the inescapable judgement of God... only to be discovered in the act, and called to task for it?

In the course of our faith we have contemplated our travail, tribulation, and the trouble they present us. Jesus thought on this same subject, and after having reached an understanding of their importance to faith He concluded that He would not ask God to save Him from it, but acknowledge God’s will in it. Are we courageous enough to face what lies ahead before us, and grasp, as Jesus did, the purpose God has for us in our suffering?

We suffer through the afflictions of a life in this world, and we pray for God to release us from them, but do we learn anything from the effort? Do we not only see the hardship, and thank the Lord for helping us, but also recognize the lessons of faith that He has taught us? Our suffering is only the beginning of a profound instruction, are we looking for it and asking the Holy Spirit to reveal His truth to us?

Just as by the disobedience of Adam all men were made sinners, and through Christ, one man’s obedience, the many were made righteous, so it is that by our singular lives we can each have an impact on all of creation. Some of us are tempted to believe that we are insignificant when in fact our one life’s force can ripple through all that comes after us, and quite often we don’t even realize it.

Even if our faith should fade away from us, and we find that our prayers are less fervent, or we turn away from our daily walks with our Father, He might scatter us, but will never abandon us. Even in a decrepit state such as this He makes a way home for those who are lost, but we must search after Him like Jesus seeks the one lost sheep. If we look for Him with all our heart and soul we will find that our Lord God never hides from us and waits faithfully for our return.

Even in the midst of our greatest laments the Lord is with us in the fullness of His love. We might feel inclined to believe that we have been abandoned, but His love never ceases, never comes to an end, and refreshes us each day as His radiance shines bright upon us. There are times when His cloak is made to cast a shadow over us so that our spirit might shine on it’s own from the darkness, and what was once unnoticed in the brilliance of His presence is allowed to strengthen and shine forth from the night.

Do you have COVID-19, or some other deadly disease, and wish to overcome it? If so how are you praying, or better put; are you simply praying that the suffering be lifted from you or are you praying that your sins be forgiven, your life comes to reflect the will of God, and that God would heal you to serve Him more? When we hurt and are sick, or afraid of death, it is so easy to pray for relief without confessing our sins, asking forgiveness, and repairing the state of our soul within God’s will.

Do we thank God for all the comforts He provides us? We seek out the Lord in times of affliction, or trouble, and thank Him when He gives us relief, but how easy it becomes to accept the blessings that he gives us without any hardship, and forget to thank Him. When things come easily, and comfortably, we should thank the Lord all the more diligently for His blessings, because these are the comforts of Christ.

In today’s world of religion the mantra is often that “God helps those who help themselves”, and that Jesus makes the righteous wealthy, but the truth is that God’s ear is attuned to those whose spirits are crushed and who are broken-hearted. His mercy is rarely focused on worldly things, but is applied liberally to redeeming us, and easing our suffering.

Are we afraid to tell others what God has done for us? Do we fear that they might think we are singing our own praises because He has done so many wonderful and amazing things in our lives? Well we couldn’t be more wrong than to remain silent because the Lord deserves our open praise, and worship before all people, and nothing lifts Him higher than to speak of all He has done for us.

When we are in trouble do we call on God to save us out of desperation, or do we ask for His help so that through His provision, and salvation, we might glorify Him? God’s rescue is not done solely for our benefit, but also to reveal His majesty. When we give to those in need how does it make us feel? The goodness and warmth we experience is only a reflection of what God feels when He answers us in our times of need.

Are we a people who begins our confrontation with trouble by leaning on the Lord for help, but who over time begins to waver in our faith? Are we like the Israelites who trusted in God for their protection in the wilderness only to lose hope when the armies of Pharaoh were approaching, and their backs were against the sea? How steadfast are we, and how firm is our grasp on the promises of our Father?