Index to Words from Joni

Index to Words from Joni

Words from Joni

God’s Intentions

When life takes one negative turn after another, we feel helpless. When loved ones suffer, we are often tempted to ask: Where is God? Why is he letting this happen?

In these times, I draw a lot of inspiration from the story of Joseph. Although he was never paralyzed, a lot of things happened to him that could be construed as accidents. He was tossed into a pit by his envious brothers and almost left to die; later he was put in prison in a foreign land—Joseph could have become bitter. But years later, he told his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He [God] brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people” (, emphasis added).

I like that word intended. God is full of intention—he has a purpose, a target, a goal, and a plan. God was a giant step ahead of Joseph’s brothers, aborting their evil intentions to suit his own purposes. Joseph’s problems did not catch God off guard. From the beginning, God planned for Joseph to experience those things. Why? Not only for his own growth in godly character, but for the salvation of others.

God is not a sweep-up boy who follows you with a dustpan and brush, second-guessing how everything will fit into a divine pattern for good. He does not put on a hazmat suit so that an evil situation doesn’t contaminate his holy reputation.

Think of the disappointing or bad things that have happened to you. God’s hands stay on the wheel of your life from start to finish so that everything follows his plan. This means your trials have more meaning—much more—than you realize. Your problems have more purpose than you can imagine. Not because God merely uses bad things, but because God intends them so that others might be introduced to Jesus through your example.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 79click .

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Hard Hearts

For many of us, the account of the showdown between Moses and Pharaoh brings back memories of a Sunday school song: “Pharaoh, Pharaoh, Oh baby, let my people go! Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!” For others, the Exodus is simply an epic Hollywood film. But for the Israelites, it was a distressing time full of hard, painful lessons.

After 400 years of affliction and divine silence, Moses showed up as God’s ambassador to the Egyptian king to plead for his people’s freedom and warn of the dire consequences of ignoring God’s demand. Yet Pharaoh was immovable. Scripture tells us “the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart” (, emphasis added).

But wait—who did the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart? assures us that God does not inject the idea of evil into anyone’s heart. Through the common work of grace in our world, God is constantly staving off evil, restraining the fury of Satan so harm and calamity do not overwhelm us. Ultimately, the devil can only do what God allows. Every once in a while—as in the case of Pharaoh—God lifts his hand of restraining grace to allow evil people to carry out their wicked plans, but only as it serves his higher purposes. It is as though God were saying to Pharaoh, “So you want to sin? Well, go ahead, but I’ll make sure that when you do, your evil intentions suit my higher purposes and plan.”

Even though humans have an intellect and a will of their own, God ultimately governs all we do—including evil intentions. And he does it all without impugning his righteous and holy character.

Has someone caused you harm? hurt or maligned you? You can trust that God is in control of even that painful situation. Nothing ever happens that God does not deliberately allow. We may not understand his reasons, but we can rest in his goodness.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 137click .

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Don’t Be a Stumbling Block

I remember being at a large disability conference; most of those attending were hearing, but some were profoundly deaf. During one of the meetings I overheard a couple of the hearing people saying hurtful things about those who were deaf, as though they were free to gossip because the deaf people couldn’t hear their words.

says, “Do not insult the deaf or cause the blind to stumble. You must fear your God; I am the LORD.” In this verse, God makes it clear that he’s the guardian of the deaf and the protector of the blind. They can’t hear or see, but he can. Thankfully, the sort of incident I described doesn’t happen too often in Christian circles. But the lesson goes far beyond the deaf and the blind. God sees and God hears. So fear the Lord, no matter who you’re talking about—because nothing is hidden from his sight.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 241click .

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He Is Your Shield

One man wrote to me, “Joni, to even say that God allows bad things to happen goes against his loving nature. God is good, and he has absolutely nothing to do with the tragedies and awful things that happen in this world!” I thought back to the early days of my paralysis when I believed the same way. But it made me feel less trustful of God, not more. God seemed to be held hostage by bad things—things that were happening in my life! That’s when I stumbled upon . There I found a sturdy, wonderfully awesome view of God. He definitely has something to do with the awful things that happen in the world!

God is constantly protecting us from the full force of the evil and suffering in our world. He is relentlessly shielding us. Time and again, he drives the devil away and rescues us from his wicked schemes. This sin-stained planet would have ripped apart at the seams long ago were it not for the restraining hand of God.

Second Thessalonians says, “And you know what is holding [the evil one] back. . . . For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way.” The Spirit of the living God is the one who is “holding back” Satan and the suffering he instigates. Moment by moment God is engaged with suffering, restraining it, and only allowing the harmful to reach you if it will ultimately fit into his plan for your life!

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 271click .

