pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: trial


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Stories of God

Reading: Psalm 78:12-16

Psalm 78:13… 16 – “God spilt the sea… led them… split rocks… made streams flow.”

Photo credit: Felipe Correia

Today’s verses from Psalm 78 focus on some of God’s “wonders” that happened during Israel’s time in the wilderness. Yesterday’s call was to remember the stories of God and to tell and retell them so that the next generation will know the stories too. For the people of God, to know that “God spilt the sea… led them… split rocks… made streams flow” is to know God and to trust in God’s continuing presence, power, and provision. These miracles are evidence of God’s love for God’s people.

There are times in our lives when God works in miraculous ways. Sometimes we are aware of them in the moment and other times these are things we see when we are looking back. Both are ah-ha moments – moments when we feel and know God’s love for us.

The moments and miracles often come in times when things beyond our control are creating suffering, trial, and/or hardship. Because it is beyond our control, God becomes present and acts on our behalf. About seven years ago our denomination was filled with tension around the inclusion of LGBTQ+ folks. My personal understanding of the scriptures and of God’s love for all people did not align with a small but powerful group at the church I was serving. As meetings and events unfolded, I felt like Israel up against the sea. In the darkest moment, God parted the troubled waters and brought light and peace to my heart. God guided my prayers, thoughts, actions, and conversations. God provided hope and light and strength when I needed it most. And God’s blessings flowed as my appointment changed and ministry became a joy once again.

What stories of God splitting seas… do you have to tell? And who will you tell them to?

Prayer: Lord God, we read of rescue and provision and presence in the wilderness and throughout the scriptures. We also experience your presence and miracles in our lives. Lead and guide us to be good storytellers, helping others to know you and to see how you move and act in their lives too. Amen.


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Together

Reading: Philippians 1:21-30

Philippians 1:27 – “Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel.”

Paul writes the letter to the Philippians from prison in Rome. He awaits trial before Caesar. He has found opportunities to share Christ even there. His example of faithful witness has led other believers to speak more boldly and with greater courage. Paul hopes that this continues to be the case for him and for his ministry. And in this dire situation, there is no fear of death. There is no desperation to continue living this life. There is hope.

In verse 21 Paul expresses his wrestling with life, faith, and death: “Because for me, living serves Christ and dying is even better.” Yes, part of Paul longs to go to heaven, to see Jesus Christ face to face once again. As he unpacks this tension, Paul comes to understand that it is better for him to “stay in this world for your sake.” Through his ministry, the gospel is spreading. He is still effective. People in Rome, Philippi, and other communities are “progressing” in their faith and are finding joy in Christ.

Paul then shifts from himself to his fellow believers in verses 27-30. His summary statement comes in verse 27: “Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel.” Paul is referring here to living like Jesus in their/our public, visible life. He is encouraging believers to allow their faith to be evident – not just in church but everywhere, all the time. The apostle is also stressing the importance of unity in the community of faith. We are to be unified with “one mind and spirit” (of Christ.) Living a connected faith, they and we are able to “stand firm” and together to experience the “privilege” of both believing in and suffering for Christ. The walk of faith is not always easy. But together – with Jesus Christ and with one another – we can experience the joys and the growth in our faith that come with striving forward side by side, day by day. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder to live a public, active faith. It is in community that we find the opportunity to practice grace, mercy, forgiveness, welcome… Work in and through us, O God, drawing others into a relationship with Jesus and into our communities of faith, where support, encouragement, connection, and accountability are found. Amen.


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Shaping and Reshaping

Romans 12:2 – “Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.”

Reading: Romans 12:1-2

As we begin in Romans 12, today we read what I would consider a “Top 10” verse for our time. Paul’s argument, however, begins back in chapter 11, where he writes of God’s great mercy. It is so great, he writes, that even Israel will be saved one day. At that point in time, the Jews felt like and were acting like the “enemies” of Jesus and his newly forming church. Even so, God’s mercy is great enough to one day draw Israel into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

With that in mind, Paul writes, “So… I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God.” Paul encourages the believers in Rome to live like they have been saved. He is inviting them to serve God and others even if there is a personal cost. Paul deems this “appropriate priestly service” for the great love and mercy that they have received from God.

