Index to Devotionals

Index to Devotionals

Devotionals

“I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth.”

Dancing after Catastrophe

Trapped for more than twenty-five hours under concrete tangled with wood and metal, a young woman’s body lay crushed and bleeding. She’d been teaching her dance class when the earth trembled and gave way. As she lay suffering in the darkness, she wondered if she would live—let alone dance again.

Zhi Liao did survive the earthquake that struck the Sichuan province of China in May 2008. But she lost her infant daughter, her mother-in-law, and her legs. Both legs were amputated below the knees in order to extract Zhi from the rubble. An estimated 70,000 people died that day, and 374,000 were injured. Zhi was the only one to survive in the building she was in.

Tragedies like this prompt questions about God’s goodness. If God is sovereign and in control of all things, why are there horrific natural disasters? Why does a good God take a child from its mother? Why such dreadful suffering?

Did Noah and his family grapple with similar questions? Why had every other man, woman, and child on earth died a terrible death?

We can’t know all of Noah’s questions, but assures us that Noah “walked in close fellowship with God” before the great flood. This relationship sustained Noah’s faith through the daunting task of repopulating a barren world. Yes, Noah had learned to trust God in every circumstance. And the end of Noah’s trial was marked by God’s sign of a rainbow, promising that he would never again flood the entire earth.

Thanks to the care of missionary relief workers, Zhi also learned to trust Christ despite her harrowing ordeal and accepted him as her Savior. She also received the precious gift of two prosthetic legs that allowed her to continue dancing. Today, Zhi travels the world using her artistic expression as both a witness to her faith and an inspiration to people with disabilities!

Like Noah’s rainbow, Zhi’s life radiates the vibrant colors of God’s promise. Noah’s and Zhi’s courageous faith reassures us that while we may not find all the answers to our questions, we can trust God’s love even in the midst of unspeakable catastrophes.

“Now Laban had two daughters. The older daughter was named Leah, and the younger one was Rachel.”

Sibling Rivalry

If you have a sister or brother, you’ve probably known the angst of sibling rivalry. For sisters Leah and Rachel, it was inevitable for a number of reasons. Leah, the elder, wasn’t as beautiful as Rachel. According to tradition, Leah should have married before her younger sister, but their cousin Jacob fell in love with Rachel. He even agreed to work seven years to make her his wife. Unfortunately, their father tricked Jacob, and Jacob found himself married to Leah before Rachel. To make matters worse, Rachel was barren for many years while Leah gave Jacob many sons in hopes of gaining his love.

Is it any wonder this triangle evoked a bitter rivalry between these women that led to years of heartache and despair? Their story in reads more like a television soap opera than the bloodline of the coming Messiah. Sadly, jealousy and intense competition between siblings is still common in today’s families and can intensify when one has a disability. Caring for a family member with special needs requires time and attention, leaving siblings vying for their parents’ love. Family finances can be stretched, causing siblings to go without wants and needs. Some feel sorry for their disabled brother or sister, but angry at the same time. Some grow up with great compassion and become lifelong advocates for those with disabilities. Others move out of their homes as soon as they can and feel like failures for their inability to cope with the family stress.

What makes the difference? Love! Jacob was wrong to shut Leah out of his heart, and the sisters’ response only made things worse. If they each had been as focused on loving one another instead of only their own desires, a lot of pain and heartache would have been avoided.

As a sibling, you can communicate your needs to parents, grandparents, and friends. You can safeguard your heart from bitterness by praying about God’s perfect plan for your own life and your sibling’s life. God will never withhold his love from you and will always forgive you—especially when things are far from perfect.

“The Egyptians worked the people of Israel without mercy.”

Prejudice and Power

Prejudice is ugly, contagious, and often rooted in fear. Our sinful nature finds it far too easy to look with disdain upon those who are different. Whether it’s based on ethnicity or ability, prejudice is wrong.

In the years following Joseph’s death, the Israelites in Egypt had multiplied and prospered to a point where a new pharaoh felt threatened by them. His reaction was to enslave God’s people, forcing them to do “crushing labor” and working them without mercy ().

Yet the Israelites continued to thrive in spite of the persecution. So Pharaoh initiated a sinister plot to have all of the Hebrew baby boys slaughtered. Pharaoh’s fear drove him to treat people as if their lives were nothing more than a threat to him—they were disposable.

The Eugenics Movement (around AD 1850–1950) held similar views. It condoned using people with disabilities as test subjects in Nazi Germany. Even the US Supreme Court upheld the sterilization of those with disabilities in 1927. We may shake our heads and ask, “Who could do such things?” But history is like a mirror, revealing our potential to react in fear and show prejudice toward people who are different—especially those with disabilities.

Today, unemployment among the disabled is as high as 80 percent in some countries. While most world religions speak of love, mercy, and benevolent service, many of them fail to apply these virtues to people with disabilities.

Just as Hebrew lives were saved in Egypt by caring midwives (), lives of disabled people were also saved in Nazi Germany when brave Christians resisted the Nazi regime. After World War II, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) designed to set standards of civil societies and open a dialogue on the true meaning of human rights.

Prejudice has no place in the Christian life. is our personal declaration: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.” If you look for ways to live this out in your community, you will find them.

“Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD?”

Disability and Service

God called Moses to deliver his messages to the enslaved Israelites and to Pharaoh. Yet the prophet felt inadequate to serve, reasoning that his speech problems disqualified him from speaking for God. He even gave God other reasons for his reluctance, saying the Hebrews would not believe God had sent him and even simply asking God to send someone else. But God confronted Moses’ complaints with some powerful questions: “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak . . . ?” (). Actually, Moses’ objection was more about his inability to trust God than his disability in speaking God’s message. This is the place Shaw Bates came to as well.

Shaw Bates grew up with dyslexia (a language skill disorder) and learning disabilities. Learning for Shaw felt like he was climbing a ladder while people without disabilities took the elevator. When he was seventeen, he didn’t know what his future would hold. One day in prayer, Shaw felt the Lord saying he wanted him to make a difference in other people’s lives by serving in Christian ministry. He thought that if God could powerfully use Moses, then perhaps he could use him, too. With the Lord’s help, Shaw graduated from Biola University with a BA in psychology and began serving as a community support specialist in a nonprofit organization.

Like Moses and Shaw, God calls us each to look beyond our limitations and trust him to enable us. Our weaknesses shouldn’t keep us from experiencing the joy of serving others in God’s name. They should cause us to marvel at his awesome power and provision whether we serve people with disabilities or we’re being served by them.

“The LORD is a warrior;

Yahweh is his name!”

A Warrior for the Suffering

Heroes are quickly forgotten. God used Joseph, a Hebrew, to save the nation of Egypt from starvation through his shrewd management of grain harvests. But when a new Egyptian king came to power, he didn’t know or care about Joseph’s historical contribution. To him the Hebrew people posed a potential threat to his own powerful reign ().

In spite of Pharaoh’s disdain for them, God blessed the Hebrews in Egypt. They multiplied in number and strength, bolstering the Egyptian labor forces. But instead of rewards, Pharaoh imposed unreasonable burdens on them and even tried to exterminate them by killing their infant boys. The more the Lord blessed their labor, the more Pharaoh abused them. For a time, the Hebrews were seemingly forgotten by God in their suffering. But the Lord heard their cries and met them in their pain. God was faithful to deliver his people, but it happened in his perfect timing.

Like a mighty “warrior,” the Lord burst forth against the Egyptians (). With each new plague, he defeated a prominent Egyptian god. By the end of the tenth plague, Egypt was devastated. The loss of the Egyptian firstborn was the national deathblow, for it included Pharaoh’s own son who was to be the next chief god on the throne. God’s people—once slaves—were begged and bribed to leave the country.

We must never forget God’s power to rescue his people in his timing. Our Redeemer causes evil to “pass over” us more times than we know. He works to defeat the cruel enemies in our lives as well. We must continue to celebrate the ultimate victory he has given us in our lives and families by sending his Son. We can sing with Moses, “The LORD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory” ().

“Fire blazed forth from the LORD’s presence and burned them up, and they died there before the LORD.”

Response in Times of Calamity

Early in the history of the priesthood, Aaron’s sons disobeyed the Lord by burning before him “the wrong kind of fire” (). This act showed disrespect for God’s holiness by disregarding his specific instructions for priestly service. As a result, the fire consumed them, and they died. Their father, Aaron, was silent (), but like any parent, he surely grieved the loss of his sons.

Calamity can come to the guilty and to the innocent. What practical response can we give to those experiencing loss? Here are five things we should not do in seasons of grief:

  • Don’t compare. When someone tells you their pain, don't bring up yours.

  • Don’t complain. Do not suggest to someone who has just lost everything that you lost anything.

  • Don’t answer. Folks want to vent and rage; your reply should be silence.

  • Don’t leave. Nothing replaces physical presence.

  • Don’t critique. People cry, scream, swear, etc.; ditch your sensitivities.

There are five helpful responses to practice when friends face tragedy:

  • Show up. Be with people who are hurting today, next week, next year.

  • Stay up. Friends in pain can’t sleep; darkness alone is doubly hard.

  • Shut up. Keep pious platitudes to yourself.

  • Pay up. Take out your wallet and pay the tab—your friend will appreciate it, even if they don’t say so.

  • Keep up. Lose your schedule, routine, and expectations; be available for your friends in crisis.

Throughout history, catastrophes of various kinds have often been the start of religious revivals. While this may be good news, it does not console us at the time. But history can alter our view of the future. The history of Jesus’ suffering—the greatest catastrophe in human history—gives us the greatest change through his salvation (). Jesus’ suffering shows God’s ultimate care for human hurt. He remembers, and he wants to use us to bring comfort to those who are hurting around us.

“May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you.”

Aaron’s Blessing

A recent study concluded there are fifteen health benefits from smiling. Research shows that smiling calms the heart and reduces stress. In fact, a genuine smile encourages those around you. Without saying a word, it relays to others you are pleased with them. A smile can reassure and cheer; it communicates love and friendship. We might not always feel like smiling. Yet, even when we are in pain, in a wheelchair, or visiting yet another doctor, we can inspire others with a heartfelt smile.

In Aaron’s blessing we find that God smiles: “May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace” (). In the Hebrew, the blessing was more than a prayer or a “hope-so” wish. The blessing was an “oracle”—a divine, authoritative revelation. Most likely this blessing was proclaimed every time there was a gathering of God’s people with a priest present, especially if it was a worship gathering. It is a binding blessing that cannot be revoked or prevented by evil.

God loves his people. He blesses and protects us by exercising great care and attention, guarding us as only he can. His oracle covers our every circumstance. His ear listens to our every prayer. God extends his grace to us even when we don’t deserve it. The Hebrew reads that God “lifts up his face” to give his people peace, prosperity, completeness, health, safety, and general well-being (all interpretations of the Hebrew word shalom).

When facing affliction and pain, our smile can be a message of cheer for a hurting friend. Complaining and grumbling about our circumstances, like the people in the wilderness (), does not honor the Lord. But accepting the blessing and seeing God’s face smiling upon us gives us the opportunity of mirroring every part of the divine blessing of Aaron to a troubled world.

“They drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ.”

The Rock

Although the Lord had miraculously provided bread, fruit, and water for his people, they complained to Moses again about their thirst (). So Moses spoke to the Lord, who instructed him to strike a rock one time. Moses obeyed and water freely flowed.

The “rock” symbolizes Christ as our “foundation stone . . . firm and tested” (). As the rock was struck to save the Israelites, so Christ Jesus suffered and died to save us. The rock was struck publicly, as was Christ. As water flowed from the rock, so our salvation flows from the smitten Christ. Salvation is a fixed, forever event that need not be repeated (; ).

Fast-forward forty years: Moses faced a similar situation. There was no water for the people to drink (). God commanded Moses to “take” the rod and “speak” to the rock—not strike the rock (). But Moses was angry and usurped God’s authority by striking the rock twice (). Water flowed in spite of Moses’ disobedience, but it cost him. Both Moses and Aaron were prevented from leading the people into the Promised Land (; ).

Why was it a problem for Moses to strike the rock? God specifically told Moses to speak to it, rather than striking it. Perhaps the second rock was not to be struck because Christ cannot be crucified again. He is now our advocate and our mediator—whom we speak through in prayer (). In our suffering, our cancer, or our spinal cord injury, we cry out to Christ, sharing our deep struggles and inner longing for healing. In our tears, when the pain rips open our soul, we cling to the Rock, Christ Jesus. We’re told that those who “trust in the LORD . . . will run and not grow weary . . . walk and not faint” (). And we find renewed strength. It may not be physical, and we may not be able to run. But our relationship with Christ can result in the greatest power that a lost and dying world has ever seen. He’s the Rock. Speak to him!

“A star will rise from Jacob; a scepter will emerge from Israel.”

The Star and the Scepter

Balaam’s fourth blessing, given against his greedy will, speaks of a “star” that is symbolic of enlightenment, and a “scepter” that is symbolic of kingship (), prophesying about the Messiah’s kingship and rule (; ). Balaam declares, “I see him, but not here and now” (). The oracle is prophetic, as in the distant future. Here Jesus is portrayed prophetically as a “star” or “great light” for humankind (; ). Jesus himself claimed to be the “light of the world” and said, “If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (). In the book of Revelation, John records what Christ calls himself: “I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star” ().

The “scepter” () reveals that Jacob’s offspring will not only be a light or a star but a regal King. In the ancient world a scepter was often a symbol of a ruler’s power. In , Jacob announced: “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor.” The writer of Hebrews accords full deity status to the Son, “But to the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice’” (). This speaks of the second coming of Christ and his eternal reign ().

Christ came as the “light of the world” and continues to shine brightly as the source of salvation for those who put their trust in him (; , , ; ). He is also coming again to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords! “For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes . . . and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever” (; ). This is the hope of all who suffer, neatly wrapped in two words: Star and Scepter.

“He showed you these things so you would know that the LORD is God and there is no other.”

Remember and Don’t Forget

We all share a tendency to forget. Sometimes, this helps us to cope with suffering that we’ve endured, but often we are forgetful about things that should have an ongoing, transformative effect on our lives. Deuteronomy is crafted to combat this propensity, as it begins with a retelling of what had happened in the past as God led the Israelites through the wilderness to the edge of the Promised Land ().

Moses pleaded with the Israelites to never forget all that God had done on their behalf. God had been faithful to them, providing for them and caring for them during the wilderness years. “Remember,” Moses repeats over and over again—16 times in the book (along with another 10 warnings against forgetfulness)!

In the midst of suffering, it is easy to forget the good things God has done for us. Suffering can refine and strengthen us and teach us precious lessons from God. Deuteronomy details the trials and wonders the Israelites had experienced, explaining that God showed them those things so that they would know him and trust him (). Many times we, too, wish that life were not so hard and cry out for our suffering to end! But in the midst of our suffering, we must remember that God speaks to us and instructs us just as he did for the Israelites in the wilderness. Can we learn life’s important lessons only through pleasure and comfort? Certainly not.

To ensure we hold on to our hard-won wisdom, we’re encouraged to share what we’ve learned about God’s goodness with our children and those around us. It is important to take time to reflect on God’s faithfulness to us through difficult circumstances. As the opportunities come, we can boldly share what God has done for us with our loved ones and friends. As we talk about God’s faithfulness we’ll even remind ourselves, as Moses did with the Israelites, so we can take heart and continue to walk by faith.

“Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone.”

The Shema and the Greatest Commandment

Some truths are more important than others. The Shema, the creed of ancient Israel, is an ultimate truth—a truth above all others. There is one God who is the Lord. He alone is to be worshiped, none other. The Shema was one of the first prayers that children learned and recited several times a day: “Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength” ().

This primary truth—that the Lord our God is the Lord alone—is followed by the greatest commandment: to love the Lord with all that we are. This passage tells us we need to surround ourselves with the Lord and his word. While we may not literally write things on our foreheads, his Word should be primary in our minds and in our homes, and we should be praying throughout each day. The New Testament instructs us to “never stop praying” (). In the morning, evening, at home, on the road, with family and friends, we are to think and speak about God in every sphere of life.

Many faithful Jews still recite the Shema daily. We can also choose to begin each day with these verses. Stopping to acknowledge who God is—the one, true, all-powerful God who is Lord of our lives—and then reminding ourselves that he calls us to love him with all that we are—our strengths and our weaknesses—will help us to trust him, take all our concerns to him, and follow him in each situation we face.

“Don’t let your heart be deceived so that you turn away from the LORD and serve and worship other gods.”

The Love of God and the Lure of Idols 

Over and over (four times in just a few chapters) God says, “Love me!” He also repeatedly says, “Do not serve other gods.” Just like the Israelites, we live in a day when our hearts can be deceived so that we turn away from God and serve other gods (). These may not be gods of stone or wood as in biblical times, but our gods of pleasure, comfort, wealth, or even technologies that we depend on can be very deceptive.

In the New Testament, Jesus did not condemn money. But he did say that we cannot serve both God and money as alternative gods. When we put our trust in money, we make it a god. This is also true with many other things in our lives that are seemingly “neutral” in and of themselves. If we place more trust in them than in God, they become idols, and we are deceived. Technologies fail, things break, people disappoint, and pleasures eventually no longer satisfy.

Only the Lord God can truly satisfy and save us finally and forever. This warning to Israel against worshiping other gods applies to us today. No matter what our circumstances, no matter what suffering we face or what disappointment crashes into our lives, only God is worthy of our devotion and worship. God’s simple blessings (for example, the rain and harvest in ) are indications of his constant love for us. But even in times of drought (physical or spiritual), God still holds us in his hands. As we look to him, and not to more temporal “gods,” we find ultimate satisfaction for our souls.

Long ago St. Augustine said, “Love God, and do as you please.” By this he meant that our love for God must always be above all other loves. If we get this right (loving God), whatever we “please to do” will be good. Are you in danger of letting other loves deceive you and steal the love that should be for God alone? Ask him to once again take the throne of your heart!

“Cursed is anyone who leads a blind person astray on the road.”

Cruelty to Persons with Disability 

Tucked away in an otherwise difficult passage to understand, we get a glimpse of God’s heart. Before entering the Promised Land, Moses gave instructions for renewing the covenant with God in the land. The Israelites were to stand on two mountains and proclaim the blessings and curses from God (this event was later recorded in ). They were given a dozen curses to proclaim at that time.