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Choices

After living with quadriplegia for a short time, I finally got tired of being fed at our dinner table. But as I tried to feed myself with paralyzed arms, I felt like giving up. I wanted my arms back! Wasn’t there an easier way than having a bent spoon inserted into the pocket on my leather arm splint, then straining my weak shoulder muscles to scoop food on the spoon, and finally balancing and lifting it to my mouth? It was humiliating to have my food land more times on my lap than in my mouth.

I could have surrendered—it would have been easy, and many wouldn’t have blamed me. But I had to make a choice—was I going to let disappointing failures overwhelm me? I decided that fighting through the awkwardness of feeding myself outweighed the fleeting satisfaction of self-pity. It pushed me to pray, O God, help me with this spoon! Today I can easily feed myself. No, I didn’t recover the use of my hands, but I was able to leave self-pity behind, as well as cultivate a little bit of humility. It meant making the hard choice many, many times.

My growth in Christ can probably be boiled down to one word: choose. Choosing the right path is hard. Often we have to keep pushing through failures. Sometimes it seems easier just to ignore God’s instructions. But says, “Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.”

Father, every day is filled with so many choices. Touch my awareness, open my eyes, and quicken my understanding to the eternal implications of seeking your heart and choosing your path.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 289click .

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Divine Distastes

God has a strong distaste for suffering. His tenderness is aroused by human anguish. But what about all of those natural disasters? If he’s so touched by suffering, why does he allow tsunamis and hurricanes? or cancer?

I can’t begin to explain the unexplainable. But I know this: If Adam had never fallen, if the Creator could rewrite the story, he would have never allowed suffering out of the cage. “For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow” (). But sin did leave the cage, and consequently the curse fell on all of us. And ever since humanity’s rebellion in the Garden of Eden, our world has groaned under wars, floods, disabilities, diseases, and much more. Like you, I shake my head at the mysterious plans and purposes of God. Tragedies like these can either drive people away from God or draw them to him. Calamities either harden people’s hearts or soften them as they run to the Lord for help and hope.

Tragedies—great and small—also make us need others, whether we admit it or not. I am forever grateful not only for the friends who came alongside me when I was stuck in the hospital, but also for the friends who continue to help me day in and day out. Have you considered how you might become God’s hands and feet, his tender touch, and his encouraging voice to those who suffer in your city—in your world? Ask him to express his compassion toward hurting people through you.

Above all else, remember that, despite the circumstances, you can trust the Father’s heart. Just as he heard the cries of the Israelites when they turned to him in repentance, he showed his love and compassion for us on the cross: “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” ().

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 321click .

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My Wheelchair Is My Ebenezer

After the Israelites defeated the Philistines, the prophet Samuel built a memorial by setting up a big stone (). He named it “Ebenezer,” which means “the stone of help.” And whenever any Israelite passed that big rock, it reminded them that God was their help.

From the beginning, God has always sealed special events with some kind of physical memorial. He gave Noah a rainbow as a reminder of his covenant with humanity (). He gave the Passover festival as a memorial of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt (). He gave Moses the Law on two stone tablets (). In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus provided us with the regular, physical reminder of his sacrifice for us through the elements of the Lord’s Supper ().

We need these kinds of memorials in our present day, as well. For years now, I’ve looked at my wheelchair as my Ebenezer. It’s a visible, physical reminder; it’s my stone of remembrance to commemorate God’s grace in my life. It reminds me of how far the Lord has brought me, and everyone who sees me smile in this wheelchair knows that God is my help. Before the accident that landed me in my wheelchair, I was far from God and in real spiritual danger. But God rescued me through Christ, and now my wheelchair is a symbol of the grace that God has shown me.

What are the memorials in your life? Do you have tangible reminders of God’s ever-present help? Maybe it’s a ring, a family Bible, a pair of crutches, or some memento from your journey—these things anchor the soul. When pain or sorrow become crushing, you can look at your memorial and pray, “Oh, God, thus far you have helped me, and I have every reason to believe you will continue to help me.” Then, rest your heart on the faithfulness of God and lift your Ebenezer high—no matter what the future brings.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 379click .

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Post Blizzard Promise

Roaring winds, the spray of sleet and snow, dangerous and slippery ice. Remember those storms when you were a child? I sure do. I’d shiver under my quilt, listening to the creaking branches outside my bedroom window. Would the house survive? Would I?

Moaning winds made me feel lonesome. I yearned for sleep to escape the night, but every time I’d nod off, rattling windows would shake me awake. Would morning ever come?

Yes, and I would wake to the sun’s soft rays warming my bed covers. The howling had ceased, and only an occasional gust swirled powdery snow off the sill. Quiet called me out of bed and to the window, where I gasped at the dazzling white landscape. It was beautiful.