Next we turn to the key verse: “Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” Another translation writes of not being so well-adjusted to the culture that we fit right in without even thinking about it. The patterns and ways of this world are tempting and powerful. They are portrayed as “success.” They promise us “happiness.” Greed, want, the desire for power, the need to satisfy self – these things are endless cycles that only draw us downward. There is no rest or peace or contentment. We only find these blessings when we confirm our hearts and minds to Christ. Jesus then renews and transforms our hearts and minds, shaping and reshaping us into someone who is “good and pleasing and mature.” This is where we want to be. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, the call of the world is constant – a neighbor’s new side by side, a friend’s new cell phone, a coworker’s stories of their amazing vacation… These things tug at us, pulling us towards the ways of the world. In our moments of temptation and trial, O God, draw us into your love and care. Remind us of the peace, contentment, and rest that we find in you alone. Hold us in that place, changing our focus, renewing our hearts and minds, drawing us deeper into our relationship with you. Amen.


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Lean into God

Reading: Psalm 13:3-6

Psalm 13:6 – “Yes, I will sing to the Lord because he has been good to me.”

As we continue in Psalm 13 today, verses 3 and 4 sound much like verses 1 and 2 from yesterday’s reading. The “how long?” questions turn to what might happen if the answer to these questions is “never.” If God doesn’t see David’s plight and if God doesn’t answer David’s pleas and if God doesn’t restore his “sight”... then David will surely “sleep the sleep of death.” And his enemies will rejoice! The unstated question in this scenario is this: Ok, God, what good would come from all of this?!

Our human nature can lead us down this road too. Things aren’t going well at all and there is no hope (no God) in sight… Resignation and/or defeat begins to settle in and these emotions emerge in our prayers. We get here when we are “at the end of our rope” or when we’re as low as we can go. We have tried all that we can think of and we’re still at rock bottom. It is then that we often see God as the only way through or our, as our only way up.

It is then that we too remember the many times that God’s faithful love has lifted us up. It is then that we remember that our salvation is secure. The trials are temporary. It is then that our heart declares as David’s heart declared: “Yes, I will sing to the Lord because he has been good to me.” We lean into our God – the God who always loves us, who always provides for us, who always makes a way. Leaning in, we find hope and light. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, it is amazing that you want to be in a relationship with us. We are so fickle, so self-absorbed, so unsteady. But you are just the opposite: unchanging, giving, faithful. Thank you for choosing us, for leading and guiding us. You are an amazing God! Amen.


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God Is Waiting

Reading: Psalm 13:1-2

Psalm 13:1a – “How long will you forget me, Lord? Forever?”

Photo credit: Nathan Dumlao

In Psalm 13, David asks a question we often want to ask God: “How long…?” Living in a world where faster is better, where instant is preferred over slow-cooked, waiting is hard. The difficulty can escalate quickly. In a rush, we hop in the drive-through line. But the person in front of us takes forever ordering a lengthy list and the other lane is moving much faster and… Difficulty can ramp up in our faith too. God loves and cares for us. God sees and hears us. God is on our side. And the trial or hardship goes on and on and on…

David gives us an important example here in Psalm 13. In our culture we’re taught to tough it out, to pull up our bootstraps (or pants) and to just work/try harder. We’re taught to keep our emotions – especially our tears, gentlemen – to ourselves. David does just the opposite. He comes to God with the question: “How long will you forget me, Lord? Forever?” He asks the question with emotion. He feels forgotten. God seems distant. David feels all alone. God isn’t helping him in his time of distress – at all!

We too can find ourselves in these places. We too will want to question God, to maybe even rant a bit. God is good with this. Our God wants all of us. God desires to have an open, honest, and transparent relationship with us. God desires to be present in the good, in the bad, and everywhere in between. May we meet God in all of these places. God is waiting.

Prayer: Lord God, you don’t just want our polished, social media ready image. You want the full us – because you love us unconditionally. You lean in when we lean in. You are present even when we feel all alone, even when we shout, “How long?!” You are responding even in the waiting. Continue to shape and form us as you see best. Amen.


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If Only!

Reading: Numbers 11:24-34

Numbers 11:29b – “If only all the Lord’s people were prophets with the Lord placing his spirit on them.”