One of those proclamations is that anyone who leads a blind person astray will be cursed. God watches out for the most vulnerable among his people. He has special affection for the afflicted, for widows and orphans, and for people who are blind and lame. God clearly says that anyone who is cruel to such people deserves to be cursed.

Our world often lacks understanding for those who live with prolonged suffering or disability. Our patience is short. We would rather such struggles disappear. But God sees all of us who suffer. He hears our cries and sees our distress. And he promises, in his justice, to curse those who are cruel.

Does knowing that God sees your suffering and serves as your divine defender encourage you? He not only issues a warning to those tempted to do harm, but he also desires that Christians demonstrate his mercy and kindness to people who are blind, disabled, homeless, or alone.

Our culture may dictate that governments adopt more laws and regulations to help those who live with disabilities and other injustices, but only God can change the hearts of those who are cruel. As you experience personal suffering, perhaps God is giving you a special empathy for those who suffer so that you can serve as their defender in God’s name.

“If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the world.”

Blessings for Obedience or Curses for Disobedience

When God made his covenant with the Israelites, he gave them commands to follow and then told them what would happen whether they were obedient or disobedient to those commands. These were not bribes and threats. God wanted the people to know the truth about choices and consequences. Obedience to God results in good things. Disobedience always leads to trouble.

Many people have misunderstood the blessings and curses listed in Deuteronomy. Throughout history people have thought of disease and disability as the result of personal sin or a lack of faith in God. This is not true! Sometimes bad things just happen in our fallen world. A car slides on unseen ice and grievous injuries occur. Cancer comes unannounced, turning the ordinary into a life-changing chaos of diagnoses and treatments. A simple mistake (as when Joni Eareckson Tada dove headfirst into water without first confirming the depth) brings irreversible paralysis. Such events, while under the sovereign eye of God, are not curses from God; rather, these tragedies often have no relationship to sin or disobedience. On the other hand, behaviors do have consequences, and disability itself can be the result of sinful acts, such as when someone’s anger causes injury to those around them.

Therefore, if you are facing any kind of difficulty, it’s always good to ask yourself, “Is there any sin I have not confessed? Have I done evil which could bring affliction into my life?” Examine your own actions and motives. And ask God about it. He will convict you of sin and help you remove it. He will also be with you and uphold you in times of trouble as you rely on him. Take comfort in the fact that no matter what suffering you face, even if you can trace your suffering to personal sin, God always intends to use it for good.

“These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.”

Stones of Remembrance

Keepsakes mark significant occasions in our lives such as births, graduations, engagements, and weddings. We save souvenirs from vacations, medals and trophies, and special hand-me-downs from our elders. We sometimes even keep things that remind us of difficulties that we faced in our lives and somehow found our way through. These mementos trigger memories and help us share the stories that give our children a better understanding of our history and experiences.

As the Israelites prepared to cross the Jordan River, they may have retold stories of how God parted the Red Sea so their ancestors could cross on dry ground (see ) and about the songs that Moses and Miriam wrote and sang to commemorate their dramatic escape from Egyptian bondage (). Similarly, Joshua called together twelve men and instructed them to remove stones from the riverbed to build a memorial that would bear witness to the providence of God for generations ().

We may not build stone altars today, but we still need reminders of God’s love and mercy. In the midst of hardships, it is easy to lose sight of the truth of God’s love. We can become trapped by erroneous thinking, worry, or complaints. Take time to consider a trial that God has brought you or a loved one through. Celebrate those hard-earned milestones. Remember Joshua’s message: “[God] did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the LORD’s hand is powerful” ().

“Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet who was judging Israel at that time.”

The Women of Judges

The book of Judges is filled with fascinating women. Deborah, a respected judge and prophetess, led Israel to a military victory, ushering in forty years of peace for God’s people (). Jael contrived a risky scheme and killed Sisera, the commander of the army of Israel’s enemy, with a tent peg and a hammer (; ). An unnamed concubine’s abuse and death set off a war that nearly eliminated one of Israel’s tribes because they refused to admit wrongdoing in the horrible atrocity (). One Philistine woman’s relationship with Samson () ultimately led to devastation for her nation, while another’s, Delilah’s, actually set that fatal event in motion ().

Historically, women have frequently been discriminated against in religious contexts, resulting in many significant hardships. In biblical times, women were viewed as property. They suffered abuse, poverty, servitude, and even death at the hands of men. Sadly, this pattern continues to be justified today, often under the guise of religious faith. Women are still marginalized in various ways, and even beheaded or stoned in some cultures for displeasing their husbands or dishonoring their families. But this treatment was never God’s intention for women.

God has always used both men and women to accomplish his purposes. Some cultures have considered women to be “second-class citizens,” but in God’s eyes they have always been his beloved daughters, created in his image with eternal value. Jesus raised the bar for the treatment of women throughout his teachings, and this is echoed elsewhere in the New Testament. As Paul summed it up in his letter to the Galatians, “There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus” ().

“Don’t call me Naomi. . . . Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me.”

Hope Trumps Grief

Naomi’s words fall heavy, laden with the burden of bereavement. After the death of her husband and two sons, Naomi did not hide her fear and sorrow. She thought the Lord had raised his fist against her (), yet Naomi chose to follow God and honored him by giving her grief to him.

Marie and Tim Kuck demonstrate this same kind of courage today. After their son Nathaniel was born with multiple birth anomalies, he underwent seven major surgeries in only four years. During that time, these parents grieved the loss of their dreams for their son, but they weren’t prepared when Nathaniel unexpectedly died before his fifth birthday. Their grief sank to new depths. Tim tried to express his loss, saying, “Without our consent, our little boy changed addresses—from earth to heaven.” Their pain was indescribable. But even as they made arrangements for Nathaniel’s funeral, the Kucks were determined to honor God and their precious child.

Since that day, Marie and Tim have continued to trust God as they embrace their son’s memory. In 2002, they started a ministry called Nathaniel’s Hope to encourage families of children with disabilities. This ministry, which was birthed out of grief, now reaches thousands of people with the hope of Jesus Christ.

The Kucks proclaim that in the midst of their grief, God was faithful. The hope that they clung to on the darkest days, they now make available to others. Through Nathaniel’s death, countless people are finding new life in Christ Jesus.

Hope trumps grief just as eternal life triumphs over death. That’s the message Naomi embraced as she cuddled her newborn grandson at the end of the book of Ruth, and it’s the message Marie and Tim Kuck continue to share today.

“My heart rejoices in the LORD! The LORD has made me strong.”

Is the Song of Hannah Your Song? 

The sincere praise of Hannah’s song is stunning, considering what had just happened in her life. Once barren and living with unspeakable sadness, Hannah was overjoyed to receive the gift of a child. But with that blessing came the prospect of future loss if she were to stay faithful to her pledge. As promised, she fulfilled her vow to God by turning her beloved firstborn son over to Eli the priest. Samuel would become the Lord’s servant in the Tabernacle at Shiloh.

Life can be like that, can’t it? Sometimes blessings come with obligations of great cost. When the time comes to pay that cost, can you sing a song like Hannah? Her heart rejoiced in God—even in the midst of a profoundly difficult act of faith. Why? Because Hannah trusted in God’s holiness; God is the Rock, the Almighty, who lifts up those who stumble and feeds those who are hungry.

When life is hard and dreams are crushed, when we seem to only stumble around and hunger for good things, we must remember that God is good to those who trust in him—especially those who are weak. We can follow Hannah’s example and bow before the sovereign God who makes no mistakes. Life’s difficult situations are not a whim of bad luck or ill fate. God’s hand is a constant support through hard seasons. Hannah reminds us that God makes those who are poor rich in other ways, and he lifts up the lowly in ways we might never expect.

No matter what situation you face today, God sees, knows, and cares. He lifts and honors the lowly. Maybe not in the manner we expect, but in his absolute sovereignty “he has set the world in order” (). So at the end of each day, we can say with Hannah, “My heart rejoices in the LORD!”

“Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Using God as a Good Luck Charm

The Israelites had fought with the Philistines on and off ever since they entered the Promised Land (and would continue to do so for decades). But in this particularly sad episode (), God’s people thought they could use one of the holy articles from the Tabernacle to give them special power. They were right about one thing: God’s presence accompanied the Ark of the Covenant. In a symbolic way, God “sat” between the cherubim over this holy chest (). “If we carry it into battle with us, it will save us from our enemies,” they said ().

It’s an easy temptation for us to embrace too. “If I act this way” or “if I do this thing” God will surely bless me or my loved one with healing and give us victory over disease and disability. But we learn from this episode that God is not a “good luck charm.” As the Lord said through the prophet Isaiah, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts. . . . And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine” (). When God adopts us as his children, there is no particular act we can do or posture we can take that will make him love us more, and there is no failure that can make him love us less. His love is complete and unwavering.

Let us learn from Israel’s devastating defeat that God’s power does not rest in holy things. He cannot be trifled with or manipulated to get what we want. Rather, God rewards those who follow his instructions: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength” (). When faced with life’s battles, we need only to trust that God is with us because he has promised to be with his people. No good luck charms necessary!

“People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

David’s Heart

When Samuel was sent by God to anoint the next king of Israel, he searched for someone who looked like a king. We tend to be drawn toward leaders who are strong—attractive people in whom we can place confidence. We naturally make assumptions based on outward appearances. But God does not look at things the way we do; he looks at the heart (). So David’s older, stronger, taller, and perhaps even more attractive brothers were passed over, and God selected David because of his heart.

What was it about David that set him apart? There isn’t much in this introduction that tells us why the Lord chose David over any of his brothers, but perhaps that is the point. As humans, we are often looking for a person who is physically impressive or obviously talented when we are seeking out a good leader. But in this case, God knew that David—the son who was so unlikely to be important to the prophet that he was left in the fields to tend the flocks—was the one who would lead his people best. When looking for leaders that are fit for the Kingdom of God, perhaps we should spend our time prayerfully awaiting the person that God will raise up rather than looking for the obvious candidate.

If you are wondering whether you or someone around you has much value for the Kingdom of God, remember that God looks at the heart first and foremost. Actions matter, yes, but the disposition of your heart is far more important. Do you trust God with your whole heart? Do you yearn for him above all things?

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior.”

David’s Last Song

A young David sought safety and protection as he hid in caves and clefts of rock, waiting for God to fulfill his promises. He trusted that he would be king, in spite of the circumstances that belied the pronouncement (). But waiting is never easy. There were times when David cried out in angst and wrestled with the temptation to take matters into his own hands.

Are you waiting for God to fulfill a promise? Perhaps you’re tempted to manipulate or “help” God get things moving. As David learned, when our circumstances seem dire we can continue to praise God and look to him as our ultimate source of protection.

David’s last song in is of such importance that it is actually preserved in two places in the Bible—it is repeated almost verbatim as . In this song, an older David reflects back on God’s faithfulness to him throughout his life. He had gone from a boy guarding his father’s flocks to a mighty king leading the entire nation of Israel. All the while, he modeled faith in and submission to his majestic God. “I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. . . . He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters” (, ).

David humbly acknowledged that the Lord was his source of strength and protection throughout his life. By this time, he had lost his mentor, Samuel the prophet; his best friend, Jonathan; and many loyal soldiers. But he could still lean on his Rock (, , ). As a spiritual descendant of David, have you made a decision to trust in God, the Rock, for your salvation? He is available to all who seek him.

“Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.”

Facing the Golden Years ,

It’s no secret that as we age our abilities decline and our disabilities tend to increase. Our aging bodies often require specialized care. For example, keeping warm in old age can be very difficult—even for a king with servants at his beck and call!

King David’s physical health was clearly not what it used to be. Neither was his energy to rule. In seclusion, this once vibrant monarch grew weaker. He could no longer go wherever he wished, whenever he wanted. Others tended to his personal needs. When he got cold, people brought him blankets, but to no avail—he still couldn’t keep warm. The king’s advisers undertook a national search for a “young virgin” who would bring him beauty, warmth, and companionship (). But alas, even she could not restore the vitality of David’s younger years.

With his kingdom in decline and under threat from invaders, the old king sensed his impending mortality and tried to conserve his limited physical strength. But the power vacuum created by his decline became more dangerous by the day. It became increasingly evident that the kingly tasks of building and ruling over an empire would soon be left to others.

Losing independence at any age can be devastating. Becoming dependent on others for even the most basic of needs can be one of our greatest fears. But can increasing dependence actually bring enrichment? It can when, by grace, we view aging and disability as a revealer of what is truly important. In the Lord gives us this promise: “I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you.” The “golden years” can teach us to depend on God and the helpers he sends us.

“I have set this Temple apart to be holy—this place you have built where my name will be honored forever.”

Beyond the Stones

Building the Temple was a massive and demanding project, spanning seven years and requiring vast resources and large numbers of people. By all accounts it was a magnificent structure. Aside from its grandeur, the Temple was constructed with an explicitly spiritual purpose (). As God reminded Solomon (), he valued the Israelites’ willingness to obey his commands more than the lavish Temple they’d constructed for him.

Living life “beyond the stones” is a call to live for relationship rather than achievement. Few of us build temples. The great project of our lives is obedience to the Creator who built the universe. At the heart of everything is our relationship with God. Yes, God’s divine hand established and sustained the Temple as a holy place where his honor was paramount (). Yes, God’s promises are stunning in their fulfillment. But as with each of us, Solomon faced choices. His rule could be characterized by integrity, godliness, and obedience—like his father, David, before him—ensuring the fulfillment of God’s promises (). Or, Solomon’s future could plummet downward into unfaithfulness, disobedience, and spiritual betrayal, bringing great dishonor to God, the destruction of the Temple, and disaster throughout the land (). Sadly, Solomon chose the latter path.

Ignoring our relationship with God in favor of things—even “religious” things—brings only pain and suffering. Laboring in the streets of Calcutta, Mother Teresa knew little of the opulence that King Solomon enjoyed, but she displayed godly wisdom that honored God and blessed the poor. She never built a massive cathedral, but her devotion to her call stands as a monument of faith. She might not be able to change the world, she famously said, but she could cast a stone across the waters, creating many ripples.

Satan’s scheme is to build indulgent, self-serving Christians. Jesus calls us to a relationship beyond the “stone walls” of our churches. Like Solomon, we face a choice between multiple paths. Will we choose to live “beyond the stones”?

“When all Israel realized that the king had refused to listen to them, they responded, ‘Down with the dynasty of  David!’”

Protest and Advocacy

Solomon built more than the Temple. He built houses, towns, supply facilities, and more—whatever he desired, he built it. He did so by compelling non-Israelite workers into forced labor. The Israelites were assigned positions of supervisory authority. Even so, many would remember Solomon as a hard taskmaster, imposing hard labor and heavy taxes on the people.

Years later, the Israelites appealed to Solomon’s son, King Rehoboam, to ease their burdens in return for their continued loyalty. The king’s older advisers supported a change to lessen the oppression of the people. His younger advisers, whom Rehoboam had appointed personally, recommended even greater oppression as a way of setting his “stamp” on the new regime. So he levied heavier burdens on the people, intensifying rather than alleviating their pain and suffering. The people protested in response.

Peaceful protest in the face of injustice and oppression is a legitimate act of faith. Without protest, those in power can become increasingly self-righteous, arrogant, and cruel. Speak out as an advocate against the abuse of power, bad laws, and unfair regulations that are like yokes of bondage around the necks of the weak. As you do, you join a noble list of reformers such as Edouard Seguin, who founded the first school in Paris in 1840 for people with intellectual disabilities; Bishop Clemens August Graf von Galen (1878–1946), who attacked the Nazi practice of euthanasia and “mercy killings” in World War II; and US President John F. Kennedy, whose sister Rosemary had an intellectual disability that inspired him to create the President’s Panel on Mental Retardation in 1961.

Apathy shouts, “I am not responsible!” This has been history’s cry regarding people with disabilities. But Jesus Christ proved by example that there is no place in the Christian life for indifference toward those who are vulnerable.

“I have had enough, LORD.”

Alone but Not Alone

Elijah experienced wide emotional swings in his life as God’s prophet. In a time when the nation of Israel was far from the Lord, he faced the lonely task of serving God as most of the nation—even religious leaders—worshiped Baal instead. But he also experienced the joys of seeing God work to preserve and restore life for a poor widow and her son () and the exhilaration of seeing God bring down fire from heaven to defeat Baal and his prophets on Mount Carmel (). But that victory came at a price—he was immediately given notice that the queen of Israel intended to kill him for his actions!

Under a death threat, Elijah traveled a day’s journey before sitting down alone under a solitary broom tree. The man who had prayed for fire and rain now prayed for his own death. He had had enough. Even in this extreme distress, however, Elijah acknowledged that God was in charge. Later, in a cave on Mount Sinai, God asked the worn out and dejected prophet, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (). He replied defensively, reminding God of his zealous service. No one stood with him, and he was now under a death threat. God answered Elijah’s complaint by taking him to the open mountain. There he experienced storm, earthquake, and fire, but Elijah finally heard God in “the sound of a gentle whisper” ().

Again God challenged Elijah—and, again, he replied with the same response as before: I am all alone. Had his encounter with God made no difference? But God spoke once again, telling him to go back and anoint others. Elijah was never alone—and neither are you!

Moving on to new places and situations can bring considerable challenges. People with disabilities often find familiar surroundings comforting. Change can be threatening. Building new relationships can be difficult. Yet if God says “move,” we must go. Determine to be one of the many who have remained faithful because of God’s grace (), and you’ll never be alone!

“Is there no God in Israel? Why are you going to Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, to ask whether the king will recover?”

Prayer: Asking Questions

King Ahaziah of Israel fell through the palace roof. Whatever his injuries and consequent disabilities were, he became confined to bed, unable to get up. The natural question was, “Will he recover?”

For some people with disabilities, questions about recovery—such as its timing, extent, or required procedures—need a response. For others, the question of recovery or cure is not as much of an issue since their disabilities are not associated with an illness but with a long-term condition, such as intellectual impairment. And sometimes it’s not about the nature of the question itself, but to whom it is addressed.

King Ahaziah’s first port of call was Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron. Why go to a pagan god first, or at all? Did Israel have no God? Such a choice indicated just how bad things were. Instructed by an angel, Elijah confronted the king’s act of gross unfaithfulness and told him he would never leave his bed (). Although the king sent an army to arrest the prophet, Elijah stuck to his message; he had no other! And Ahaziah died as promised.