There are days when our souls feel windblown, raw, and exposed—times when we’re tossed in a blustery tempest, and it seems as if everything is breaking loose. A new diagnosis, a rare disease, a life-altering injury—will morning ever come? Yes, the God who brings beauty out of blizzards not only promises to bring peace after the storms of life but also promises to be our refuge.

If you sense storm warnings, seek shelter in God’s Word. Recall how near and present the Lord really is. Cling to his promise of peace. Remember that joy comes in the morning. Let him cover your fear and anxiety with his love, like a blanket of snow. “Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge” ().

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 499click .

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Remember Them!

One time at an airport, I found myself watching a handsome elderly man who wore a blue jacket with several medals pinned on the lapel. Atop his silver hair was his Veterans of Foreign Wars hat cocked at an angle. He was standing by a red carpet that led to the check-in counter, and he was helping young soldiers arriving at the airport from Iraq. To every young man or woman in uniform he would say, “Hi there, soldier, where is home for you?” He then would take their ticket and direct them to the proper line. “Welcome home, friend,” the veteran would say softly, then pat the soldier on the back as he or she went on their way. “Thanks, sir,” the soldiers would often say, and some even saluted him.

That elderly veteran inspired me. Later, when I passed through security and encountered several other soldiers, I decided to thank them and welcome them home too. I thought of the many soldiers who had become disabled like me. Their sacrifices mean something—their courage has opened paths for freedom and, with that, paths for the gospel.

The prayer in was one that Solomon offered before the Lord at the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. We can pray the same today. May God hear the pleas of our brave men and women in the armed forces, and may he uphold their cause. Go out of your way today to encourage a veteran.

Father, I look forward to the day when the people will beat their spears into plowshares. Until then, may your will be accomplished as we fight against injustice around the world. Protect our brave soldiers, and encourage their families. Amen.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 537click .

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The Shiny, Sharp Tool

Dorothy Williams was a British missionary who served in West Africa during the 1930s. She was a nurse from Wales who spent her time on the mission field training African nurses. Dorothy was very frail, and her mission board back home didn’t expect her to last more than a year or two working in Africa. But with God’s help, she amazed the board by serving many years, refusing to be discouraged by her limitations. This inspired the young African nurses under her charge who were often disheartened by their own poverty and lack of resources.

One day a young nurse was carrying a tray of surgical instruments, and Dorothy noticed a sad look in her student’s eyes. “Oh, Mum, I am feeling much afraid today,” the young woman shared. “Dearie, look at these shiny instruments on your tray,” Dorothy said, picking up the pointiest one. “The devil has a tray of instruments too, and the shiniest and sharpest is his tool of  discouragement—it’s sharp because he uses it so often.” The student nurse smiled, blushed, and then went on her way with fresh resolve.

describes the devil’s strategy against God’s people. It is “to discourage and frighten the people . . . to work against them and to frustrate their plans.” Do not be fearful, for the Bible repeats the phrase, “Do not be afraid,” 112 times. And Dorothy would add, “Don’t be discouraged.” You have your own shiny, sharp tool: the Word of God (). Keep it sharp and use it often against your adversary!

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 581click .

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The Littlest Things

One night King Xerxes couldn’t get to sleep. He had at his disposal servants to fan away the heat, musicians to serenade him, a harem full of companions, and endless wine to drink himself into oblivion. Who knows why he tossed and turned on his pillow? But instead of calling for the fanners, musicians, concubines, or wine stewards, he called for someone to read him the chronicles of his reign (a text guaranteed to make anyone nod off).

As the reader droned on, an obscure passage got King Xerxes thinking. What he learned that night in the pages of those chronicles prepared Xerxes for an empire-altering request which Queen Esther would make of him the next day. The obscure passage tipped his mental scales in Esther’s favor—he would grant her request. This ultimately saved the Jewish race from annihilation. A great people was spared. Centuries later, through those same people came a young boy who grew up to die for the sins of the world—all because an emperor could not sleep.

Your life is no exception to God’s delight in arranging coincidences. God uses the most innocuous, bland, everyday circumstances to engineer the most earth-shattering and significant moments in your life. How he does it is one of the great mysteries. But he does it. Totally natural, but mind-bogglingly complicated.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 679click .

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Strength to Strength

If you were to serve as “my hands” for a day, I’d keep you plenty busy. I would need you to sit next to me at my desk and help with my correspondence and schedule. I might dictate a letter or article, challenging you to type as fast as I speak.

Later on you could help me organize my books, photocopy pages, file copies, brew coffee, help me with lunch, empty my leg bag, and run a few errands. If I needed an adjustment with my corset or catheter, you could help me lie down on the office sofa. And we’d be only halfway through the day!