As we lead up to Pentecost Sunday we turn to Numbers 11. A little context first, though. Moses led the people out of slavery in Egypt and they have been wandering in the desert. Not too long after God provided manna – an amazing miracle that came in response to the people’s grumbling – the “riffraff” stir up more complaining, this time about a lack of meat. This is not the first or second or even third time they’ve grumbled against Moses’ leadership and against God’s provision. The weight of leading crashes down on Moses. The grumbling angers God. A depleted and frustrated Moses cannot bear the burden any longer. If things are going to be like this, he says to God, “please kill me.” Moses is done.

We’ve all been in situations where we’ve been doing what God asks of us, walking faithfully, and the road gets bumpy. If the bumps don’t level out but instead get worse, we can feel defeated and frustrated. We can cry out to God in desperation as the weight begins to feel too heavy to bear. We want to give up. As with Moses, God has a plan. We are not left alone in the valley. For Moses, God passes some of Moses’ leadership spirit on to seventy elders. They will help him lead, guided by the spirit. In our valleys, God walks with us in Spirit and often sends a friend to walk with us to lift our burdens.

Two men outside the gathering at the tent of meeting also receive the spirit and start to prophesy. A concerned Joshua alerts Moses, concerned for Moses’ power. Moses does not see it this way. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Moses pines, “If only all the Lord’s people were prophets with the Lord placing his spirit on them.” Indeed, if only all of God’s people were filled with the Spirit. Indeed, indeed. May it be so, O God. Fill us all with your Holy Spirit!

Prayer: Lord God, first, thank you for never leaving us alone in the valley or in other times of trial. Thank you for your loving faithfulness. Second, Lord, fill us with your Spirit – both so we can walk faithfully as we bear one another’s burdens and so we turn to you, our ultimate companion, in our times of need. Be with us all of our days, O God. Amen.


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Changed

Reading: 1st Peter 4:12-14

1st Peter 4:14 – “If you are mocked because of Christ’s name, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory… rests on you.”

Photo credit: Robert Linder

In 1st Peter 4 we are encouraged to stand firm in our faith. Today we look at “why” this is necessary. The “how” and the “what” will come on Friday as we turn to 1st Peter 5. In our first Epistle reading, Peter focuses on the reality of suffering for one’s faith. For Peter and the early Christians, suffering included verbal abuse, social exclusion, physical threats, and, for some, beatings and even death. In these ways, the earliest believers faces what Christ himself has faced. The world remained hostile to this new faith. But it is this connection to Jesus that leads Peter to write, “rejoice as you share in Christ’s suffering.” It was a sign of genuine faith.

Suffering in any form is not easy to endure. But it must’ve caught some in the early church off guard. Peter reminds them of the reality of suffering, saying, “don’t be surprised by the fiery trials.” I love how Peter states that these trial are not “strange happenings.” He’s almost implying that they are or should be the norm. What would it take for that to be the norm for you and for me?!

Peter also reminds his readers that the suffering is not the end of the story. “Overwhelming joy” awaits those who remain faithful until Christ is revealed again. Lastly we turn to a verse that feels more like our time and place. In verse 14 we read, “If you are mocked because of Christ’s name, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory… rests on you.” Mockery can certainly be a form of suffering. Sadly, the mockery today comes not just from non-Christians.

When the “spirit of glory” rests upon us, we have been changed. We are a new creation in Christ. As Abby K. Norman pointed out in today’s Disciplines reading, “so maybe the world has changed because I am in it.” Yes, the world has changed and is changing because we are in it. May it increasingly be so day by day!

Prayer: Lord God, while we wouldn’t pray for suffering, persecution, and the like, we do pray for a bold faith. While we wouldn’t pray for a pedestal, we do pray for ways to influence and change our world, shining light and love into the darkness and hate. Pour out your Spirit upon us, O Lord. Then use us to build your kingdom here, making the world better in all ways. Amen.


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Rescue and Salvation

Reading: Psalm 66:8-17

Psalm 66:10 and 12 – “But you, God, have tested us – you’ve refined us like silver… we’ve been through fire and water. But you brought us out to freedom!”

When was there a time that God delivered you? Was it through the ending of something – a job, a relationship, a life? Was it through a time of testing, when life was difficult? Was it through an illness or an addiction? Looking back on the experience(s), offer God a few words of praise and thanksgiving.