The quest for recovery from injury or disability can drive many to distraction. The desire to be well, to be cured, to improve is a very powerful human motivator. As Christians, we must be discerning regarding whom we ask for help—both in prayer and in person. What is our first resort in times of trouble? Do we go to the gods of our culture—money, power, influence, and other human inventions? Or is it the Lord God, who created everything and is utterly committed to those who call upon his name?

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for.”

Vulnerability and Everyday Miracles 

In life, we manage changing circumstances, losses, pressures, and ambitions that make us vulnerable. Our bodies are susceptible to disease, abuse, and accidents. Our minds regularly cope with a wide range of emotions such as confusion, fear, anger, and trust. All of these can increase our sense of vulnerability in ways that can affect the rest of our lives.

A father of a young daughter with Down syndrome fears that she will grow up in a harsh and violent world. While he can’t be with her every minute, he longs to protect her so she can become the sociable, funny, loving woman of faith that God created her to be.

In the story recounted in , a husband’s death brought economic hardship, poverty, and suffering to his wife. She became vulnerable to creditors, and if she failed to pay, her two sons would be taken as slaves (). There was no governmental assistance, insurance policy, or benefit system to save them.

She sought out the prophet Elijah, who offered help. He began by asking what she had in the house. He concentrated on what she had, not on what she lacked. She had nothing except a flask of olive oil (). Next, he involved the close community around her by instructing her to borrow as many jars as possible from her neighbors (). She filled the jars to the brim until there were no more jars left, and the oil stopped flowing (). Then Elisha told her to sell the oil, pay off the debts, and live on what was left over.

What God did for this widow happens often in the lives of his followers. When we’re stressed and filled with anxiety, God’s Word offers practical guidance. His miracles frequently make use of the resources we have right in front of us. Be careful not to miss the miraculous in the middle of the ordinary!

“How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a pagan land?”

Worshiping in Exile

Kingdoms rise and fall. Populations live through periods of good and bad leaders. National borders are redrawn, resulting in displacement, disorientation, and division. Refugees wander the world, fleeing violent regime changes and seeking a new home. Some return to their homeland, only to find their houses and workplaces gone. Where children once played, bitterness and despair now grow. Forced relocation divides communities, resulting in the loss of personal and national identity. Enforced assimilation into the culture and religious practices of a dominating power can destroy faith.

The northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by Assyria, and the people were exiled and settled in foreign colonies. The reason is stark but unmistakable: They had worshiped other gods (), violating the first and second commandments given to them by God (). They were no longer the distinctive people of God. They forgot their purpose. Foolishly, they thought God wouldn’t notice them as they consulted fortune-tellers and practiced sorcery (). They built shrines, pillars, and poles at which they offered sacrifices ()—just like the other nations God had driven out! They did all this despite the warnings of God’s prophets, becoming increasingly stubborn and unrepentant in their evil ways (). So God exiled them. Rampant sin, disobedience, and unfaithfulness brought pain and suffering. The people of God disabled themselves.

In exile, tormented by their captors and despairing of ever being able to return home, the people of Israel struggled to understand how they could worship the one true God in a strange land (). The answer then—as always—was simple: They could worship God by following him in devotion, faithfulness, and complete obedience.

Our lives will always have elements that make it challenging to worship the Lord. As reminds us, this world is not our home. We are strangers in a strange land. Yet even when times are less than ideal, we can remain true in our worship as we follow God in faithful obedience.

“Don’t long for ‘the good old days.’ This is not wise.”

Your Greatest Purpose Can Never Be Lost

First Chronicles recounts how God built a great nation from a single man. The genealogy of Adam led to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob’s sons became the twelve great tribes of Israel. David eventually had an army of over 300,000 men from the tribes of Israel who were prepared to help him (). Between the end of the genealogies and the accounts of the reigns of Saul and David, we meet the people to whom this book was addressed—the returning exiles. They were a pitiful bunch by comparison. In all, 690 families of the tribe of Judah, 956 families from the tribe of Benjamin, and 1,760 priests returned to begin the painful work of rebuilding the nation. A nation that had once numbered in the hundreds of thousands was reduced to a small fraction of that number.

But the chronicler makes it clear that the suffering they had endured in exile, and the almost complete loss of their worldly strength, did not in any way negate or alter their highest calling. The Levites got right to work (). Some were assigned as gatekeepers to the Temple; caretakers of the articles used in worship; and stewards of the furnishings, incense, and oil. Others were responsible to have the bread prepared for each Sabbath day. Still others were appointed to be musicians. All of them were tasked with maintaining the worship of God so that the people of God could be led into his presence and receive his blessing as they confessed their sins, offered sacrifices, gave thanks, and presented petitions before the Lord.

Whether we are strong or weak, healthy or ill, rich or poor, numerous or few—no matter our outward circumstance—we are always able to fulfill our greatest and most glorious calling: To worship God and enable others to come and worship him with us!

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.”

Unexpected Helpers

In , David was in great danger. Many of the psalms David wrote expressed his intense distress and suffering during his time on the run from Saul. He cried out to God, “Rescue me. . . . Wake up! See what is happening and help me!” (, ). God answered his prayers, but in ways that gave David pause.

The first helpers he met were perhaps the most unlikely, because they were “all relatives of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin” (), kinsmen of the king who had banished him! The next two groups had also “defected” from Saul. This unlikely collection of helpers caused David concern: What if they had come to betray him to his enemies ()? Only when the Spirit came upon Amasai, the defectors’ leader, did David receive them and accept their help ().

Sometimes it takes trust in God to accept the help offered when it’s not exactly what we expected or thought we needed. Sarah Kritikos was born with multiple disabilities. As she grew up, she wondered if she would ever have friends like other girls. Sarah grew to be extremely shy, spending so much time in the hospital that she didn’t even get to know her classmates. Then Sarah attended a Joni and Friends Family Retreat where she met an unexpected helper. Lydia Abell was only eleven years old and too young to be a camp counselor, but one day at the pool she reached out to Sarah. After the retreat their friendship endured, and Lydia has supported her friend through many hardships. Lydia doesn’t have a disability, yet the Lord formed a lasting bond between the two girls that filled a vacancy in both of their hearts. Today, Sarah is more outgoing and has come to realize that she has much to offer to others.

When you experience a need, trust God to provide even through the unlikeliest helpers. And when you see others in need, consider that God might be calling you to help—no matter how unqualified a candidate you think you are.

“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”

The Golden Cherubim

By faith, we are certain of some things that are not always obvious to the naked eye. One of the tests that hurting people often face is the challenge to believe that God is still with them despite the lack of evidence in their immediate circumstances (). Second Chronicles offers a gentle reminder to those who struggle with confidence in times of trouble.

The text describes the Most Holy Place in the Temple. Only the high priest was allowed to enter that room, and only once a year (; ). The Most Holy Place was so sacred that the Kohathites, an order of the Hebrew priesthood assigned to carry the most sacred objects of the Tabernacle during the wilderness wanderings, were forbidden even to look at the sacred objects or they would surely die (). The Most Holy Place was designed per divine instructions, and every object had great meaning and significance. In the Temple, two massive golden statues of cherubim stood in the Most Holy Place. But these angelic figures were not to be adored by the priests. Their stance and position was to represent the heavenly beings who constantly attended the invisible God.

The image of these beautiful, golden cherubim can also bring us comfort. They remind us that God still has a mighty host of unseen servants with great power to do his bidding. Whatever circumstances we find ourselves in—healthy or sick—we can trust in God’s love and provision. And although we cannot see them, sometimes he sends his angels (). But just like the priests who served in the Temple, we should always remember that the comfort, protection, and safety we feel is ultimately directly attributable to God himself. Ministering angels, like cherubim, are only pointers to the God who makes them sacred and powerful.

“Wait patiently for the LORD.”

God’s Timing

God can turn things around in the most amazing ways! The Israelites had been exiled in Babylon for more than seventy years. Then, out of nowhere, the Lord stirred up Cyrus, king of Persia, to send a small band of exiles back to Jerusalem so they could rebuild their Temple.

Rebuilding the Temple was a monumental task, complicated by the fact that the Jewish refugees had enemies who didn’t want to see the Temple rebuilt. Between acts of vandalism and threats, the people were frightened and became discouraged. It wasn’t long before work on the Temple ground to a halt. The laborers put down their hammers and chisels, stopped mixing mortar, and abandoned all work on the Temple.

Imagine how frustrating that must have been. If God had opened the door for the Jews to rebuild the Temple, why did it seem that everything was against them? Why were they encountering so much opposition?

Then God sent two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, to inspire the people to begin building again. Of course, their enemies were still hanging around. In an attempt to demoralize the people again, the troublemakers wrote yet another letter, this time to Darius, the new king of Persia, asking him to stop the building of the Temple. But that letter backfired. Darius found the original decree from Cyrus, and the result was stunning. Darius wrote back that no one should disturb the construction of the Temple of God. He even commanded those who were making trouble to pay the full cost of the rebuilding out of their local tax money!

In hindsight it’s clear why God had planned the setbacks and allowed his people to become demoralized. God did it all to ensure that once Darius got involved, the Temple would not only be built but paid for as well!

Are you experiencing a setback? Maybe God opened a door of opportunity for you only to seemingly slam it shut. If so, let this story from Ezra encourage you to trust that God is still working, and wait patiently.

“You and these treasures have been set apart as holy to the LORD.”

Guarding God’s Holy Treasure

Some responsibilities seem too weighty to carry and are therefore destined for failure. Imagine the daunting nature of Ezra’s task.

King Artaxerxes had returned all of the valuables King Nebuchadnezzar had taken when he conquered Israel. Thousands of pounds of gold, silver, and other precious items were entrusted to Ezra to carry back to the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem. Ezra did not have an armed escort to protect him and the treasure from almost certain danger. Most caravans during that time were vulnerable to bandits. If word leaked out about the wealth being carted to Jerusalem, the travelers would be doomed.

Ezra called twelve priests and charged them with the safe delivery of the Temple treasure. We don’t know whether they had the option of refusing such a burden, but their service was seen as a special offering to God.

As difficult as it is to fathom the enormous worth of this treasure, both in monetary value and as invaluable pieces designed for the worship of the Lord, Scripture assures us there is another treasure of even greater worth. God calls his people his treasure: “The LORD has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure” (). And in , Jesus speaks of God the Father giving special attention to the needs of “little ones” ().

The phrase refers to children, but it also includes everyone who might be categorized as one of the “least of these” (). The chronically ill, disabled, mentally ill, all those who are unable to care for themselves or provide for their own needs—God especially treasures these.

And just as Ezra entrusted the treasure to the priests, God has given us the responsibility to care for those he considers his special treasure. Whether we have been charged with the care of a dying infant for six months, a sibling with a brain injury, or simply being a friend to someone with a disability, every believer has a part to play. Though we may experience fear and feel the risks to be greater than we can manage, we can take comfort in knowing that God is protecting us and will save all of his treasured people.

“Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire.”

Broken Walls

Hurricane Katrina was one of the worst hurricanes ever to hit the United States, making landfall August 29, 2005. The city of New Orleans took a direct hit. Images of devastation, lost lives, and a city brought to its knees shook the nation. The city is still recovering and rebuilding years after the storm. What made the devastation so great? The flood walls of the city gave way—the storm was too strong, and New Orleans lay in ruins.

This modern example makes it easy to understand why Nehemiah was so distraught over the walls and gates of Jerusalem. He knew that the walls of a city represented its future and prosperity. Without secure walls and fortified gates, a city was vulnerable to raids by invaders, who would ravage and plunder citizens without mercy. The people of the city would also be exposed to natural dangers such as wild animals. Nehemiah knew that broken walls would result in broken lives.

In many ways the walls of a city symbolize the “walls” of our lives today. Scripture tells us that “a person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls” (). Self-discipline protects from apathy, temptation, and willful sinning—it is like a wall around our lives and faith. It also builds strength of character and prepares one for the attacks thrown at us by challenges of life.

When life takes a turn we were not expecting, the “walls” of our lives may fall and leave us vulnerable. Questions enter our minds, and our faith comes under attack. Avoiding these dangers requires constant vigilance: Am I spiritually nourished? Are the protective walls around my family strong and healthy, or are they crumbling? What about my marriage—am I protecting it? Take a moment and ask the Lord to show you areas of your life where the walls are broken and in need of his intervention.

“They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.”

The Battle Is the Lord’s

In some Christian circles people teach that if God is involved in a believer’s life, they will naturally experience peace and prosperity in all areas—including their health, finances, and relationships. But throughout Scripture, we see that God’s people suffer in this fallen world due to sin, hardships, and the actions of other people—even when God’s people are in the center of God’s will. If you have struggled with the “why me?” question amid life’s difficulties, find encouragement from Nehemiah—the battle is the Lord’s.

Nehemiah had prayed, sought God’s will, and faithfully led the people into a renewal of their faith in and obedience to God. Yet, opposition faced him on every front. He suffered from criticism, mocking, conspiracy, and threats of physical attack. At one point the work stopped due to the strong opposition. The people were overwhelmed by the burden of rebuilding the walls and were listening to the voices of discouragement ().

Have you ever been there? Walking in faith is difficult. Perhaps you have been hurt, felt abandoned, or have been sinned against. Maybe you find yourself in a life circumstance you never imagined, and cracks in your armor of faith are beginning to appear. Nehemiah should give us hope. Though his faith was tested and his followers fell into doubt, Nehemiah was able to rise above the voices of skepticism, fear, and despair by focusing on the size of his God rather than the size of the problem (; , ).

No matter your circumstances today, you also can know that God is on your side (). He loves and cares for you and is fighting on your behalf. Place your confidence in him—and then, when he rebuilds the “walls” of your life, give him all the glory.

“Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

The Joy of the Lord Is Our Strength 

Suffering is the greatest common denominator among humans, so it’s been said. At some point, everyone will suffer in one way or another. The Jewish people of Nehemiah’s day had experienced tremendous suffering through bondage and life in exile. Having returned to a city in ruins, they had finally come to a point of restoration and celebration. Although the walls had been rebuilt and the city was secure, the real cause for joy was their return to the Lord and his ways. As they praised and worshiped the God of their past, present, and future, they rediscovered the joy of the Lord, which became their strength.

Jon Ebersole can relate to this recovery of joy in the Lord. When his two daughters were born with cerebral palsy, Jon admits that he experienced discouragement and heartache. Like many parents of special needs children, he was fretting over what the future would hold for his daughters, for his family, and for himself. Jon was a devout follower of Christ, and though he never left his faith, he certainly felt the sting of doubt concerning God’s love and faithfulness as he watched his young daughters struggle. The joy slowly seeped out of his life.

As he began to seek the Lord and inquire about his plan for the lives of his two girls, Jon experienced the assuring presence of the Lord through his Word and the church. In time, he began to praise God, thanking him for his daughters and the abilities that they did have. Through surrender and worship, the joy of the Lord returned to Jon, and it became his strength for life and ministry. Today, Jon leads Joni and Friends’ Area Ministries and is a man filled with great joy.

What area of your life do you need to surrender to God today? What has caused you grief or sorrow and taken away your joy? Begin by worshiping God and giving him the glory due his name. Ask God to fulfill his plan in your life and to restore to you the joy of his salvation ().

“She was admired by everyone who saw her.”

Humility and Wisdom

A young orphan leaves the care and protection of her adoptive father and enters the king’s palace. Her life is turned upside down as she begins a year’s regimen of preparing herself to win the king’s favor. Palace servants and staff instruct her in the most intimate details of personal hygiene and beautification.

This scenario could easily cause a young woman to lose her emotional and psychological footing. Instead, Esther remained true to herself and earned the attention and favor of those around her. Yes, God went before her preparing the way, but Esther also showed a depth of wisdom that impressed the king.

When she had completed the year of preparation among the palace harem, she wisely heeded the counsel of Hegai, the head eunuch, about how to best approach the king. Xerxes named Esther queen of the empire, but she still humbly followed the influence and directives of her cousin Mordecai, even when it could have led to certain death. Esther’s reverence and affection for Mordecai indicate a gracious and humble spirit.

In the most trying of situations, humility and listening to the wise counsel of others ultimately sets one up for success. Even if the circumstances are too murky to distinguish wise counselors from foolish ones, promises that God will give us wisdom. All we need to do is ask.

“Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?”

Accepting Good and Bad

The sight of Job’s body covered with terrible boils was the last straw for his wife. She probably threw her hands up as she told Job to “curse God and die” (). But Job’s response confirmed his faith in the sovereignty of God: “Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?”

While some believe that godliness leads to a life free of suffering, Job understood that life was not to be experienced only on his own terms. God’s purpose could be great, even when Job’s life no longer seemed worth living. He held tightly to God’s grace—unmerited or undeserved favor. And “in all this, Job said nothing wrong” (). Perhaps in his silence Job recalled times when God’s grace had brought him and his family many days of joy, gladness, pleasure, and delight. So when God chose to send difficult days, should Job abandon such joy and curse his Lord?

The book of Job challenges us to see God’s favor in the difficult, crushing, and seemingly evil situations we must face. Can we venture to believe that the hardships God allows are also part of his grace? The apostle Paul said, “Three different times I begged the Lord to take [the thorn in my flesh] away. Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness’” ().

We must not abandon God and his grace when times of pressure come. Satan wants us to complain and protest, to get upset and angry and resentful, and to walk away from our faith. That is Satan’s main attack on our lives, as he proposes in : “But reach out and take away everything [Job] has, and he will surely curse you to your face!” Satan was wrong about Job. And he is wrong about the Christian who sees grace in suffering and disability.

“I have no peace, no quietness. I have no rest; only trouble comes.”

In Our Darkest Hour

Job’s lament in chapter 3 was a poetic expression of humanity’s crisis, travail, anguish, and despair. His suffering had probably gone on for some months. The magnitude and crushing pressure may well have brought Job to the end of his rope. In his friends’ presence, he expressed his howling grief. Normally, laments in Scripture include not just a complaint to God, but an affirmation of trust, knowing God will answer. But here, Job does not include any positive anticipation of God’s response or hope of deliverance. is one of the darkest, most negative chapters in all of Scripture.