How would we accomplish so much work? Spirit-inspired energy! My assistant and I go from strength to strength. That means pausing in between projects to pray, pulling a hymnal off the shelf to sing praise songs before lunch, praying over the phone with someone who happens to call, even stopping for tea at four o’clock and reading a line or two of Scripture. Going from strength to strength in God’s Spirit means pausing regularly during your day to allow God to refresh you. It is the only way to work. It is the only way to live.

Remind me, Lord, to take many pauses throughout the day to think about you, to set my mind on you, and to be refreshed by you. Carry me from strength to strength. Amen.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 725click .

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Reckless Words!

When God created the world, he spoke it into being. When Jesus walked the earth, he spoke, and the lame were healed. When Peter preached his first sermon, he spoke, and thousands were gathered into the Kingdom. Words have the power to accomplish great good as well as to inflict terrible damage. Proverbs says, “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences” (). I’ve heard it said that we should view our words like seeds, and that we should carefully sow those seeds in the proper place and time so we can reap a harvest of fruit that pleases God. Good advice!

Repeatedly in Scripture, we are admonished to choose and use words carefully in healing and holiness. However, our words are not only instruments of health but also of harm. Words can create division; they can wound or put distance between people. James warns that the tongue can be like a fire: “It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body” (). It’s interesting that the book of James does not advise us to stop using our tongues. Instead, God’s Word asks us to develop a sense of horror over the damage our tongue can inflict. The sobering reality of how such a small part of the body can do so much—either for good or for harm—should wake us up to the power of our words.

Today, look for ways you can exalt Christ through your speech. Find opportunities to sincerely encourage and commend your coworkers, family members, neighbors, pastor, or other members of your congregation. Have you spoken damaging words? Do you need to make repairs? Remember, “the words of the wise bring healing” ().

Lord, today I commit to seriously considering the power of my speech.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 759click .

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A Place for Us

My friend lost her husband a few years ago, and like most widows she shivers to think that Jerry will eventually be forgotten. Of course, his family will miss him, and she will lament the loss of her partner of so many years, but life goes on. Even underscores this: “The living at least know they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, nor are they remembered.” The world keeps turning even when one of the best and brightest passes.

Perhaps Jesus was thinking of this when he assured us in that he has prepared a place for us and we will be joining him. The Carpenter of Nazareth has built Jerry a place in heaven. Not one made with hands, but by God’s eternal decree. The world might erase Jerry from its memory, but heaven won’t. He will never be forgotten. That’s because he has a place by Jesus’ side.

Perhaps you know a widow who is still grieving the loss of her husband, a parent that has had to bury a child, or anyone who has suffered the death of a close friend. Those who are grieving want you to mention their loved ones. You might feel a little unsure of what to say, but you can send a note, sharing a special memory and letting them know you haven’t forgotten. Assure your friend that heaven has a far grander place for their loved one, handmade by Jesus Christ himself!

Lord Jesus, thank you that you have designed a specific, hand-tailored, custom-constructed place in heaven for each of your children. Thank you for building my home—my special place—in heaven.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 765click .

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Lover of My Soul

When I approach the Lord in prayer, I relate to him in different ways. Occasionally I talk with him as my elder brother, which he is. If I’m under spiritual attack, I’ll go to him in prayer as the captain of my soul. He is the friend of sinners when I feel guilty and overwhelmed by my sin.

But mostly I enjoy relating to Jesus as the lover of my soul. And when I tell him how much I adore him, I use the language of love in the Song of Songs. This beautiful book is more than just a love poem; it’s a picture of the love relationship between the Bridegroom and his bride.

From your heart, tell Jesus that he is the fairest of ten thousand (). Praise him for being altogether lovely (). Let him know that his love is better than wine (; ). He is the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valley (). And to top it off, sing to him this beautiful hymn inspired by the Song of Songs and penned by George Robinson in 1876, “I Am His, and He Is Mine”:

       Loved with everlasting love, led by grace that love to know;

       Gracious Spirit from above, Thou hast taught me it is so!

       O this full and perfect peace! O this transport all divine!

       In a love which cannot cease, I am His, and He is mine.

Lord Jesus, close me in your everlasting arms. Let my soul find rest and peace as I lean on your breast. May doubts and cares fly away. Nothing shall ever part us. I am yours!

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 813click .

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What’s Fair?

Have you ever walked into a room halfway through someone else’s argument and been asked for your opinion? It’s impossible to respond. You don’t have all the facts and don’t fully understand both sides of the argument; therefore, you can’t give a just verdict.

Trying to discern whether or not God is fair in any given situation is much like walking into a room halfway through someone else’s argument. For one thing, you are not all-knowing, and your perspective is extremely limited on this side of eternity. In this sense, “fairness” is impossible to grasp because you are unequipped to appreciate the whole picture.