As we spend time in Psalm 66 today and tomorrow, the psalmist rejoices in God’s rescue. In verses 10 and 12 we read, “But you, God, have tested us – you’ve refined us like silver… we’ve been through fire and water. But you brought us out to freedom!” After 400 years as slaves in Egypt, God rescued the Israelites. These were hard years – oppressed, no freedoms, hard labor. But God brought them out, parted the sea, led them through the water. Then came the time in the wilderness. It was like a testing by fire, refining and refining the people until they were ready to enter the Promised Land. Looking back on God’s work, the psalmist offers praises and burnt offerings.

At the end of today’s reading, the psalmist invites his or her audience to “come close and listen.” There is a story to tell and a God to praise. Returning to your time(s) of deliverance, what story do you have to tell? And who can you or who do you need to invite to come close to hear your story of God’s rescue and salvation?

Prayer: Lord God, the trials, the hardships, the sufferings – they are not easy in the moment. But you are always at work, always leading and guiding us through – even when we cannot see it in the present moment. Lord, help us to share these experiences – not the pain but the rescue, not the valley but the presence. In the sharing, may others come to know your love and salvation. Amen.


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Genuine

Reading: 1st Peter 1:6-7

1st Peter 1:7c – “Your genuine faith will result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

Photo credit: Kim West

Earlier in the week, when we read from 1st Peter 1, we focused on our inheritance. As you’ve maybe observed or even experienced, inheritances don’t always come easily. Yes, there are the “silver spoon” examples that come to mind. And, yes, many come to us naturally or organically, without much fuss. To a degree faith can fall into this category. I grew up going to church, so faith was “assumed.” But singing the songs and learning the Bible stories of Noah, Daniel and the lions, Jesus and the children… are much different things than actually having a faith of one’s own.

As a junior in high school I was at a youth group event, a rock-a-thon. My fun and enjoyable time in a rocking chair was disrupted by news (via a knock on the church door in that pre-cell phone world) that a good friend was in a horrible accident. Praying for him in the sanctuary balcony with two friends, I felt that tangible presence of the Holy Spirit. Held in those “arms,” I rejoiced in hope, even in the midst of a time of distress.

Through this experience and other moments of trial, my faith was “tested by fire.” In time I came to have a sure faith that is my own. One day I, like all believers, hope to experience what Peter points to at the end of verse 7: “Your genuine faith will result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” O Lord, may it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, in the moment, no, I wouldn’t have chosen any of the experiences that refined and tested my faith. However, you are far, far wiser than I am. Each moment, each tear, each time of despair – small stepping stepping stones to this place in my journey of faith. Thank you for each of them and, more so, for your abiding presence in each of them. Please continue to walk with me day by day. Amen.


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Faithful Love

Reading: Psalm 31:9-16

Psalm 31:10 – “My life is consumed with sadness… Strength fails me because of my suffering.”

Our journey to Palm Sunday begins with David and Psalm 31. These words form a prayer song that seeks refuge in God. I can imagine Jesus praying these words as he lived out his final days here on earth. Verses 1-8 express a hope and a trust in God during a time of testing and trial caused by David’s “enemy.” Turning to verse 9, we see the outcome of this time of difficulty. David has cried so many tears, his vision fails. His body and spirit are right there too. As we recall long seasons of grief and testing, we can relate to how David feels.

David expresses this in verse 10, saying, “My life is consumed with sadness… Strength fails me because of my suffering.” Grief and suffering can be consuming. Like in Ezekiel’s valley, David feels like “dry bones.” The situation is so bad, even his friends avoid him. They “run away” when they see him in the streets. We don’t know why but we can speculate based upon our own experiences. In times of deep grief, people are avoided. Maybe we have felt that and likely we’ve avoided others. Sometimes we’ve been wearied. Sometimes the words to say seem elusive. This makes us or the other feel like David felt: “forgotten… dead… completely out of mind.”

There is a shift that occurs in verse 14. In the middle of this difficult reality, when enemies attack and friends scatter, David turns to the one who is present even then. He declares his trust in God. David gives his future into God’s hands. He asks that God would “Shine your face upon your servant.” In God’s presence David offers a request: “Save me by your faithful love.” It is a love that never fails. Our ever-present God is always with us. In times of trial and suffering, may we turn to the Lord our God, the one whose face always shines, whose love always surrounds us.

Prayer: Lord God, when we feel surrounded by grief and trial, abandoned by friends, remind us of your loving presence. When we are wearied by our sadness or by the suffering of another, give us strength to engage and courage to trust. Turn our hearts and minds to you, surround us with your faithful love, shine your face upon us. Amen.