Job’s first verbal response to his situation is common to everyone everywhere. Theology is lived every moment of every day, whether we like it or not. Living theology is not a spectator sport. We humans are not just in the stands rooting on our team. No, we are in the sweaty, smelly trenches trying to get traction on the turf of life so we can run the next play. The intersection of theology and practice is where we live.

Lament is an honest expression about who we are as humans and allows for our weakness, our deficiency, our common experience. To be a Christian does not mean we stop being human. Being a Christian should accentuate our humanity. We are committed to a righteous response to injustice and undeserved tribulation. But this response includes our raw, rasping, even recoiling reaction to wrong when it happens.

We share the lament Job uttered. Job’s disillusionment is our own. The Holy Spirit has given us a model, a form in Scripture which gives voice to our pain. We know how Job’s story ended with providential good fortune, and we know this is not true for all who suffer. But there is a life to come in which all things will be restored and made new (; ).

“Wisdom is more valuable than gold and crystal.”

Ode to Wisdom

Job started his tenth and final defense by describing humanity’s many advancements. Yet despite these accomplishments, Job was baffled by the lack of spiritual wisdom from those around him. He expressed his disappointment when he asked, “Do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding?” (, ).

Job tried to point to God as the only path to truth: “God alone understands the way to wisdom; he knows where it can be found” (). Similarly, King Solomon admonished the people of Israel to search for the benefits of wisdom and understanding “as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures” ().

Three things are clear in this book. First, wisdom evades our search. Second, God knows the way to wisdom, for it resides with him alone. Third, human beings cannot find ultimate wisdom through investigation of elements of creation alone but can only experience it through the development of a relationship with God ().

concludes with the importance of cultivating a respectful fear of the Lord (), which includes loving and serving God with all of one’s being, observing his commands, and worshiping God with reverence and awe.

How does this apply to disability and suffering? Job is an example of a man who wisely continued to trust the Lord in sorrow, but his life story is no guarantee that we will experience the same kind of response from God in our suffering, even if we follow Job’s example well. All people who suffer need wisdom, though. And the best place to find wisdom is by going to the source—the only wise God.

“I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.”

My Eyes Have Seen You

Job had been listening to his three friends and their doctrine that all sinners suffer and all sufferers are sinners. But after hearing the voice of God, Job’s eyes were opened to the truth of God’s sovereignty and his need for repentance.

Job learned that the root of his problem was never with God or with others; it was his own lack of faith and his demand for an explanation from the Almighty. We, too, can struggle with the why? when trials come. We may not have done anything that directly caused our disability or suffering, but we may be sinning by questioning God’s justice in or during our afflictions. We are not equipped to handle what we view as undeserved suffering and injustice. All we can do is fall into God’s gracious, loving arms and trust him to redeem the situation.

God let Satan humble Job out of love, not cruelty. When Job finally gave up trying to defend and justify himself, God healed him. God poured blessings into Job’s life that could only come through a deeper relationship with him.

Like Job, once the scales fell from Paul’s eyes (), he became a servant of Christ, one who received wonderful revelations from God. He understood the dangers of pride and that God sometimes goes to great lengths to make us more dependent on him. Paul explained, “So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud” ().

None of the prideful things to which we cling, even when we seem justified in doing so, will be worth the smallest portion of the glory and joy we will discover in our eternal relationship with God. Let us pray that our eyes will be opened to all that God wants to show us!

“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous.”

How Long, O Lord?

In times of suffering, we ask God serious questions about our concerns; then, we fear that we may have offended him. But have we?

The psalmist cried out, “Why do you hide when I am in trouble?” () and “O LORD, how long will you forget me?” (). While they don’t sound like the same question, they share a common message: “Lord, get me out of here!” Scripture helps us deal with our suffering by explaining the nature of God and showing us how others have passed through similar deep waters.

Brent Olstad grew up with a disdain for waiting rooms, which grew stronger when his son Bryce was diagnosed with spina bifida and required many medical appointments. In one waiting room after another, Brent found himself hiding behind outdated magazines, drinking stale coffee, and fixating on his problems. Sometimes as he waited, he agonized over whether his son would live or die; other times, he reflected on his own life. Yet as time went on, he came to see waiting rooms as places to read, commune with God, and seek his peace. On occasion, he met the needs of others in the waiting room and shared his faith. Eventually, Brent found comfort in learning to wait on the Lord.

While it can feel as if God has hidden himself or gone deaf to our problems, his delays are often for our good and his greater purposes. He may fail to meet our expectations or work in ways that confuse us, but the Lord rewards our patient obedience. We can rest in the fact that he has promised to deliver us—on his terms.

“Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.”

Under the Good Shepherd’s Care

In this beloved song that was deeply personal to him, David reflected on Israel’s communal experience of suffering and pictured God’s people as sheep in need of a loving shepherd. Just as God led the Israelites like sheep out of Egyptian slavery and walked beside them through the deep, dark, dangerous wilderness inhabited by their enemies, so he walks with his children today—even when they pass through “the darkest valley.”

Under the tender care of our Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ himself (), we will always have everything we need (though not always everything we want!). He faithfully provides us with strength, guidance, discipline, protection, and—what we sometimes need most of all—rest. If you are feeling weak, aimless, undisciplined, vulnerable, or just plain tired, let God be your shepherd. He will not disappoint.

In this life, God’s children are surrounded by enemies yet remain safe, feasting at a table of blessings set by God himself. This is but a foretaste, a preview, of the great “wedding feast of the Lamb” () that believers look forward to with eager anticipation, when all our enemies—including death, pain, and sorrow—will finally be vanquished once and for all. What a glorious hope!

“Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! . . . I am overwhelmed by my troubles.”

Stages of Grief: Denial

We live in a culture that tends to celebrate heroes who face hardship and loss without emotion, overcoming difficulties and showing no weakness. It’s the James Bond approach to life. But no one is immune to suffering. Yes, those who appear to “power through” and overcome hardship with ease seem impressive, but if they do not take time to fully grieve what they have lost, they are in danger of becoming trapped in their pain. Grieving losses is a necessary part of growth.

After losing a friend to cancer and then losing her job, one woman decided she needed some career counseling to determine her next step. In the first session, she was surprised to hear the counselor say, “You’ve had a lot of loss in your life.”

The therapist’s simple statement opened her eyes to some of the pain she had been ignoring and denying—loss of a parent, loss of dreams of having children, loss of health, loss of a supportive church family, and more. In each instance of loss, instead of taking time to grieve, this woman had reminded herself of the things in her life that were good and had thought about others who had suffered much more than she had. These responses, positive in themselves, had led her to deny her own pain and avoid the healing and growth that comes through grief.

Taking time to acknowledge and admit her pain instead of denying it was the first step toward healing and growing. We all need to admit our pain and suffering and also acknowledge that we have hurt in our lives. As David said, “Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you” (). Watch for the comfort and help that God brings. Take note of it, and thank him for it.

“Justice—do you rulers know the meaning of the word? Do you judge the people fairly? No! You plot injustice in your hearts.”

Stages of Grief: Anger

Many people are accustomed to thinking of anger as a bad thing, something to suppress, hide, or get over. But when we are faced with injustice, loss, or suffering, anger is an appropriate emotional response! It is a normal part of the grieving process.

Jesus was angry with the Pharisees for their lack of concern and care for a man with a deformed hand (). His anger was the appropriate response to religious leaders who, instead of caring for the needs of the people, attempted to use the suffering of others for their own advantage.

In , David’s song calls unjust rulers “deadly snakes” () who squeeze the life out of innocent people with their violence. In his anger toward them, David prays for God to “break off their fangs” () and to swiftly “sweep them away” ().

In whatever loss or injustice you are facing, you will feel anger. That’s okay! You might be angry with God for not preventing something from happening or for not healing you. You might feel angry with another person who caused your suffering. You might feel angry with yourself for making a mistake or not being strong enough. Anger with God, others, or yourself is not a lack of faith. It is simply part of the process of grief—an important and helpful part of the process. At its core, anger is energy to solve a problem.

When Jesus was angry in , he healed the man with the deformed hand. As you face the anger you feel regarding the loss and injustice in your life, ask Jesus to help and guide you toward right ways to express your anger and respond to the injustice that you face.

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”

Stages of Grief: Depression

The grieving process takes people from denial to anger, from anger to bargaining, from bargaining to depression, and from depression to acceptance. It is important to remember that depression, or sorrow, is part of the grief process. The loss of something or someone dear to us can cause a great deal of pain. Hiding from that pain or trying to just “push through it” is not helpful. Instead, sharing that sorrow with God and others can bring healing.

You matter to God. Your Creator takes notice and cares about every pain and loss you experience. He loves you more than you can imagine, and he wants you to know that he is with you in your times of sorrow. He understands your pain and will help you through it.

You do not have to fear sadness. You have a God who stands with you through it. The depression that comes as a part of the grief process is God’s way of clearing a place in your heart for new growth. This sadness frees you from the way things were to prepare you to fall in love with the way things are. Though the depression of grief feels bad, it is actually for your good. When you have the courage to honestly feel it, then you will be ready to move on into the final stage of grief: acceptance.

“We are God’s masterpiece.”

No Pity Parties

“I don’t believe our son’s birth was a genetic accident,” said the mother of a five-month-old boy with Down syndrome. “We feel the Lord had a perfect plan.”

Many mothers, like this one, can speak with this kind of confidence because they’ve embraced the beauty of . While it’s true that “such knowledge is too wonderful . . . to understand” () fully, this young mother has learned the truth that God is the master crafter of all human beings. He has woven each of us together in the darkness of our mother’s wombs and made us wonderfully complex ().

Have you ever complained about one of your physical characteristics? Be honest! Maybe you don’t like your big nose or your googly eyes. You might be embarrassed because you think you are too tall, too short, too skinny, or too plump. If only you could look like your friend, you could be a better person, get a better job, and have more fun. But you’ve probably also discovered that pity parties aren’t much fun and certainly don’t honor God, our Creator.

Only God’s labels for us hold real truth. The Bible is rich with descriptors that each of us display. “Handmade by God,” “image-bearer of God,” “significant,” “honored,” “dearly loved child,” and “secure in God’s hand” are just some of the words that describe God’s handiwork.

In addition to self-imposed labels, we can be hurt by man-made labels. This is especially true for people with disabilities who sometimes appear to be deficient or incompetent even though they are not. These harmful perceptions often lead to name-calling. Covering up God’s labels with unattractive words is degrading and offensive, and should not be tolerated. gives the right kind of labels for God’s children. This is partly why this psalm is beloved by so many who choose to focus on all that God has created in them and in their precious children.

“The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?”

When Suffering Crushes Your Spirit

How can we endure suffering? People in pain—whether physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual—have asked this question since the dawn of creation. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, both suffered, and they struggled with how to respond.

In the book of Proverbs, we find Israel’s king considering the role of the heart in suffering. When our hearts are sad and our spirits are broken, we lose the strength to endure: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength” (). Extended times of suffering take a toll that is magnified if we are not intentionally seeking God in the midst of it.

cautions: “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Solomon warns us that if we do not take precautions to protect and care for our hearts, it is to our own detriment.

How should we respond if we realize we’ve forsaken our first love and left our hearts vulnerable to Satan’s attack ()? The psalmist cried out, “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. . . . The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God” (, ). In the midst of our darkest hour when all brotherly comfort fails to touch the depth of our pain, Jesus stands with open arms as the ultimate expression of empathy and love—our model for suffering (). Like the psalmist, we also can ask for God’s merciful touch and be sure he will answer our prayers.

“Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.”

Just Enough

Have you ever witnessed a child opening presents at Christmas? As they unwrap the last gift, they frantically look around and then blurt out, “Is that all there is?” At times like this, we adults are amazed at the honesty of children, because although we would never admit it, the “gimme-monster” tugs at our hearts too! As Solomon said, “A fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth” (). When will we ever be satisfied?

Proverbs records a prayer about our desire for more. Agur, a sage from Solomon’s court, said, “Give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’” ().

Do you see the danger in the comfort that usually accompanies having more than we need?

During Solomon’s time, the Israelites experienced unprecedented prosperity and security as a result of the political influence and economic flourishing they experienced during his reign. At the same time, they were seeking the Lord less and less as their comfort and security increased. They may have even enjoyed life too much! (Not unlike today, right?)

God is a generous Father who promises to meet all our genuine needs. This may include material prosperity, physical and emotional health, and loving relationships. No one wants to be poor or experience loss in either health or significant relationships. But Scripture teaches us that sometimes the things we want may be harmful to our relationships with God or with others, so God says “no.”

Like Agur, we must pray for God to give us the discernment we need to know and accept his will for us in all things. God desires to help us find peace in our lives by wanting less and giving more.

“So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can.”

The Joy of the Lord

How many people can you name who truly enjoy life? The Bible is full of promptings to choose joy. Paul wrote: “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” (). But why do we need to continuously choose it? Solomon tackled this question seven times in Ecclesiastes, advising us to choose a joyful life in spite of suffering (; , ; ; ; ; ). In each case, he concluded that it’s possible to enjoy God’s blessing without denying or trivializing life’s hardships.

Some people say life on earth is something that must be endured because this world is not our home; we’re just passing through. These folks have low expectations. They may even feel guilty on happy, carefree days. Those on the opposite extreme tend to focus on the here and now, eager to do anything that feels good in the moment with no consideration for eternal things. But godly wisdom offers a better sense of balance.

When David and Nancy Guthrie’s daughter Hope was born with Zellweger syndrome (a congenital disorder that is often fatal within six months), they faced a choice: They could choose despair, or they could celebrate her short life with God’s help and the support of their faith community. They could mourn their dreams for her or accept that Hope had been uniquely created by God. David and Nancy submitted their child to God’s will and planned their lives around Hope’s. They invited family and friends to join them in monthly birthday parties, knowing there would never be annual parties. They celebrated the gift God had placed in their care for a season. When fear threatened to overwhelm them, they discovered that God’s presence is always enough.

Despite the trials of life, we can enjoy the blessings and gifts that come from the hand of God (). Biblical enjoyment seeks a balance in all things, especially in commonplace, routine experiences. Whatever the circumstance, our greatest elation will be found in our relationship with God. “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever” ().

“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

Strength in Numbers

Teo grew up knowing his place in life. His family owned a coffee plantation in a tiny mountain village in Honduras. Teo expected to work the land, build a house, and provide for a family, as his father had done before him. His dreams crumbled when a farming accident took away the use of his legs, along with his livelihood, his future, and his freedom. Trapped in his house, the once hardworking young man slipped into despondency.

Teo’s life was turned upside down, but he still had the love and support of a small group of friends and family. In many countries, people with disabilities are shunned and treated as cursed outcasts. Even in relatively wealthy countries in Europe and North America, many people with disabilities live in isolation and poverty.

King Solomon observed that without support from others we are all vulnerable: “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble” (). For people with disabilities, these risks are compounded.

A few years ago, a Wheels for the World team from Joni and Friends visited Teo’s village to provide him with a wheelchair and a new chance at life. Teo was able to come out of isolation and resume his place in the community. But even more importantly, he experienced a restored relationship with his creator when he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Today, Teo enjoys providing for his wife and child as a hard-working wheelchair mechanic. We can all heed Solomon’s wise advice, conquer our fears of asking for help, and offer a helping hand to others in need. If we do, everyone will benefit.

“Don’t long for ‘the good old days.’ This is not wise.”

Eye on the Future

When suffering becomes a part of our lives, we are often tempted to dwell on happier times. We think about how strong and healthy we once were and focus on the time before our disability, disease, or other tragedy came upon us, forever changing life as we knew it.

Whether we’ve lost our eyesight, our mobility, or our ability to think clearly, we have to fight the temptation to believe that we can never be as useful, productive, or successful as we once were. Just as the infirmities that come with age can rob individuals of their confidence (), suffering can lead people to assume that they no longer have a meaningful role in life this side of heaven.

There’s no denying that disability and suffering create a new “normal.” Renée Bondi discovered this just weeks before she got married. A successful music teacher, singer, and choir director, Renée was thrust headfirst into a world of disability as a result of a simple fall out of bed, changing her life forever. In the months following her diagnosis of quadriplegia, Renée faced new fears, doubts, and depression. She entered a world in which people stared and whispered about her in public. She was forced to learn a new language of unfamiliar medical terminology, diagnoses, and potentially permanent limitations.

With time and support from those around her, Renée settled into a new lifestyle that focused on her true character and God-given abilities. She married, had a son, and eventually returned to singing. Today, through her writing, music, and speaking ministry, Renée honors Jesus Christ around the world.

Regardless of what life brings our way, we always have a choice: to wallow in discontentment and yearn for the former things or take Paul’s advice: “Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us” ().

“Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved.”

Encouragement for the Discouraged

God’s people find strength only as they rest in the promises of God, relating to him as the center of all reality. Trusting in any other form of security leads to failure, because God knows what is best for us: to return to him from our foolish habits of rebellion and the lonely experience of exile. The book of Isaiah is filled with stark contrasts between angry prophetic threats of destruction because of disobedience and precious promises of quiet confidence experienced in the loving arms of God. If only Israel would have returned to their God-given destiny—existing in covenantal communion with the Father and testifying of his love to the nations—what peace they would have found!

Our situation may be different from Israel, but the truth that our salvation is found in God alone is just as applicable for us. God’s promise of rest is intended to encourage us in the midst of disheartening situations. We often pray for immediate change in our circumstances: relief from pain, satisfaction of our desires, restoration of physical comfort, or an influx of money. But the promise of God’s presence—resting in him—is at the heart of our need. We can, and often do, experience his faithful presence in the midst of suffering.

In , Jesus prayed for his disciples and for us as his followers, “I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.” What does it mean to be kept safe? God graciously welcomes us as his precious children through our union with Jesus Christ. This does not guarantee preservation from harm, but it does mean the gift of eternal security and rest in communion with God, which is much more significant. Our attention is directed away from our circumstances and back toward God. Understanding that God’s good plan for us extends beyond our momentary circumstances is the deepest possible encouragement.

“When he comes, . . . streams will water the wasteland.”

Disability Metaphors

Old Testament prophets often used disability as a figure of speech. When Isaiah talked about the blind, deaf, lame, or mute (), he was not necessarily describing actual people with specific visual, auditory, mobility, or communication impairments (see , ; ; , ; ; ; ). His words held an even deeper truth.