Those who don’t believe in God may be presumptuous enough to play the “fairness” game, but Christians should know better. The world’s definition of fairness is based on the sliding scale of society’s values and the changing will of the majority. But God doesn’t play by those rules. That’s why he will never be “fair” from society’s perspective. He will, however, always maintain justice. Unlike fairness, justice is based on the unchanging principles of God’s Word.

The “fairness doctrine” is based on a person’s limited value system and timetable. Justice is based on God’s complete knowledge and eternal perspective. Remember, God is not fair—he is just and loving. His values are higher and far exalted above yours. His timetable is different. So bow to his justice, trust in his love, and forget about fairness.

Lord, you will never seem fair from the world’s perspective, and that’s why we praise you for being just, not fair. May your purposes prevail and may you receive glory! Amen.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 819click .

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We Were Made for This

Ever wonder exactly why God created you? Or why he placed children in your specific family? God couldn’t have spelled it out any plainer than in . He created you and me for one purpose: to showcase his glory; to enjoy it, display it, and demonstrate it every day to all those we encounter.

What does it mean to put his glory on display? It means highlighting his attributes and characteristics. It means making hard choices to do the right thing. It means biting your tongue from gossiping, going out of your way for a neighbor in need, telling the truth even when it’s hard, not snapping back when someone hurts you, and speaking openly about your Father in heaven. In short, it’s living like Jesus lived when he walked on earth.

God is invisible. Whenever he displayed his character in the Old Testament, he used something visible like a burning bush or pillars of cloud and fire. In the New Testament, God displayed his glory through his Son, Jesus. But Jesus no longer physically walks on earth, and bushes that burn can only be seen in prairie fires or piles of raked leaves. So how does an invisible God display his glory in this age? Through you and your children. What a privilege!

Father God, what an honor we’ve been given! You no longer choose to speak through inanimate objects; you choose people like us. Point out ways we can showcase your character and glorious qualities to others today. In so doing, we’ll be glorifying you and living the life we were created to live. Amen.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 839click .

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Let Truth Be Told

I was at a loss for words when a young girl with disabilities in Bangalore, India, told me, “My aunt said I would have to go through eight reincarnations before I could become a whole person.” A doctor from New Delhi said, “Most people do not consider children with autism to be human.” On that same trip while I was in Africa, I met mothers who were beaten because they gave birth to children who were blind or disabled. A man told me his sister who has cerebral palsy had been left out in the jungle for the animals to take—“My parents thought it would appease the animist spirits,” he said. In Southeast Asia I met people who thought disabilities were “curses from the shamans in the village.” My heart broke when several women with disabilities told me they were “easy targets for abuse.”

Isaiah lamented, “Truth is gone, . . . no one intervened to help the oppressed” (). This is the commission God has given us. Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (). When we follow his way and carry the truth into the dark corners of the world, we bring light, hope, and deliverance. Jesus tells the truth about everything from the Atonement to autism, from the Resurrection to rickets, from sanctification to spina bifida.

The overwhelming needs of people in developing nations can either make you shake your head and walk away or fill your heart with Christ’s compassion. Support the work of your church’s missionaries who labor among the world’s neediest people. Ask God to raise up those who will intervene and bring justice, mercy, and the hope of Christ’s love to a world in need.

Lord, show mercy and justice to hurting people around the world. Empower and provide resources for Christian missions and relief organizations who bring your compassion and speak your truth wherever there is darkness. Amen.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 889click .

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God’s Plan for You

Don’t you love thinking back about old times? The older I get, the more I enjoy reflecting on memories, talking about favorite vacations and childhood jaunts, and remembering my dear mother, who is now in heaven. My sweetest memories are those that inspire hope. I recall what it was like to peel an orange, pluck a guitar, hold a cold glass of Coke, and feel my fingers tap the cool piano keys. Why do such memories inspire hope for me? Because rather than making me lament for what once was, I let them remind me that one day I will have new hands. My new fingers might dig in the dirt, picking and scrubbing fresh vegetables. And I smile as I imagine holding the hand of my dear husband, Ken, in heaven someday.

My best memories give shape to that hopeful future promised in . Your memories—especially if you’ve lost a loved one, or your health, or your ability to think clearly—should inspire hope in you, too. For as wonderful as the world was when all those special remembrances occurred—as wonderful as it was when my hands worked—these things are only a foretaste of more delightful, pleasurable experiences to come. Jesus is the one who makes our futures bright. Jesus assures us that our best memories will one day blossom into a more joyous reality than we can ever imagine. He is our hope ().

What are the memories of things you’ve lost? How might those memories inspire hope in you today? How might those remembrances draw you closer to Jesus, the God of all hope? Grab hold of this verse——and so many other Scriptures that promise the world. Oh, not this world, but the world to come!

Lord of hope, thank you for the promise of a future and a hope. Amen.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 953click .

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Standing in the Gap

The horrors that occurred in New York City on September 11, 2001, shook not only the United States but also the world. Several thousand people lost their lives, and the images of the burning towers that flashed around the globe were seared into our minds. As deeply moving and heart-wrenching as the attacks on the World Trade Center were, their evil pales in comparison to other entries in the dark catalog of recent history. For example, in the Rwandan genocide in 1994, Hutus ferociously slaughtered more than 800,000 Tutsis in less than three months. It was the clearest case of genocide since the Holocaust and happened at three times the speed of Hitler’s extermination of the Jews and Gypsies. To put it in perspective, the slaughter in Rwanda was the equivalent of more than two World Trade Center attacks every single day for one hundred straight days.

That’s sobering! Especially when we consider how the world responded to America’s plight after 9/11 but nearly turned a blind eye to what happened in Rwanda. Wars and the ever-rising threats of terrorism continue to plague the world as multitudes of Christians are being slaughtered and churches are burned to the ground in the name of a “holy” cause. Just as he was in Ezekiel’s time, God is looking for individuals who will stand in the gap on behalf of the people of the world who are struggling against injustice.

When evil threatens, we can help fight it by taking measures to prevent it, taking action against it, informing others about it, helping those being oppressed by it, and encouraging those who work against it. How is God asking you to stand in the gap today?

Lord God, empower us to make a stand where we are able and to encourage those who are struggling against injustice around the world.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 1021click .

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Restitution

In my early teens, I excitedly memorized the words of entire Beatles albums, but memorizing Scripture was a bore. I turned down a summer missions trip because I didn’t want to be away from my boyfriend. I don’t need to divulge the sordid details of how we ended up spending our time. Then my diving accident came in 1967. I spent more years in spiritual dryness as I sneered at nurses and generally took my anger out on my family, who faithfully visited the hospital.

But even after my accident, and long after I got my spiritual act together, there were more wasted years due to hidden sins that I covered up for months; a habit of prayer that I let die for almost a year; Bible reading that I ignored for ages, it seemed. Worthless years. Futile. Wasted.

After taking a careful spiritual inventory of my life, I grieved. I didn’t think I would ever recover; I feared that I could never redeem what had been lost in my life. But my grief lasted only for a moment. God brought to mind the promise of ! The Lord promises that my losses shall be repaired. He will make good on repairing the damage I’ve done. And like the father who more than made up for all that his prodigal son had squandered, God vows that he will restore our loss. That’s what restitution is all about.

Restore my wasted years, O Lord!

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Does God Think Suffering Is Good?

After I was discharged from the hospital following my diving accident, a group of friends met every Thursday evening with Steve Estes for Bible study. You see, my quadriplegia had not only shaken my faith, it had shaken the faith of my friends. And Steve was trying to answer our questions.

One night, I asked Steve a very difficult question: If God always has good intentions for his people, does that mean he thinks my quadriplegia is good? If God’s will for his children is always good, and his children often suffer, does God think suffering is good? Steve thought about it for a moment. It’s a tough question!

Finally, Steve opened his Bible and showed us how God hates suffering—absolutely. Jesus spent most of his time on earth relieving it. Throughout the Bible, God tells us to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, visit prisoners, and speak up for the helpless. Even when God punished sin, it gave him no pleasure (). But—and here’s the thing—God delighted in how that suffering fit into his plan of good for us and glory for himself. He sees the bigger picture and knows how it will all turn out in the end, but on this side of eternity, we can’t. Then Steve closed his Bible, turned to me, and said something I will never forget: “Joni, God permits what he hates to accomplish that which he loves.” Immediately, I got it. I understood it.

God hated the cruelty, suffering, and injustice of the Cross, but he loved what the Cross would accomplish: salvation for all! In the same way, God hates my spinal cord injury. He allowed that awful, paralyzing accident to happen, but he delights in how my accident fits into his plan of good not only for me but also for so many other people with disabilities—people I’ve had a chance to help.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 1081click .

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The Refiner’s Fire

Little words can make a difference. Consider , where the prophet calls to attention the image of the refiner who stokes the flames and watches the dross burn away until he can see his reflection in a cauldron of pure gold. This old illustration describes how the Lord refines us in the fire. He turns up the heat on our trials until all the impurities, sins, and selfishness come bubbling to the surface of our soul. And then, like a refiner of gold, God skims off the dross until he can see the reflection of his face in our lives.

One day as I read this verse, one little word caught my attention. It says, “He will sit like a refiner.” What an encouragement the word “sit” was to me! It means that God is not going to get up and walk away from whatever trial I’m going through. He’s not going to get distracted or wander off into something else while my trial is heating up. God is going to sit there, carefully tending to the circumstances around me.