In Isaiah’s day, few children with what we call birth defects or significant disabilities would have survived to adulthood. In Isaiah’s prophecies regarding war, we find that conquering nations in the ancient Near East often deliberately disabled adult males (potential soldiers) through torture and violence. This was in stark contrast to Israel’s armies who would never disable their enemies—even in the prophecies that describe total destruction of their foes. Instead, God promised to deliver and restore people from defeat and exile, as evidenced by the miraculous healing of traumatic disabilities, which only God can do. In Jesus, God goes a step further: the metaphorical becomes literal! This is one of the reasons Jesus so often quoted from Isaiah when he described his own ministry of healing: Such miracles are signs of the Messiah.

Isaiah even gave us a glimpse of how divine healing can occur without a physical cure. Eunuchs, whether that way from birth or by mutilation, were unable to have biological children, which was a shameful disability in this context and is part of the reason why eunuchs were previously excluded from the community of God (). But God promised to bless faithful eunuchs and give them a future in the people of God without their disability being “cured” ().

Scripture consistently affirms that God is sovereign over everything in the cosmos, including disability. Even though it was not in his original design, he allows brokenness to enter our lives so that he can redeem it. Read in light of the New Testament, the prophets reveal a picture of what redemption looks like: True restoration is healing by God alone because God is at work in our suffering to bring good out of evil. Nothing—not even disability—is beyond the scope of salvation.

“Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed.”

Keep Justice

What kind of worship does God want from his people? Is he only interested in the songs we sing or how long we fast and pray? No, God cares about justice. Religious observance is meaningless to God if it isn’t paired with a life that reflects his care for the oppressed. He despises false piety that turns faith into privately held beliefs which are disconnected from how we live in the real world.

Isaiah was not a philosopher—he never defined the concept of justice. Instead, he spoke like a prophet, describing justice in practical terms that demand a response. Empty prisons of those wrongly arrested. Ease the load of your employees. Provide food, clothing, and shelter for those in need. Help that annoying relative who is always asking for money. Such radical lifestyles will heal wounds and shine a light in the darkness of our world. If we pursue justice in faith, God will be present in and through us to give us strength and keep us on the right way.

The specifics of these actions require discernment and discussion: How much money should you give away? what organizations best combat personal and systemic oppression? how involved should local and national governments be? The list of difficult questions seems endless, and well-meaning people have often disagreed about the details. But it is clear that the central message of Isaiah is directly applicable to God’s people, both in ancient Israel and in our contemporary situations today. And it is shocking how often God’s people neglect this very thing. Be just. If you are not acting justly, don’t bother God with self-serving prayers or pious debates about religious observances.

Such a message was no more welcome in ancient Israel than it is today. God calls us not to the easy life but to a life of justice. That is true worship. That is the way to experience the Lord not as a stern taskmaster shaking an angry fist but as a delight. God is the merciful one who is strong to save and is the giver of all good things.

“In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them.”

Victory over All Evil

The book of Isaiah closes with vivid visions of victory—the blood-stained figure of the Lord striding triumphantly away from defeating the nations that have been oppressing his people. God comforts his people with the assurance that he will triumph and reminds them that vengeance is his (; ). It is appropriate to rage against wickedness, disease, disability, and death. These are not part of God’s original design, and God does not call us to accept them passively. But God also refuses to abandon his people; out of his great love, he enters into their suffering () and utterly destroys their oppressors.

Some are uncomfortable with this image of the Lord as the destroyer of his enemies, but what kind of almighty deity would eternally tolerate sin and suffering? Justice demands that evil be eliminated, and this prophecy gives us a powerful picture of God’s victory. We see this bloody figure in the book of Revelation as well, destroying Satan ().

But we know something more about this conqueror by the time we read Revelation, something prefigured here in Isaiah.

The triumphant Lord Jesus Christ experienced suffering himself—he has known defeat, rejection, and abandonment, and he has drained the cup of despair to its dregs (; ).

Yet the Lamb who was sacrificed on the cross for the sin of the world does not remain in the tomb; he rises in resurrection power and begins to restore the universe to its rightful order. The final consummation of this redemption requires the total destruction of evil, and God delivers on his promise in the closing chapters of Revelation. John described what the end of our suffering will look like when Jesus returns in triumph (). But even before Jesus Christ was born, Isaiah gave us a preview of the time when there will be no more weeping ().

“I hurt with the hurt of my people. I mourn and am overcome with grief.”

Faithful through Adversity

When it happened, some turned away, others vomited, more cried, a few collapsed. But one young man ran to hold his friend’s hand and pray for him.

The young men on the University of Louisville basketball team were fighting for every point, battling for a coveted spot in the Final Four and the opportunity to play for the men’s college basketball championship. Kevin Ware jumped out to defend a shot from the other team, and he landed awkwardly on his right leg. In an instant, Ware had crumpled onto the floor in front of his own team’s bench with a gruesome compound fracture. His tibia had broken, and the bone was protruding through the skin. The injured player screamed and wrenched his body in pain as paramedics rushed to the scene. Everyone on both teams was deeply affected by this injury, but most kept their distance. Luke Hancock, however, knelt down right beside him and continued praying until he was pried away.

What do we do when we see others in pain, anguish, turmoil, or trouble? Maybe you’ve been the one who desperately needed a friend to come alongside you with prayer support? Jeremiah was the only prophet who rushed to Judah’s aid. He wept for his beloved city, Jerusalem. As false prophets turned away or offered false hope, Jeremiah stood by his countrymen through the suffering. He continued to intercede on their behalf, and tell the people the difficult truths about repentance and obedience that they needed to hear in order to save their lives.

When reporters asked Hancock why he chose to run to his friend’s side when others turned away, he responded, “I didn’t want my friend to suffer alone.” Hancock had suffered his own frightening injury in a game with friends a year earlier. He remembered how much it meant to him that one of his friends stayed by his side all the way to the hospital, and he wanted to do the same for Ware. May we rush to aid other sufferers as we are able, becoming the hands of Jesus.

“But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.”

Certainty in an Uncertain World

Did you ever play the “trust fall” game when you were a kid? The object of the game is to free-fall backward into the arms of a trusted friend who catches you. It’s a fun but risky game—our hearts race as we near the floor, unsure of whether our pal will really be there for us. And honestly, haven’t we all had friends or family members who have let us down or broken our trust, leaving us with pain that is more severe than just landing hard on the floor?

Although people may disappoint us, Jeremiah makes it clear that we can have total confidence in God. Jeremiah made his bold claim while undergoing excruciating times of personal trial and suffering. documents biblical heroes who stood strong in the face of circumstances that would have caused many others to question their allegiance. In that chapter, we read that faith “shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see” ().

We’d prefer to put our hope in tangible things—a strong, healthy body; a strong financial portfolio; our country’s political leaders and military power. But Proverbs offers a word of caution: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding” (). Jeremiah saw how quickly the “elites” of his day, those with worldly power, could be brought low by the God of the universe. “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the LORD” (). Notice this verse doesn’t say that we should not rely on others. Friends and family, especially fellow believers, are God’s gifts to help us through life’s challenges, to rejoice when we rejoice and cry with us when we cry. Jeremiah’s admonishment was specifically about never turning our hearts away from the Lord, which always leads down a slippery slope. While there may be times when we need a friend to catch us, our ultimate trust must always be in God alone.

“One basket was filled with fresh, ripe figs, while the other was filled with bad figs that were too rotten to eat.”

Two Roads, Two Choices

Two brothers. Two responses. Two roads. The theme introduced in with Cain and Abel runs all the way through the Bible to Revelation: Choose God or false gods, righteousness or wickedness, wisdom or foolishness, the narrow way or the wide way.

The “two-road” metaphor also appears in in the vision of two baskets of figs. God asked the prophet what he saw, and Jeremiah responded that he saw a basket of good figs and a basket of figs that were rotten and useless. The two baskets represented the responses of God’s people under sustained suffering. While both groups had stumbled, some of the people would eventually turn and choose to honor God. The others simply turned their backs on the ways of the Lord, and God told Jeremiah to treat them like rotten figs.

We don’t like to think about God turning away from his people, but these examples instruct us in learning to make the right choices. God cannot tolerate an unrepentant lifestyle of sin. Paul documents God’s response to those who lived lives of ongoing wickedness: “Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done” (). There are consequences when we make the wrong choice.

Every person faces the same choice, just like when Joshua confronted the people and called on them to “choose today whom you will serve” (). There are two choices, two roads. One can choose either the way of Cain or the way of Abel, Pharaoh or Yahweh, Jesus or other gods—but never both. There is no middle ground. There is no fence to sit on. There is no third choice. Follow God or don’t follow God. It’s that simple—and it’s that difficult.

“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease.”

Letting Go of Expectations

Learning you are expecting a baby can be a shock, even for couples who are praying for a child! The news brings joy, anxiety, anticipation . . . and often nausea. Fears about the health and well-being of a child add another layer of complexity to life. There are no rules on how to respond to the news that the child shows signs of a potential disability. Parents’ dreams for their family can be quickly uprooted with the unexpected and dreaded news that their child has special needs.

If you are that expectant or new parent, you will naturally have mixed feelings at first. The joy of having a new baby can become mingled with worries over health issues, finances, and fears of not knowing how to care for your own child. Family celebrations may be diminished as everyone braces for what’s ahead. Emotions bounce back and forth from overjoyed to overwhelmed. Questions arise. Lament looms. Thoughts swirl: Why are things so hard for my child? For my family? For me? Why do I feel so abandoned, crushed, and forgotten?

Some say extended suffering is a matter of trusting God and never questioning what comes our way. The book of Lamentations suggests otherwise. God can handle our struggles and our sadness. Jeremiah laid bare his emotions before the Lord. He begged God to intervene and spare his people; we can do the same. When faced with great pain and isolation, even Jesus said, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (). This is not lip service; this is Jesus pleading that he would rather not experience the suffering that lay ahead. Equally important is Jesus’ clear surrender, all the way to the end: “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” ().

So go ahead—shout, cry out, lament. Lay your child and your burdens at the foot of the cross, trusting that God hears and that his love and mercy will begin afresh each morning.

“Restore us, O LORD, and bring us back to you again! Give us back the joys we once had!”

Transformed through Grief

When faced with a heartrending situation, there are questions that must be answered. Can we be transformed by lament? Can we find hope again? Can we trust in God’s sovereignty over any and every crisis we might face?

For the skeptic or the most stoic among us, lament may be nothing more than focusing on the negative and feeling sorry for ourselves. It is true that many of us get stuck in extended seasons of grief and mourning. The world gets cast in tones of gray as dark and foreboding forces seem to hem us in. It can be a struggle to break free from such spiritual and emotional oppression.

But lament need not be so. Lament can allow us to express, with deepest conviction and an earnest aching in our souls, that we long for something better. We long for God to make things right. When we hold the hand of a loved one whose memory has been ravaged by Alzheimer’s disease or sit at the bedside of our child with cystic fibrosis who is laboring to breathe, we can’t help but yearn for the health they deserve. Jeremiah cried out, “All the majesty of beautiful Jerusalem has been stripped away” ().

Lament can transform us because it reinforces the notion that naming our sorrow is important both for the power it can have in helping us to face it and for the recognition of our need for God. Lament allows us to face the worst situation even as we are praying for the best outcome from God. Paul reminded us that we do not grieve as if we have no hope (). We proclaim with the psalmist: “‘You are my God!’ My future is in your hands” ().

“Then they will know that I am the LORD.”

Demanding a Sign

In Ezekiel, the phrase “know that I am the LORD” occurs over 70 times, emphasizing its importance. The phrase usually accompanies a supernatural act or accomplishment which provides conclusive evidence that God is the great “I AM” (). Whether related to forgiveness and reconciliation or destruction and punishment, God’s miraculous activity is proof of his supreme lordship.

Among the sins described in Ezekiel, Judah’s worship of other gods was the target of God’s greatest wrath. For centuries, God had performed miracles and provided faithful leaders, which should have made it clear that he was the one true God. But the Israelites refused to believe—much like we do today.

People often want God to “prove” his existence by giving them a miracle. Jesus stated, “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign” (). Yet, even when surrounded by irrefutable signs that explicitly point back to God, skeptics still refuse to believe. No matter how spectacular they are, signs don’t always work.

God uses all of the experiences of our lives—from the mundane to the miraculous—to guide us. The people of Israel did not see the punishment and blessings they experienced as coming from the hand of God. But like a good parent, God disciplines his children because he loves them (), and James reminds us that God is the source of all good gifts (). His purpose through every experience is to grow our understanding of him and to prepare us to spend eternity with him ().

When pain and suffering become severe, prayer can become a desperate session of bargaining for a sign. God, please heal me, and I’ll read my Bible more. Please remove heart disease from my father, and I’ll go to church every Sunday. Did you notice all of the “me” and “I” statements in these prayers for signs?

When we honor the Lord in prayer, we’re saying that he is enough. More than a sign, we should pray for wisdom to serve his purposes—not our own agenda. Watch for how he reveals himself as God in the things that happen to you, around you, or around the world. Then tell him truly—he’s enough!

“The Sovereign LORD says: . . . I will be like a shepherd looking for his scattered flock.”

Shepherds of the Flock

Confrontations can be difficult, but they are often required to facilitate change. Ezekiel confronted the leaders of his day with a list of their offenses: They had let their “flocks”—the people under their care—starve; they had not taken care of the weak; they had not tended the sick or injured; and they had not gone looking for those who had wandered. Instead, they had left them to be attacked. For this, the Lord says, “I will hold them responsible for what has happened to my flock” ().

Pastors and other church leaders sometimes say things like, “People with disabilities are not a priority for ministry” or “Our church is not impacted by disability” or “We are not equipped for such a ministry.” Families are too often told that there is no longer a place for them at a particular church because their child is too difficult or distracting. These types of statements represent the kind of callousness toward the vulnerable and marginalized that God laments through the voice of Ezekiel.

provides a beautiful picture of what the leaders should have been doing with the flock that had been entrusted to them, rather than allowing them to be scattered through neglect and disobedience. God indicated that he would “judge between one animal of the flock and another, separating the sheep from the goats” (), a powerful image that Jesus picks up ().

While some in the Christian church today may knowingly overlook the care of people with disabilities, many pastors say they plan to do more! But too many churches are indifferent to or unaware of the pain of exclusion that is felt by persons with disabilities. As we wait for the church to come to awareness and obedience, God provides comfort, saying “I myself will search and find my sheep” (). says, “The LORD is my shepherd.” Pray that our leaders will become more like our shepherding Lord.

“Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.”

Dem Dry Bones

The old spiritual “Dem Dry Bones” was first recorded in 1928 and became a favorite in many church hymnals. While the words came from the book of Ezekiel, the song’s popularity stemmed from its upbeat, African-American melody and its hopeful message of new life.

In a vision, God took Ezekiel to a valley filled with scattered, dry bones. It’s hard for most of us to imagine this scene, except perhaps by looking at historical images from horrible events such as the Holocaust where graves were filled with people who had wasted away to little more than skeletons, their remains mingled together in heaps. But unlike modern history, Ezekiel’s bone-filled valley was the picture of a horrible yet righteous punishment, wielded by God over a nation that had rejected him.

When God asked if the bones could become living people again, Ezekiel was unsure how to answer because of what he had seen. He cautiously responded, “O Sovereign LORD, . . . you alone know the answer to that” (). No glib response, no flippant “of course, Lord, you can do anything!” The depths of obliteration and ruin Ezekiel had witnessed shook his confidence. All he saw around him was death and decay.

But the Lord said, “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the LORD!’” (). Ezekiel must have thought, Speak to dead bones—really? What’s the point? But he was obedient and witnessed something remarkable. The bones reassembled into skeletons and were covered with flesh. Again Ezekiel prophesied, and they came to life and stood before him as a great army. God tells Ezekiel that the bones are saying, “We have become old, dry bones—all hope is gone” (). But God makes a promise to the bones: “O my people, I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again” ().

If God can do that to a nation, he can do it in your life as well. He can resurrect the church to be a life-giving force for “dry bone” lives, and he can raise people out of their graves of spiritual apathy.

“But even if he doesn’t . . .”

Trusting Anyway

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego proclaimed to King Nebuchadnezzar that their Lord could rescue them, but their faith in God did not depend on being rescued. Their words, “But even if he doesn’t” () affirmed their faith in a God whose ways are not our ways ().

For some, the diagnosis of a disabling condition can feel like being thrown into a fire that could consume the life they once knew. It can cause us to question our faith. Do we still believe God is able to deliver us? If God has the power to remove suffering but chooses not to, can we trust his sovereignty and goodness?

When parents of a special needs child receive a life-altering diagnosis, they may ask, “Do we believe that God can heal our child; do we have enough faith?” If God does not bring physical healing, they may struggle, asking, “Do we need more faith?”

When Ashley received the diagnosis of her son’s rare genetic disorder, she knew life would never be the same. But God met her in her fear and sadness and slowly began to reveal his presence in small ways. Ashley’s heart began to trust that having a child with special needs was not going to destroy her faith. She prayed for more confidence to trust God. She clung to the hope that even if the circumstances weren’t what she would have chosen for her child, God would keep them on the best path for their lives. Ashley also prayed that others would see God’s sustaining presence through her family.

Where does your heart go when God does not rescue you from difficult circumstances? Do you run toward fear and doubt, or do you turn to God? Remember, you’re never alone—God is with you. Walk your uphill journey by faith with this motto: “But even if he doesn’t, I will trust in his goodness and love.”

“[Daniel] prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.”

Honoring God on Our Knees

Daniel was a man of prayer. When he needed wisdom, he prayed. When he faced the lions’ den, he prayed. When he sought the Lord’s favor for Israel, he prayed. Each day, Daniel knelt and prayed three times, giving thanks to God. His posture was an expression of his heart. In humility he knelt before God, the sovereign ruler of all. Daniel’s prayer life was so predictable that his enemies tried to use it against him—to no avail.

Following Hebrew tradition, Daniel began his prayers with praise: “O Lord, you are a great and awesome God!” (). He followed praise with confession, acknowledging his own sin and the sins of Israel: “We have sinned against you” (). Next, he recalled God’s acts of redemption throughout history: “O Lord our God, you brought lasting honor to your name by rescuing your people from Egypt” (). Finally, Daniel interceded for Israel, asking God to be merciful to his people as he had been in the past: “We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy” ().