This comforting thought encouraged me so much in this wheelchair of mine, because some days it’s so hard. I’m not a plaster-of-paris saint with this disability—sometimes the discomfort takes my breath away. But no pain can match the overwhelming comfort in knowing that God sits over my trial. He will let that discomfort go on for only so long; and my goal is to learn my lesson, confess whatever sin, refocus my faith, or quit wandering off the path—whatever God’s purpose might be. I want to agree with my Refiner, the Perfecter and Purifier of my faith. I want to do everything I can from my end so that God really can see the reflection of his Son in my life.

If you’re facing a trial today, remember that the Lord doesn’t wander away while you’re in pain. He won’t take a vacation; he will sit there, watching over you until your faith is refined like gold. That’s a promise from the Lord, our Refiner.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 1103click .

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His Yoke Is Easy

At times we feel that our yoke is just too heavy to bear. That’s when Jesus says, “Here, take my yoke. It’s easy. The burden is light.” Oh, yeah? we think, What yoke could possibly be light?

Tired Christians often feel this way. They get up in the morning and are overcome by exhaustion before the wearisome routine even begins. Sometimes they feel pressured to perform up to God’s expectations. Or they add more and more items to their list of religious duties as proof of their righteousness before the watchful eye of the Lord. Then when they hear that God wants to step in and relieve them of all this, it seems unbelievable.

It’s sad, but some Christians prefer to hoist on their own shoulders the yoke of painful self-sacrifice and religious duty. Sure, it feels burdensome and heavy, but they prefer the route of self-sacrifice. It’s something they can “do,” something that involves “my effort” and “my faithfulness.” It’s easier—although heavier—to bear burdens that are “mine” rather than cast oneself on the Lord in utter despair, weakness, and helplessness. The wearisome rule-keeping exalts the self, while coming to the Lord empty-handed gives the self nothing to glory in.

What makes the yoke of Christ easy? What makes his burden light? Love. Daily, we move in his Spirit, pray unceasingly, and look to him for grace. These are the disciplines of love that make our daily tasks light and full of ease. If we fail to move in his love, the tasks seem tiresome.

Lord, it’s not my faithfulness that counts. May I move in your love and power today and find your yoke light.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 1141click .

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Don’t Miss the Obvious

Sometimes we need to be hit over the head to see what’s right in front of us. We’re sure that the keys are lost, but then we discover them in plain view on the table. We’re certain that we’re out of milk until a second look in the refrigerator reveals an unopened pint. We do it all the time: We miss the obvious.

We also miss the obvious when it comes to God. Even though his presence is with us—his promises are clear as day—we don’t always see the Lord in the events of our lives. But we’re not the only ones. In , the disciples worried over whether they had enough bread for lunch (). Silly disciples. Hours earlier the Lord had whipped up a miracle lunch and fed 4,000 people with only seven loaves of bread ().

Still, they missed the obvious. Even though the Lord was standing right there, they did not recognize him as the Bread of Life. If Jesus had fed four thousand, could he not also feed them?

Read again. Notice the Lord’s dismay over the unbelief of the disciples. He says, in effect, “What is wrong with you guys? Has your memory failed you? Or is it that your hearts are hard!” Jesus could scarcely believe that his disciples failed to see what was right in front of their noses. The same is true for us. Jesus, the source of help and hope, is in the midst of every circumstance in our lives.

Bread of Life, Lord of peace, Father of all comfort, I acknowledge now that you are always with me. Please remind me, should I forget.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 1183click .

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The Messianic Banquet

For me, sitting at a table ain’t easy! It’s often a real challenge to fit my wheelchair underneath a dining room or restaurant table. Sometimes my knees bump the edge because the table is too low or my foot pedals hit a center post. When possible, my husband, Ken, unhooks a foot pedal and swings it aside so I can move in close enough. But if that doesn’t help, he has to feed me my meal. All of this is not very easy on Ken, but God has blessed him with a lot of grace.

I remember once when a maître d’ saw that I couldn’t fit under the table, and he really wanted to help. He quickly ran and got four phone books and put one under each of the legs of the table. Voilà! Within minutes, I was able to fit at the table and feed myself. Boy, you could see the delight in that man’s face; he felt so happy to have been of service!

I think about this as I read , where Jesus says that we will be blessed when we “invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind” () to our dinner parties. The party Jesus is really talking about is the Kingdom of God (). Christians are to “go quickly” () and bring those with disabilities into God’s house so that his house may be full! This mandate requires churches to be flexible, but that’s good.