Like Daniel, Justin is a man of prayer. Although he is confined to a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy and struggles to breathe, he loves to lead worship by singing praises to God. Once, in a small prayer group, he asked his friend if she would kneel before the Lord in his stead. Since he wasn’t able to get out of his chair, she could represent him in showing honor to God.

God desires our prayers of praise, confession, remembrance, and intercession. We are urged to kneel before our Lord in anticipation of the day when “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow . . . and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” ().

“Come, let us return to the LORD . . . he will bandage our wounds.”

Return to God

Living with a disability sometimes leads to feelings of isolation and abandonment. A flawed theological outlook can convince you that the problem lies with your behavior—God must be punishing you. Then there are misconceptions about God’s character, such as the idea that he allows your disability simply because he thinks you are able to handle it. How foolish! Disability is an “honor” that most people would gladly forego.

God does not want us to have a faulty understanding of suffering. We live in a fallen world that is filled with sin, destruction, affliction, and despair. No one is immune to the human condition. Still, there is hope: God is loving and faithful, and he promises to bring about complete restoration!

For the people of Israel who lived during Hosea’s ministry, this hope would be found in the future coming of the Messiah. Hosea foretold that God had a plan to bring all people back to live in his presence, just as they had during the time of Adam and Eve. This plan finds its fulfillment in Jesus.

We are now living between the first and second comings of Jesus, a tension that can bring both joy and pain as we await full redemption. But because Jesus suffered, we know that he fully understands our pain; and this gives us hope as we face our trials.

As you go about your day, reflect on the unfailing love of God and the faithfulness of his prophet Hosea. Ask the Lord to reveal your own needs so that he might bandage your wounds. Dwell on how he has shown his love to you; then consider ways that you can show love to the people in your life.

“My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows.”

Does God Grieve?

Grief often invades the lives of those living with the realities of suffering and disability. Some days it feels like a constant companion. Other days it surprises us with new challenges that complicate our already overwhelming lives. Understanding that God also grieves can bring comfort and hope in these difficult days.

In , God speaks of his broken heart for his people, who continually disobeyed and rejected him. The Lord created human beings to be in relationship with him. His desire was to make himself known to the world. God doesn’t give up on his people. He never intended for the world to be full of suffering, disability, and disease. He is indeed grieving over the brokenness and heartache of his people.

Living with severe pain or suffering can sometimes make it difficult for us to transition successfully through the stages of grief. We can get stuck in different aspects of grief and become unable to move forward to a place where we can dream new dreams. Knowing that God our Creator understands what it means to grieve gives us hope. He understands the disappointment of unfulfilled dreams, broken lives, and severe heartache, which means we can take our disappointments to him. Think about some of the challenges and difficulties in your life. Now, take those things to God and allow him to grieve with you.

Father God, I come to you with a grieving and broken heart. I’m so glad that you grieve over your children. I ask for your peace, and I desire to live for you so that you might use my pain, suffering, and disability for your glory. Amen.

“I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.”

The Justice of God

The book of Amos addresses the topic of social justice more than any other book in the Bible. For Amos, justice simply cannot be understood apart from the character of God, who alone understands the nature of righteousness and justice (, , ; ). The Lord demands justice because he is the creator and sustainer of all things. He commanded that not just Israel but all nations uphold certain standards of conduct. The God of Israel can make such demands because he is the sovereign Lord over all nations. Nearly every description of wrongdoing recorded in Amos has to do with acts of oppression. It would be difficult to read this book and not conclude that the Lord is deeply angry when the powerful neglect or abuse the weak and vulnerable.

Joni Eareckson Tada agrees. When visitors enter the Joni and Friends International Disability Center, they see a beautiful hanging chapel with a gently flowing river beneath. The words of —“I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living”—are engraved there and hold special meaning for Joni. Disability is a “justice issue” for her, she says, “because so many children with disabilities in developing nations are denied even the most basic of rights, the right to life; infants with disabilities are often abandoned or discarded. So as long as I have breath in my body, we at Joni and Friends will work hard to promote justice and the human dignity of all people with disabilities.”

Individuals in power who use social structures to take advantage of the weak and vulnerable corrupt the value system upon which society is built and—more importantly—profane the Lord’s holy character. Israel’s religious practices were no substitute for social justice. In fact, their religious practices became a burden to the Lord; in response, he rebuked them strongly and emphasized that what he really wants is justice, not sacrifices and offerings. These are comforting words indeed for those who experience injustice!

“Just kill me now, LORD!”

I’d Rather Be Dead

At some point in our lives, most of us feel that life is not fair. We can buy into the lie that if we work hard, play fair, and do our best, life will be easy. But when calamity strikes, we are shaken to the core and find ourselves spiraling into a sea of loneliness and despair.

When God showed compassion to the wicked Ninevites, Jonah was confused. He thought they deserved God’s wrath, not mercy. Jonah’s desire for revenge plunged him into a state of depression. He wanted God to deliver divine retaliation for what the Ninevites had done. But when God wouldn’t, the prophet thought he would be better off dead.

When all our plans seem to fall apart and life becomes overwhelming, the temptation to give up is very real. Depression is not uncommon for those who live with disabilities or incredible suffering on a daily basis.

Kevin was a typical teenager who loved playing basketball. At fourteen, his dreams of making the high school team were shattered by a mentally deranged neighbor who came to his door with a gun. Moments later Kevin found himself on the kitchen floor with a bullet in his neck and a spinal cord injury that resulted in quadriplegia. The stress of having no way out of his predicament led Kevin into alcohol and drug addiction, as well as suicidal thoughts. But thanks to a loving family, Kevin returned to the faith of his childhood. Today he is a college graduate with a mission to help people with disabilities overcome addiction and live productive lives.

If you find yourself in the grip of despair and wanting to give up, remember Kevin and ask God to show you the way through your despair into the life he has planned for you.

“I will gather together those who are lame.”

A Future and a Hope for the Hurting

In these verses Micah painted a beautiful picture of God’s ultimate plan for redemption, referring specifically to relief for people with disabilities. This was in direct contrast to other passages describing their abuse and neglect.

The disobedience of Judah’s leaders resulted in the total destruction of Zion (another name for Jerusalem). Micah’s vivid language throughout his messages allowed his audience to visualize the city’s doom. In a quick change of focus, Micah described the future glory of Zion. The Temple would once again be established as “the most important place on earth” (). Micah recounted the exalted nature of the new Temple and the peace and tranquility that would overtake the scene. In the midst of this beautiful portrayal, the Lord reveals his plan for the neglected population. “‘In that coming day,’ says the LORD, ‘I will gather together those who are lame, those who have been exiles, and those whom I have filled with grief. Those who are weak will survive as a remnant; those who were exiles will become a strong nation’” (). The very prophet who preached in the shadows of the renowned prophet Isaiah lays out this grand and glorious vision of the future Zion which has at its center the most marginalized of all people: those with disabilities.

Interestingly, Micah’s description of the future of Zion and the remnant that will inhabit her is much longer than the one found in Isaiah. We might expect that God would communicate this grand vision through the more prominent prophet so that it would gain a wider audience, but that is not how God chose to work. It is fitting that the Lord would first communicate his glorious message of the future to the “least” of the prophets. Be encouraged and give thanks to the Lord who sees the downtrodden.

“We don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen.”

Give Careful Thought

It is sometimes hard to step back and think clearly when suffering never seems to take a break. Whether you’re a caregiver or a person with disability, the demands of the situation can leave little time for reflection on anything else. And yet, these circumstances can also drive us to deeper levels of prayer about the decisions we must make. The Lord knows that affliction can cause us to become consumed solely with the “stuff of earth”; heaven can seem so distant when the main concern is just getting through the day.

In Haggai’s day, God’s people faced the same kind of conundrum. They had been afflicted and banished from their homeland; after returning from exile, they were trying to get their lives back in order. They were busy building their own houses while God’s Temple was left in ruins. But no matter how hard they worked, they didn’t get the results they were hoping for. (We can certainly identify with that!) Haggai challenged the people to give careful thought to their priorities and to rebuild the Temple first so God would be honored (). Haggai repeats this four times in his short book. The people responded to his challenge and turned their gaze toward building God’s holy Temple. The outcome was tremendous. They received the encouragement they needed from their leaders, and God promised that the glory of his new Temple would be greater than in the past. In fact, God would pour out material blessing to the degree that his people gave attention to the glory of his house.

In God’s economy, heaven and earth are intermingled. Haggai’s challenge encourages us to give careful thought to our ways when the stuff of earth—suffering, disability, caregiving, bills, family disputes—seems overwhelming. This is precisely the time to turn our attention to the things of God. His encouragement and spiritual and material blessings far outweigh our earthly problems. The apostle Paul said something similar when he encouraged us to fix our eyes on what is unseen because that is what is permanent (). After all, God’s eyes are always fixed on us for our good.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

You’ll Never Be Disappointed

If we are not careful, we can become concerned with worldly troubles and lose our focus on God. Jesus knew how tempting this could be, so in his largest recorded sermon he made sure his followers knew that they must determine to have proper priorities.

Life is too busy for most of us! If you have the added concerns of caring for another person with a permanent illness or disability, life can become almost a blur. It’s often hard to keep perspective, maintain priorities, and remain focused on the things that really matter.

Jesus wants his disciples—then and now—to know that we have an advantage over our friends and acquaintances who have no spiritual life—no relationship with God through Jesus. He wants us to know that we can keep our focus where it should be—on God. The advantage we have is that our heavenly Father already knows our needs (). Because of this, followers of Christ can roll their burdens onto their heavenly Father, who is already aware and ready to help. Yes, clothes and shelter and food are necessities of life. But they don’t have to be our primary focus because we have a heavenly Father who will help with these.

Our primary focus as believers is living for Christ and making his priority (the Kingdom of God) ours as well. When we do that, life in all its busyness can be lived for God’s glory, which results in our good. When life gets tough and even painful, clothes and food aren’t enough. But our Father in heaven is always ready to help in our time of need ().

“Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.”

The Greatest Miracle You Need

The friends of a man with paralysis carried him to Jesus, who immediately saw their faith and the man’s sinful heart. Jesus’ first act was to pronounce forgiveness of the man’s sins. The man’s friends had brought him for physical healing, but Jesus decided that the greatest gift he could give this man was spiritual healing!

Sometimes, in the midst of our desire to see healing, cessation of pain, or prolongation of life, we can forget that there is something far more important than having more days, even painless days, on this earth. There is eternity to consider.

The religious leaders who were watching Jesus assumed that Jesus was disrespecting God by claiming to have God’s power to forgive sins. They didn’t believe that Jesus was God, but instead, that he was an imposter. When Jesus asked, “Is it easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or ‘Stand up and walk’?” he was challenging their priorities. Forgiving sins is a much bigger deal than healing this man’s legs, but it’s also much harder to see. Today, modern medicine has the ability to heal many physical ailments, but it is powerless to cleanse the soul. These religious leaders had it backwards, so to prove to them that he could forgive sins, Jesus performed the more visible miracle so they would realize who he was.

Our time on this earth can seem long, but it is just a moment in light of eternity. Be careful not to become so consumed by the prospect of healing—whether supernaturally instantaneous or more gradual, by way of medical treatment—that you forget that spiritual healing is what we really need. It not only helps us to cope with our present circumstances but also gives us assurance of an otherwise unbelievable life for all eternity.

“When you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”

Taking Care of Jesus

The world system in which we all live has many things completely backwards. It believes that the one who is first has “made it,” that those who are bold will get what they want, that if you want to be great you must lord it over all—and that there is no true value in taking care of the poor, the hurting, and the lonely. But Jesus Christ teaches the reverse of all of these.

In the parable of the sheep and the goats, which teaches about the judgment of the nations at the end of the age, Jesus gives an insight that the world system would never discover or honor: The way we treat the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the sick, and the prisoner will be taken as evidence of how we have regarded Christ. While a number of lessons and theological implications can be drawn from this parable, the one that is clear is that Christ accepts compassionate ministry done to those the world despises as though it were done to him.

When God created humans, he created them—both male and female—in the image of God. While our present capacity to reflect that image has been impacted by sin, Scripture teaches that each person retains inestimable value because we are all created in God’s image. The Lord notices when one person cares for another. In fact, this is of such great delight to him that he says, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” (). Caring for those whom the world deems to be of little value is in fact a way of caring for Jesus himself!

“Have mercy on me!”

The Jesus Prayer

There is a tradition in the Orthodox Church of praying a simple prayer known as the Jesus Prayer. It goes like this: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner”; inhale during the first and third phrases, and exhale during the second and fourth phrases. The prayer is repeated many times in one session. Sometimes this also includes a shortening of the prayer to a few words repeated over and over, such as, “Jesus, have mercy,” or even simply, “Jesus.”

The prayer’s roots seem to be found in , a parable in which the prayers of a Pharisee and tax collector are contrasted. The Pharisee’s prayer is flamboyant and self-centered, whereas the tax collector’s prayer is humble and requests the mercy of God.

How similar this is to the prayer of Bartimaeus in . Bartimaeus is one of the few people Jesus healed whose name we know. He was blind, but he recognized whom he should turn to for help. Bartimaeus cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Though hushed by others, he pressed on. “Have mercy on me!” “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My Rabbi, . . . I want to see!”

Jesus did not heal everyone he encountered who was in need (). The reasons for this are not always apparent. Bartimaeus was in need of healing, asked for mercy, and received both. But God was not under any obligation to heal Bartimaeus. There is no surefire solution to ensure healing from God. Yet, recognizing that Jesus is the one who can heal and humbly acknowledging that we need his mercy is the starting place for allowing God’s power to move in our lives—in whatever form that may take.

“They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head.”

Jesus Faced Cruelty

It is no exaggeration to say that teens and preteens today are experiencing an epidemic of bullying. While it has happened throughout the ages, new forms of communication and social media have allowed the cruelty to escalate and the effects to be amplified. Bullying doesn’t always look the same. But whether it’s physical or verbal abuse, covert or cyberbullying, each form is destructive and hurtful.

After Jesus had been tried and convicted, the authorities prepared him for his execution. Throughout the final hours of his life, Jesus was insulted, beaten, and subtly and not-so-subtly mocked. “Hail! King of the Jews!” () the soldiers taunted as they dropped to their knees in a parody of worship. If only they had known that they were kneeling before their Creator, perhaps their words would have been sincere and their hearts would have matched their humble posture.

Few of us come through adolescence unscathed. It seems the only criterion for receiving abuse is to be a little different than the next person in the eyes of others. Yet there is no doubt that those with special needs are even more susceptible to abuse.

Have you been on the receiving end of abuse and mockery? It isn’t fair. It isn’t kind. It hurts and demoralizes. Please know that Jesus can relate, and it really breaks his heart. assures us that our High Priest is not a distant God, seated in his heavenly Temple with no idea about the suffering people endure in their lives. The cruelty he endured on earth helps him to empathize with our pain, understand our weaknesses, and respond with mercy and grace.

“Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”

When Faith Is Shaken

Have you ever pleaded with God for guidance and moved forward on the path ahead, expecting everything to work out fine—but then it didn’t turn out the way you anticipated or hoped? That’s the story of a desperate father named Jairus, a synagogue leader whose young daughter lay dying at home.

Upon finding Jesus, Jairus fell on his face and pleaded for his daughter’s life. In response, “Jesus went with him” (). What a relief this must have been for this hurting father. But on the way to Jairus’s home, Jesus was stopped by a woman who suffered from constant bleeding. With no one to care for her, this woman was alienated from the Jewish community because of her condition. To Jairus, this woman probably seemed like an unwelcome interruption. After all, she’d been sick twelve years. What difference would one more day make when his daughter’s life was hanging in the balance? But Jesus couldn’t pass by this hurting woman. He saw her vulnerability and took time to meet both her physical and spiritual needs. In the meantime, Jairus got word that his daughter had died.

The late Reverend E. V. Hill was a mesmerizing pastor who led the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles as it grew into the largest African-American congregation in the United States. He titled his powerful sermon on Jairus’s story, “What to Do with Shaken Faith?” Rev. Hill’s message emphasized that when faced with pain, hardship, disability, or uncertainty we must give our shaken faith to the Lord and . . . just keep walking. When Jairus’s servants told him that his daughter was dead, Jairus’s faith was shaken. He had failed in his mission to get help. But Jesus saw his shaken faith and spoke words of encouragement, so this grief-stricken father continued to set one foot in front of the other and just kept walking—with Jesus.

In the end, Jesus was not too late—he brought the dead girl back to life. In fact, Jesus is always right on time to meet our needs, even when he doesn’t work in the way we expect. His presence strengthens our faith and his love overwhelms our hearts—just as they did for a desperate father so many centuries ago.

“Do this and you will live!”

Who Is My Neighbor?

Some people enjoy knowing their neighbors by name. Others value privacy and agree with the adage, “Tall fences make good neighbors!” But it was Jesus who truly defined “neighbors” and elevated them to a higher status. It began when an expert in religious law tested Jesus by asking how he could inherit eternal life. At Jesus’ prompting, the expert quoted Moses’ command to love God and love your neighbor. When Jesus indicated that his answer was correct, the man asked, “And who is my neighbor?” ().

Jesus replied with one of his most compelling parables, which was about a Jewish man who had been severely beaten and left for dead on the roadside. The badly injured (and perhaps disabled) man’s role in Jesus’ story was to simply to be present. A priest and a Temple assistant came upon the helpless man. These were powerful, capable men—regular Temple attendees and respected in the community. Yet their true character was revealed by their cold response to one of their own people. Both the priest and the Temple assistant passed by the injured man. It was a despised Samaritan who showed compassion and took action to help the injured stranger; “he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him” (). Jesus ended his story in the same way he began, with a challenge to “go and do the same” ().

Ask someone to tell you about their church and you’ll typically hear, “We’re such a loving church, and we really care for everybody who comes through our doors!” But ask about their disability ministry and many are at a loss for words. Some say there are no families with disabilities in their church or that the church across town has a good ministry for those families.

What if the Samaritan had just told the injured man, “There is an inn up the road—get yourself there, and nice folks will help”? Similarly, many individuals with disabilities are alone, with no way of getting to church, much less engaging socially.

Jesus pointed to the mercy shown by the Samaritan as an example of true love in action. Loving your neighbor may require extra effort or sacrifice, but that’s when your true character is revealed.

“Look! There is the Lamb of God!”

Jesus, the Lamb of God

At the beginning of John’s Gospel, Jesus is identified as fully God and fully human (). Now, John the Baptist calls him “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (). The “lamb” imagery has many nuanced meanings in the Bible, including the Passover lamb (), an offering for sin and guilt (), the suffering servant (, ), and even a triumphant lamb (, ; , ; ). Today, we think of lambs as being gentle and unassuming. This meaning is also found in the Bible (; ). But what type of divinity, ruler, or savior would have such a weak title associated with him? Ironically, only the One who is the greatest and strongest can be both a powerful God and a weak lamb. John the Baptist boldly declares that this was not an ordinary lamb but a lamb whose sacrifice provided forgiveness of sins for all. The Old Testament passages highlight Jesus’ sacrificial ministry; the New Testament passages highlight his victory. Interestingly, although Jesus has completed his sacrificial work, he still retains the title, “Lamb of God,” which serves as a constant reminder of the lowest point of his earthly life. It was also his point of greatest triumph: The cross was his defining moment as a human.

Do we view our suffering and hardship as something that stains us? From one perspective, many of us have a right to do so. However, Jesus did not view his suffering in this way. We don’t have to, either. In the midst of our suffering, we can see God’s work and allow him to use it to glorify himself and attract others to him.

“Lord, please come now before my little boy dies.”

A Parent’s Faith

We cannot do it alone. People with disabilities and others who suffer understand better than most that dependence on God and others is essential. Whether it’s a common physical task or being sustained in times of severe difficulty, we need help.

In this passage, a government official approached Jesus and asked him to heal his son. The official must have been desperate. Although he had slaves who were available to do such tasks, he went himself—his son was too important for him to send someone else. The official asked Jesus for help, and Jesus stated that his son would be healed. The man believed and soon discovered that his faith was not misplaced.

This story highlights how the belief and actions of caregivers (many of whom are parents) are essential to sustaining the quality of life for those in need. Often their work goes on behind the scenes, unrecognized. However, for many of us, our very survival is dependent on them.

We also see that God’s work in our lives often comes through the ministry of caregivers. This truth can sometimes be easier for suffering people to see because their needs are so evident. Without the help of his father, the boy in this narrative likely would have died. But it can also be easy to feel bad about our circumstances and view our caregivers as a constant reminder of our dependence on others. We do not like to be reminded of our weakness. Nevertheless, whether we acknowledge it or not, we all need God and other people.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.”

Never Alone

After years spent with Jesus, the disciples were devastated to hear him say, “I am going away” (). They had been living with him for years. They had come to place their faith in him as their Messiah. He was their hope. Now he was leaving? This couldn’t be!

We will all lose people who are close to us. This is one of the most painful experiences of life. However, Jesus did not want the disciples to dwell on his impending death. He revealed that something very significant would happen once he left them: He would send an Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to guide his disciples.

Although it would be great to walk and talk with Jesus, we discover as believers that God in his wisdom has given us a greater gift. As children of God who have been given the Holy Spirit, we have God himself dwelling within each of us. Jesus was restricted by time and space as an embodied person, but the Holy Spirit isn’t—he is with us always. He helps us in our weakness () and serves as a guarantee of our inheritance as God’s children (). Think about it. No matter what our circumstances—whether disabled, alone, suffering, or confused and afraid—God is with us in the person of the Holy Spirit. Jesus did not leave the world because he wanted to return to heaven. He departed so that he could send the Holy Spirit to be with us always.

Take a moment to thank the Lord for sending his Holy Spirit to empower you to overcome any obstacle and to accomplish the work of God. Allow the Spirit to guide you in your relationship with God and others. This is a lavish gift from God to his people; resolve to be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit in your life.

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.”

Jesus Prayed for Us

In we get a glimpse of Jesus’ heart for us. The entire chapter is a prayer. Among other things, Jesus prayed in the presence of his disciples that they would know him (), that he would be glorified (, ), that his followers would successfully go into the world and proclaim him (, ), that they would be protected (), and that his people would be unified (, ).

We all know the Bible was written for everyone. However, this prayer contains something more. Within Jesus’ prayer is an explicit reference to us: “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.” This is amazing! Jesus knew he was about to suffer terribly and die for our sins, but he chose to pray for people who were not present—or even existing yet. Prayer is powerful. Jesus knows that living the Christian life will not be easy. We need strength, protection, and each other. With this prayer in , we are reassured that even when approaching his darkest hour, Jesus’ love and concern for us was at the forefront of his mind.

“You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

Resurrection Hope

If Jesus’ story had ended at the cross, hope would have died with him. But it didn’t. Death could not contain him. Sin was defeated, along with its effects. The root cause of our suffering and disability has no permanent grasp on us anymore. However, this is not always easy to believe as we live our everyday lives. It is hard to wake up with hope each morning, knowing that before we lay down at night we will have suffered unbearable physical pain, heart-wrenching emotional stress, or some embarrassment that most people have never even contemplated.

It was hard for Jesus’ disciples to have hope too. Jesus’ followers were devastated when he died. They were afraid and vulnerable. What would happen to them? Would they be hunted down like criminals? Even worse, their belief and hope were shattered. Jesus was supposed to be their deliverer, but now he was gone. Did he deceive them, or was he simply wrong about himself? The pain and doubt must have been immense.

Then, Sunday came. Jesus’ body was no longer in the tomb. Could they really dare to hope that the one who raised Lazarus from the dead () was himself resurrected? Did he really have power over death itself? Yes, it was true! He was resurrected, his wounds were healed, and he was made whole again. Hope had been restored. “How could they have doubted?” some might ask. But, like us, the first followers of Jesus were not without their faults.

This is our hope: Just as Jesus was raised and restored, we will be raised and restored too. We do not know what our transformed bodies will be like. But we do know that there will be no sickness, no disease, and no pain (). We know that Jesus defeated death so that we may be restored to God’s intended state and purpose for us. Hope is restored.

“Those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.”

The Dignity of Support

Support is an art, not a science. To support another human being is a skill of the heart. For people with disabilities and their families, the need for outside support is both sweet and sour. On the one hand, there is painful resistance to entrusting our own care or that of a loved one to another person. On the other hand, there is relief in not being alone and in having much-needed help. Clearly, support implies release—giving some responsibility over to another—and increases our sense of vulnerability. But is there another way to look at this? What can we learn from how these early Christians formed a community of support for themselves and those in need?

One thing to notice is that reciprocal giving and receiving of support was integral to the identity of that community. The only way through was together, and everyone saw that. This systemic support became part of who they were—part of the infrastructure of their lives. Importantly too, physical and material support emerged from and existed within a rich spiritual environment. The support they gave one another meant living and working within what God was doing through teaching, fellowship, and prayer.

Support was also a response to their expanding community. The values of the Christian community ran counter to those of society. This emerging support system was a beacon of civility in the dehumanizing culture of the Roman Empire. Today, with our larger society abandoning its role of providing support for the weak and disabled, contemporary Christians have the opportunity to step in and create new communities of care as Jesus intended ().

Many churches are answering the call. Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (). Consider how you can become involved in creating genuine communities of care in your local area—because the need will always be there.

“We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.”

Second Chances

Paul and Barnabas sharply disagreed about taking John Mark with them on their next missionary journey. Barnabas wanted to take him, but since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and failed to continue the work, Paul felt that John Mark had forfeited his place on the team. When Paul and Barnabas could not come to an agreement, the two chose to separate. Barnabas took John Mark with him to Cyprus, and Paul teamed up with Silas and headed to Syria.

The accusation of failure must have been painful for John Mark, but the Scriptures don’t provide the details. Why did John Mark desert the team—or was this only Paul’s mistaken interpretation of the event? If John Mark did leave temporarily, was Paul’s exclusion of him from further missions justified? Perhaps Paul’s standards were too high, or maybe his trust in John Mark was irreparably broken. Maybe Paul thought the work was hard enough with reliable people, so lack of reliability just could not be tolerated. But Barnabas was willing and even determined to give John Mark another chance to succeed.

At one time or another, we will all fail, even in the church community. Sometimes we are the one who needs a second chance, and sometimes we need to give second chances to those around us. Christians should be the best examples of grace, support, and restoration. Like Barnabas, we are to help one another develop Christlike character and practices.

People with various kinds of disabilities often notice how a local church handles the limitations of its members and use this as a benchmark for deciding which congregation to seek fellowship in. Why would they choose to join a community that makes it difficult for them to be anything less than strong and successful? What they are really looking for is a place of acceptance and the opportunity to use their gifts in service to the community. What can you do to help your church community foster an environment that extends grace to everyone, especially those who need a second chance?

“God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’”

Letting Go

The book of Acts portrays the movement of a people with a great commission to fulfill (). It begins with Jesus leaving the earth and returning into heaven (). Afterward, his followers spread across the land—arriving somewhere, staying for a while, and then leaving.

Life is filled with many such hellos and good-byes. Our times and places have beginnings and endings. Families gather to celebrate and mourn at weddings, baptisms, graduations, reunions, relocations, and funerals. Whether for a moment or for as long as we can, we hold on to moments in life ever so carefully, just tight enough to convey our care, but loose enough to let loved ones flourish. Eventually, it’s time to let go. Sometimes we don’t want to leave, but we recognize that it is time to move on.

In , we’re invited into a poignant moment when Paul’s friends realize that they will never see him again. Paul realized that the people in whom he had invested so heavily needed to make their way without him. His farewell to the Ephesian elders was both a human and a spiritual moment. There were embraces and prayers, heartfelt commendations, benedictions, and pronouncements of God’s blessing on one another.

The experience of leaving or being left is often difficult, especially when it involves leaving a loved one who has a disability; in such cases, the fear and pain can be acute and unremitting. The vulnerability of their lives; the difficulty they may have in understanding separation, loss, and death; the dependence on others; and the things yet to be determined in their lives can make leaving them almost unbearable. On the flip side, the fear and pain of being left can be equally crushing. But the hope we have in the midst of departing from loved ones is built on the confidence that we’re not leaving them alone—or forever. Leaving is for this life only. In heaven, no one leaves and no one is left. And for all eternity, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people” ().

“Since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God.”

Hope in the Midst of Trials

Paul begins with the presupposition that we have peace with God. This is not a simplistic assertion by Paul. He has taken four chapters to explain both the need for being right with God () and the way to get right with God (). Having carefully built his argument, Paul has arrived at the settled conclusion that peace with God is a reality.

Getting right with God, according to Paul, is based on faith—the kind of faith that Abraham, the father of faith, demonstrated (). It is not based on the law or perfect behavior or perfect bodies. There are no qualifications, exceptions, or exemptions here—no matter how much we might feel that somehow we are the exceptions to the rule. We think, Surely God wouldn’t accept me. We reprimand ourselves for our failures and our imperfectly functioning bodies. We think that if only we did not fail God in our heads, our hearts, and our whole physical being, we could find peace with God.

But that is not what Paul writes. Since we have been made right with God—no exceptions—we already have peace with God. Moreover, we have this peace because of our faith and what Jesus did for us. It had nothing to do with our heads or our hearts or our bodies in the first place. If this is true—and it is—what are we to do with our agonizing, unrelenting pain? Does the peace we have with God make the circumstances of our lives simply vanish? Certainly not. We can simultaneously have pain and peace.

Christ experienced pain and suffering in order to reconcile us to God. Not because we were perfect, but because we were broken. Christ died for us—imperfect though we are. God saw our intense suffering and entered into it with us. Because of this, we have the assurance that even in the midst of trials we have peace with God.

“The Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.”

Prayers in the Midst of Agony

How do you talk about suffering without it sounding trite? For those who have truly suffered, words can seem to minimize what has been deeply and painfully felt. Perhaps you feel that way when Paul seemingly downplays our current suffering, saying it is nothing compared to the coming glory that God will reveal (). But that would be a misunderstanding of what Paul is saying. He doesn’t deny our present suffering; in fact, he affirms that all creation groans under the weight of suffering (). Even believers groan as we long for release from sin and suffering (). None of us is exempt from the general suffering that sin has effected in this world, but some of us can identify more closely with creation’s non-verbal lament due to the extensive nature of our particular suffering.

So, we turn to God in the midst of our agony. For what, though, should we pray? To be delivered from suffering? Certainly that is a valid prayer, since even Jesus offered such a prayer when he faced the ultimate suffering of the Cross (). Or should we pray to be strengthened in order to endure suffering ()? We are told that God’s grace is sufficient (), and God will not abandon us in our suffering.

But even when we don’t know how to pray—or can’t bring ourselves to pray at all—the Spirit prays for us, groaning on our behalf in harmony with God’s will. This ineffable groaning reminds us that God does not respond to us because of our eloquence. When we simply cannot find the words, or cannot speak at all, God knows. God listens to the pleading of the Holy Spirit on our behalf when our suffering renders us mute. What comfort to know that even when we’ve come to the end of ourselves, the Spirit continues to intercede for us.

“You are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple.”

Living Sacrifices

When Paul tells us to allow our bodies to be living sacrifices for God, does that literally mean our flesh and bones? With all our bodily nooks and crannies, funny angles, parts that work well and those that don’t work so well? Certainly Paul can’t be talking about chronically pain-filled bodies, can he? Is this the sacrifice he wants us to offer to God as a living sacrifice?

If we are thinking about this sacrifice as being similar to the unblemished animals the Israelites were instructed to offer in Leviticus (), then it almost seems like it would be wrong to offer our less-than-perfect bodies to God. But that is not what Paul means. Rather, our bodies are the instruments of the worship of God (), and this happens through the renewal of our minds (). This is why our bodies are living sacrifices rather than dead, burnt ones.

It is what we do with our bodies, not how well they function, that allows us to offer them as sacrifices. We speak his praises with our mouths and think it in our minds; we lift our arms to point to the heavens; we walk in his way with our feet; we love one another with genuine affection; we hold tightly to what is good; we bless those who persecute us; we share joy; we weep; we engage our bodies—all for the glory of God. We become transformed into the kind of people that God wants us to be by allowing God to change the way we think and then living out the things he calls us to do.

Even when our bodies do not or cannot move at all, they are the instruments of our praise to God because they bear the image of God. We reflect the glory of God’s image in our bodies, and in this, they are the instruments of worship—acceptable in his sight.

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize?”

Run to Win

Using the metaphor of running a race, the apostle Paul instructed the church in Corinth to be disciplined in the way they live their lives as believers. They were to run with purpose, knowing their reward would be imperishable and eternal.

In his sovereignty, God has given each one of us a race to run. For Paul, that meant purposefully living in a way that would help bring the Good News to as many people as possible. However, that race will look different for each person. For example, Brandon, a young man with Angelman Syndrome, shows great perseverance in running his unique race. Because of his disability, Brandon experiences anxiety in social settings, which makes each step of going from home to school seem like running a marathon. Going out the front door, walking to meet the school bus, getting off the bus in a parking lot filled with many students, going through the school entrance, and finally walking into the classroom is the race Brandon runs each morning with perseverance.

For a person with a disability, the race may entail going to many, many breathing treatments. For parents of children with special needs, the race may include countless doctor’s appointments and therapy sessions. The daily race for people with physical impairments can mean a several-hours-long morning routine of getting dressed and preparing for the day ahead.

We do not run our race in vain. Christ is present with us, and we are surrounded by a “huge crowd of witnesses” (). In the body of Christ we are called to cheer each other on. We run the race with Brandon and the many others involved in managing disabilities who may grow weary and lose hope. We celebrate each victory, no matter how small, as we run with endurance the unique race set before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, who “because of the joy awaiting him . . . endured the cross” ().

“Do this in remembrance of me.”

Broken and Spilled Out

The history for the observance of Communion—often called the Lord’s Supper—starts in with the Feast of the Passover. The Jews were saved from the plague of death of the firstborn by spreading blood on the doorframes of their homes. In sharing his final Passover meal with his disciples, Jesus transformed the observance of this meal into a symbol of a new covenant between God and his people, which would be sealed by his death and resurrection. First, he took the bread and gave thanks, acknowledging God’s provision. Next, he broke the bread, symbolizing the breaking of his body on the cross. After that, he gave it to his disciples because through his suffering they would receive forgiveness and eternal life. “Do this in remembrance of me,” he told them.

As Jesus instructed, the practice of Communion is regularly celebrated by the church today. While the methods will vary depending on a church’s doctrine and tradition, it is vital that all believers be included. Therefore, churches should give careful thought to enabling those with disabilities to affirm their faith through this practice. Some with physical limitations may need extra help managing the Communion elements. Small individual cups can tip in unsteady hands, causing embarrassment. The bread or wafer can be dropped or may even choke a person who is trying to rush. Most issues can be overcome by planning ahead and using some creative thinking. For example, consider offering a separate cup or straw, using gluten-free wafers, inviting the elderly and wheelchair users to remain in their seats and serving them there, and planning home visits for those who are homebound.

The good news of the gospel is that heaven’s doors have been thrown open for all. In Jesus Christ, we have a Savior whose body was broken and whose blood was spilled out for our salvation. Any of us can come to him knowing we are welcome at his table. What a joy it is to remember and give thanks—let us not deprive that privilege to any among us!

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”

Faith and Healing

The intersection of faith and healing has often been misunderstood. A young man once told his pastor, “I remember my father saying he would not allow a healing service for my brother. I know he’s a Christian, but I don’t understand why he said such a thing.” While this father loved God and trusted him with his whole life, he had probably seen the damage that can be done by holding on to the idea that disabilities result from a lack of faith. While he desperately wanted his son to be well, he trusted God to do what was best. He may also have been trying to protect his family from the harm of religious groups that practice abusive “exorcisms.”

In the Gospels, Christ healed people who had great faith and those who had little or no faith, but regardless of how much faith a person had, Jesus chose not to heal everyone. Sometimes God is glorified through a miraculous healing in our lives (). Other times, his glory, grace, and power are displayed through our infirmities and weaknesses ().

Every believer will experience permanent release from sickness, disability, pain, and suffering (, ), but the timing and the means of that healing are in God’s hands—whether here on earth or in heaven (). God’s desire is for each person to know and follow him, to become a part of his eternal family. Sometimes God uses incredible acts of healing to draw us close to him. Other times God uses the circumstances in our lives—illnesses, disabilities, relationships—to teach us, draw us close, and transform us into the people he made us to be for eternity. As Paul wrote: “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day” ().

While praying for healing is always an act of faith (), it should remind us to also watch for the works of God in our lives that come as a result of our weakness.

“Surely you remember that I was sick . . . you took me in and cared for me.”

Why Affliction?

Few will dispute that the apostle Paul is considered a spiritual giant in Christian history. From his miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus to his historical missionary journeys to his significant contribution to the New Testament, Paul looms large. But as Paul saw it, his strength came not through his abilities and accomplishments but rather through his humility, weakness, and dependence upon Christ and the church.

When Paul first arrived in Galatia, he was battling an illness or disability of some sort. Scholars do not agree on the nature of Paul’s affliction mentioned in this text or if it was temporary or chronic. We do know that Paul required assistance from the Galatians and, in the end, his affliction turned out to be a tool that God used to draw these believers closer in unity and care for one another. Instead of despising or rejecting Paul because of his illness, they treated him with honor. Caring sacrificially for Paul cultivated a “joyful and grateful” spirit in them (), affording them the opportunity to lay down their lives for one another (). Paul’s weaknesses allowed the Word of God and his powerful Spirit to take center stage (), resulting in changed lives and redeemed souls for eternity.

This text assures us that God does not waste our weaknesses, afflictions, and disabilities. He uses them for the good of the gospel and the unity of the church. This is why Paul could boast in his weaknesses () and why you can rejoice in your own limitations, sufferings, or disabilities. God will use you just as you are—not in spite of your life circumstances, but because of them. If you feel that somehow you are less than others, be encouraged: God may be forming you through affliction into a spiritual giant ().

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”

The Privilege of Caring

It is not natural—selflessness, that is. Quite the contrary: We are born with a fallen nature that is selfish and absorbed with our own wants and desires. Don’t believe it? Just volunteer in the toddlers’ class at church, where the word “mine” is heard frequently and is more often accompanied by an attempt to snatch a toy from a fellow toddler.

This natural selfishness is why Paul exhorts the Galatian believers to intentionally follow their new natures, which is motivated by the love of Christ. In fact, Paul’s writings often emphasized the ministry of caring for “one another” (). To carry someone else’s burden is a selfless expression of a redeemed life and a new nature. Jesus took on our burdens, most notably the unbearable weight of our sins. As we follow in his footsteps, we will become more like him, choosing to bear the burdens of others. When we willingly and gladly take on the needs and burdens of others, we put Jesus on display to a hurting world.

Ken Tada practices this day in and day out, 365 days a year, because his beautiful wife, Joni Eareckson Tada, has quadriplegia and is a breast cancer survivor. While it’s not always easy, Ken says that being Joni’s life partner has been the greatest blessing of his life. “The secret to being a caregiver is the constant awareness of one’s desperate need for Jesus Christ and a steady reliance on him,” says Ken. “When I’m caring for Joni, I’m serving Christ. When my focus is on him, caregiving may feel extremely tiring, but the work doesn’t have to be tiresome. I may get weary, but life doesn’t have to be wearisome—again, it’s all for him and his glory.”

Caring for others might involve providing practical assistance with meals, transportation, or personal hygiene. It may mean providing encouragement to one who is suffering, helping that person to resist the temptation to give in to despair and hopelessness. Or it may simply mean being present with someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. The ministry of care is not just an obligation of Christians; it is also a privilege with a promise of blessings ().

“I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called.”

Counting Our Blessings

Burnt toast, spilled coffee, and wrinkled clothes. Some days feel destined to go poorly. Combined with life’s daily struggles—a sore back, an ailing spouse, a child with special needs who demands your constant attention—one can quickly spiral into despair and regret. Ever been there?

Paul could certainly identify with trying circumstances. He wrote several letters from prison, where he was in chains for preaching the gospel (). If anyone had reason to complain, Paul did. He endured much suffering at the hands of those who hated the message about Christ. But rather than beginning his letter with complaints, self-pity, or blame, Paul counted his blessings. Paul’s list in is helpful for us as well. He praised God for spiritual blessings, our adoption as children of God, forgiveness, kindness, wisdom, understanding, an inheritance, and the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of the promises of God. And that’s just a start!

From the beauty of creation to the beauty of friendships, our own lists of blessings could be positively overwhelming. There is an old children’s song that goes like this: “Count your blessings; name them one by one. Count your blessings; see what God has done.” That is a pretty good description of what Paul is doing here in the first chapter of Ephesians. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians was that their hearts would “be flooded with light” (). Why? So they could see through the darkness of life’s circumstances to find hope. So the next time gloom comes calling for your attention, count your blessings instead. The sun will surely break through the rain clouds, and joy will replace despair.

“For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms.”

United with Christ

“Are we there yet?” Children often ask this question on road trips in eager anticipation of what’s ahead. Paul’s letter encourages us to look forward to being with Jesus in heaven, but also to recognize that as believers we are already spiritually “in the heavenly realms” with him right now. Paul uses this important expression four times in the book of Ephesians to emphasize how God blesses us from on high (, ; ; ).

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, God threw open heaven’s door to welcome us into the heavenly realms (). Paul describes this as summing up all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on earth (). After being raised victoriously, Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Father (). As Jesus assumed his heavenly throne, the Father put all things under his authority.

But what about us? We rule with Jesus. Although God found us dead in our sins, because of our union with Christ, we also have been raised up and are seated with Jesus (). For now, this means that we can finally have victory in our spiritual battles. Jesus’ battle and victory over sin prepared the way for our battles with and victory over sin and personal suffering. We certainly don’t enjoy conflict and suffering—they hurt! But we can trust that God has prepared us for the battle and be emboldened to fight for his glory.

When we turn from sin, our obedient lives show Jesus’ victory over spiritual enemies. With every act of obedience, we proclaim Jesus as ruler and authority in the heavenly places (). We may struggle, and life may seem like a battle much of the time. But Paul tells us that we must be strong in the Lord by putting on the armor of God (). We can face our battles because Jesus defeated the enemy and has assured us that we have a glorious homecoming to look forward to ().

“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Life in the Spirit

A while ago, an office supply commercial used the popular tagline, “That was easy!” If you’re faced with a hard task, just press the “easy” button, and presto! The task is done. If only there was an easy button for life! For example, if your money doesn’t stretch until payday, the doctor’s report is not encouraging, your “happily ever after” marriage becomes a disappointment, or Alzheimer’s steals the memory of someone you love—just press the “easy” button. Unfortunately for many of us, life has instead become a twenty-four-hour grind to simply survive.

Paul understood that hope in this life alone was no hope at all. Trying times, difficult personalities, and worldly temptations can drain the joy and vitality of even the most earnest Christian. What is Paul’s response? Be filled with the Holy Spirit—energized, saturated, and overflowing! These words only begin to explain what Paul meant in this verse; no single word fully captures the Spirit-filled life that Paul describes. Perhaps that’s why Paul repeated himself so many times throughout the book of Ephesians, reminding us about the role the Holy Spirit plays in the Christian life.

The Holy Spirit is our guarantee that all of God’s promises are ours in Christ (). The body of Christ has unity and peace through the Holy Spirit (). He enables us to walk in love and forgiveness. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit for life and ministry (), equipped with wisdom and self-control to live a fruitful life. He leads and guides as we surrender to his control. We can be victorious in the spiritual battles we face through the Spirit ().

Life may not be easy; no one promised it would be. But life in the Spirit guarantees that you are not alone. You can pray, seek his will in Scripture, and worship him through songs. His joy and strength will fill you until you will no longer just “survive” the day, but rather learn to thrive.

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”

Breaking the Joy Barrier

“God is working all things for the good.” “If God brings you to it, he’ll bring you through it.” These are common clichés of the Christian faith. And while such catchphrases are rooted in Scripture, they can sound glib if not delivered with care. could easily fall into this category. For hurting people, a natural response to Paul’s exhortation to “always be full of joy” might be, “Yeah, right!”

Always? Everyone? Rejoice about what?

Break the Barriers is a one-of-a-kind touring gymnastics team that exudes so much joy and excitement through their show that it’s easy to miss the fact that the performers all have disabilities. Young people clad in colorful leotards leap and fly through the air to a booming sound track. A teenager with Down Syndrome pushes the wheelchair of a child with Cerebral Palsy. Adult spotters keep watch as the kids construct human pyramids. A couple of stronger boys even carry smiling kids in wheelchairs over their heads. The audience is both awestruck and inspired by the young people who radiate joy as they also build awareness and understanding for those impacted by disability.

Had Paul been in the audience for a Break the Barriers performance, he would have led the standing ovation. Throughout his letter to the Philippians, Paul challenges fellow believers to trust in God’s sovereignty and joyfully live out their faith, regardless of their circumstances. It’s a message found in both the Old and New Testaments, and one Paul himself likely wrestled with as he faced suffering and persecution. Some have theorized that he may have had a disability too.

There is something intriguing about an individual who can maintain joy despite arduous circumstances. Perhaps that played a part in God’s decision not to remove the “thorn” in Paul’s flesh, despite his fervent requests ().

Rejoice always? Everyone? Yes!

“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him.”

Growing in Real Time

Freedom is a universal human longing. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. powerfully expressed this truth in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, envisioning a future free from racial oppression. Similarly, Paul tried to inspire the Colossian church to embrace their new life in Christ, free from bondage to religious rules.

Freedom offers hope and is rooted in what Paul calls the “new nature” (; see also ). We no longer have to live according to the “rules of the world” () that once bound us to perpetual conflict, fear, and isolation. We can unite with other believers into a family that is called to love one another sincerely and faithfully (). These are the new realities made possible by our union with Christ through faith in him. Still, our daily experiences are often quite different. This fallen world in which we live can be a cold, harsh place. Wars and other conflicts ravage the world, marriages and families fall apart, chronic medical problems can lead to crushing financial debt—the list goes on and on. How do we reconcile these conflicting realities?

It’s a matter of understanding just what it means to have a new nature. When we came to faith in Christ, we were indwelt by the Holy Spirit and a new set of capacities was embedded in our souls, much like a seed is planted in physical soil. With time and cultivation, those seeds bear the fruit of the Spirit (), which enable us to weather the storms of life very differently than we might have otherwise. We now have resources available to us that we did not previously have access to; consequently, we are free—literally—to live in new and unprecedented ways.

This new spiritual reality has an inherently communal dimension to it: In being united with Christ, we have been brought into a family of believers who are empowered to live with one another in ways that will eventually be true of all human interactions. It’s a foretaste of eternity and a salve for the pain of this life. However, this kind of Kingdom living must be cultivated intentionally. The book of Colossians is a clarion call for all of us to do our part to make this vision a reality every day.

“So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you.”

Modeling Joy in Suffering

Suffering can play a critical role in our spiritual growth. Like the blue flames of a refiner’s fire, burning away the dross to leave pure silver or gold, our endurance through trials and hardships produces a more Christlike character ().

Many Thessalonians received the Good News from Paul, but others rejected it and began to make life difficult for the new followers of Jesus. The antagonists drove Paul out of their city and followed him to his next destination, continuing to harass him there. While Paul and his companions eventually escaped the danger, the new believers who lived in Thessalonica continued to endure persecution. Did they do it begrudgingly? No. Paul commended them for their joy in spite of severe suffering. He said their gracious response provided an example to other believers and was being proclaimed throughout their entire region.

The Holy Spirit was a clear reality in the lives of these new believers, and they experienced his power. When we respond to our own pain and suffering with joy and keep a godly perspective, it is a great encouragement to other believers. They see a living, breathing example of how to joyfully walk through dark valleys of suffering.

Consider ways that you can encourage others in their spiritual walk today. You can begin by accepting your own suffering as a gift from God. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you God’s perspective, which can keep you from feeling victimized or embracing self-pity. As you seek his strength and his glory in the refining process, he will faithfully enable you and reveal himself through you.

“As you know, everyone from the province of Asia has deserted me—even Phygelus and Hermogenes.”

Friends Can Disappoint

One of the most heartbreaking events in life is when someone you love and depend on deserts you in a time of need. A wise person once said, “If you want to know who your true friends are, try to borrow money or get sick.” Perhaps no book in Scripture illustrates the issues of abandonment in times of need like 2 Timothy.

When Paul was in prison and needed support, most of Paul’s friends were conveniently absent. Some abandoned the true faith altogether (), which must have deeply wounded Paul as he suffered behind bars for defending the very truths they had forsaken. Demas deserted Paul because he loved “the things of this life” ().

People with disabilities take friendship very seriously. Because they are often excluded by others, their circle of friends may be quite small. But if you take the time to be a caring friend, you’ll find that they are fiercely loyal and loving—and you’ll have a friend for life. And just like anybody, they are deeply hurt when friends prove to be untrue.

The enticements of this world tempt us away from remaining faithful to friends and family. Ultimately, Paul’s hope was not in people but in the Lord. Paul recognized that his decision to remain faithful to the Lord could not depend on the faithfulness of others, no matter what disappointments he faced ().

While we praise God for faithful friends and followers like Timothy, we should follow Paul’s example and keep our eyes on the One who “will deliver [us] from every evil attack and will bring [us] safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen” ().

“But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house.”

Jesus Is Greater!

In the first century AD, if you asked a Jewish believer who was “great” in God’s sight, many names would come to mind. Certainly Abraham, the father of the faith, was great. David would probably be mentioned as the great king of Israel. And Joseph saved the line of Abraham from being wiped out by famine. But the debate would end with Moses. He saved Israel from bondage, guided the people out of Egypt to the Promised Land, received the law, and spoke with God face-to-face.

The writer of Hebrews uses the metaphor of a household to make it clear that Jesus is even greater! Moses is described as a faithful servant in God’s house, but Jesus, on the other hand, is the Son. He holds the position of master over all the servants—even Moses. The Son will inherit the household—something a servant could never aspire to, no matter how noble or important he might be.

What does this means for us? When we place our hope in Christ, “we are God’s house” (). We read that based on our confidence—our trust—“we will share in all that belongs to Christ” (). We have become God’s children—his sons and daughters (). As coheirs with Jesus, we not only share in an eternal inheritance, but we also share in his suffering ().

Don’t let the suffering that you face discourage you so much that you think you have displeased God in some way. Rather, see suffering as an opportunity to share in Christ’s suffering, just as we also share in his inheritance as true children of our heavenly Father.

“[Jesus] is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God.”

The Old and the New

When life is hard and there seems to be no end in sight, we can be tempted to ask, “Why do I trust in Jesus? Things are not getting better!” Sometimes we may even be tempted to walk away from our faith. Remember, many of Jesus’ own followers abandoned him when things started to get hard. At one point Jesus asked the apostles, “‘Are you also going to leave?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life’” ().

This chapter brings us to the same place. Having considered all that Jewish believers depended on, the author of Hebrews reminds us that we have in Jesus a Savior who offers us something better than anything the world can give. Jesus’ ministry is better than everything provided under the old covenant, and his salvation is based upon better promises: He would rise from the dead and not lose any who trust in him.

The old covenant looked forward to a new—and better—covenant (). reminds us that a better promise was coming—and has come—in Jesus. He has come to write his promises on our hearts so that we know him—from the least to the greatest ().

When we are broken and feel like we are among the least, we need to remind ourselves that Jesus has come. His promises are for us, no matter how difficult our lives and no matter how dire our situations. He has superseded all the requirements of the old covenant, fulfilling them for us so that we can benefit from his goodness.

We have a High Priest and Savior who is able to do for us what we cannot, in our own weakness, do for ourselves. This is good news. Take comfort. Jesus has overcome the world for you!

“You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.”

Our Great Reward

Have you suffered terribly? Perhaps it has been from disease or disability. Perhaps you have suffered from exclusion in school or work situations or even from family. Maybe you have come alongside those who have suffered in this manner and shared their suffering. If so, you walk with many thousands of Jesus’ followers around the world, today and throughout the ages, who have been persecuted because of their faith. In the twentieth century alone, large numbers of Christians under ruthless dictators faced imprisonment, the loss of belongings and homes, and even death because they claimed the name of Christ.

Whether in response to one’s physical condition or one’s religious faith, experiencing public ridicule, shame, and oppression can be almost unbearable. How does one hold up under such suffering, especially if it persists for years on end? The original audience of the book of Hebrews were fellow sufferers. How did they make it? The secret is here in this passage. Those who suffer while believing in Christ can endure because they know that there are “better things . . . that will last forever” (). Jesus spoke about these “better things” in the Beatitudes (). Those who continue to believe, even when—and especially when—they suffer, will receive comfort, justice, mercy, blessing, and ultimate satisfaction through fellowship with God in Christ.

Whatever struggles you are facing, may the knowledge of our coming great reward yield a “confident trust” (). Let us continue to live with “patient endurance” () so that we can receive what God has promised. Come, Lord Jesus! ().

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

Give Your Worries to God

When Peter tells us to “give all your worries and cares to God,” we may doubt whether he really could have imagined the complexities of modern life. In fact, with all our present-day troubles, we can begin to doubt that God really cares at all. Marriage issues, health concerns, career disappointments, and financial woes press in on us; add disease or disability into the mix, and we could approach the future with a panic attack. The truth is, Peter understood suffering pretty well—he had been beaten, imprisoned, and faced the threat of martyrdom for his faith and preaching.

Rarely would any of us voluntarily choose suffering and trouble; yet in some way or another, we all have to face them. But what we can choose is how we respond to them. We can believe the lies of the devil, who wants us to respond with despairing and blaming God, or we can choose to side with Christ, the one who suffered beyond all human comprehension and yet surrendered to the will of the Father, trusting in his goodness. Jesus knew that everything he experienced was part of the Father’s compassionate and gracious will. We can lean on him too because his care and concern for our well-being is always greater than we realize. The joy that we experience when God meets us in our suffering and the real hope we can have in Christ’s promise of eternity with him far outweigh our light and momentary troubles ().

As a witness to Christ’s sufferings, Peter saw spiritual maturity displayed as Jesus cast his cares on the Lord in prayer. And our faith will grow as we practice prayer rather than engaging in counterproductive worry. When we lay our worries at the foot of the cross in prayer, the Lord surrounds us with his loving-kindness and lifts the burden of the suffering we bear. Only then will we experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. And his peace will guard our hearts and minds from needless worry as we live in Christ Jesus ().

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