The point of this story about serving others is that it’s as much for the person throwing the party as it is for the person with a disability sitting at the table. The church needs those with disabilities just as much as those with disabilities need the church. That’s why says do this and you will be blessed—like that restaurant maître d’ who was so blessed because he went the extra mile to help me. It’s a lesson to remember as you and your church reach out to those with disabilities. It may take extra work and a little creative thinking, but as you do it, your church will be blessed.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 1237click .

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I’ll Be Back

“It’s one of the rules of the church nursery,” my friend with three little girls told me. “When you drop off your child, always tell them you’ll come back. And then by all means, come back! It’s the only way they’ll accept being in the nursery.”

What would it be like for us if the angel on the Mount of Olives had said, “Jesus has gone”—and nothing more? What if Jesus had said, “I’m going to prepare a place for you, but you’ll have to get there on your own”? I know what I would do. I would give up hope. I’d be like a child in the nursery standing alone in the middle of the toys and books, staring at the door that once framed my mother. And I’d cry. Not whimpers but bawling screams of pain and panic. There are few things more frightening to a child than being left alone without hope that mom and dad will return. For that child, life has ended.

As children of God, we also want to know whether our heavenly Father is coming back for us. Fortunately, we do know Jesus is coming back; he told me so. I need not spend my days in tears or pain. I can enjoy the fellowship of others who are also expecting his return. And I can tell others about Jesus—friends who wonder why they came into this world in the first place.

He’s gone, but he’s coming back. I know—Daddy told me so. And that makes all the difference.

Lord, you promised that you’d come back for us. It’s been so long, Lord. When will it be? Please remind me often of your promise, because I need to enjoy fellowship with others of like mind, and I need to reach others who don’t know about the promise of your return.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 1323click .

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Bitterness

Troubles. Hardships. Calamities. Ever heard that old adage, “Bad things come in threes”? It's only folk wisdom, but somehow it seems true.

For example, bitterness was a temptation for me in the early days of my paralysis. Deep inside I knew it was wrong, but I justified myself by saying, “Surely God won’t mind if I let off a little steam every now and then. After all, I am paralyzed!” But as many of us have learned, indulging in bitterness leads us down a path to even more despair and bitterness.

As if that trouble wasn’t enough, God added a second hardship. Several months into my hospital stay, I had an operation on my lower spine. After the surgery, I was forced to lie face down for fifteen days while the stitches healed. “I am sick and tired of this,” I complained out loud.

Then, the third distress. I caught the flu. Suddenly, not being able to move was peanuts compared to not being able to breathe. I was miserable! But as I thought about it, I understood what God was doing. No longer was my bitterness a tiny trickle; it was a raging torrent that could not be ignored. It was as if God was holding my anger up before my face and saying lovingly but firmly, “Stop turning your head and looking the other way. This bitterness has got to go. What are you going to do about it?”

The pressure had gotten so strong that I was either going to give the situation over to him completely or allow myself to wallow in bitterness. Faced with that ultimatum, I was able to clearly see what a wicked course bitterness would be. Sometimes troubles, hardships, and distresses—in groups of three (or more!)—back us into a corner and force us to seriously consider the lordship of Christ.

Lord, when troubles pile on, may I look to you for help and hope.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 1335click .

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Clothed in Righteousness

I often wish I could dress myself. I can’t pull on a sweater, button a jacket, or hike up a pair of slacks. This frustrating predicament has at times driven me to God for help. And isn’t it like the Lord to give not only grace but also insight? So I decided to hunt down Scripture passages that refer to clothing. says, “I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness.” There’s a similar reference in . Even in the Garden of Eden, God provided skins to clothe Adam and Eve after the Fall.

Why does the Bible say that God clothes us when it speaks of our righteousness? Then it hit me. Clothing of salvation and robes of righteousness are things we cannot provide for ourselves. God provides the salvation and the righteousness. Yes, we can clothe ourselves with Christ as it says in , but it’s God’s righteousness, not ours. Righteousness is something that God does to us and for us. In fact, when we try to impress God by our own acts of righteousness, the Bible doesn’t call them clothes but “filthy rags” (). Can you imagine putting on a garment which you sewed out of smelly, soiled rags? I now have a whole new perspective on my “robe of righteousness” whenever someone dresses me!

The Lord Jesus Christ is our beautiful clothing: our robe of righteousness, our garment of salvation. Put him on today and delight in all that he sacrificed to clothe you in something so precious, so priceless—his righteousness.

Lord God, help me to put off sin and self-centeredness and anything that detracts from your glory. You are my robe of salvation, and I couldn’t be dressed in a finer garment!

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I Need God in My Suffering

When we wonder why we must suffer, we’re actually asking questions of someone. That someone is God. But why he created suffering doesn’t really matter. The only thing that matters is how we respond. When we can’t find the answers we’re looking for, we can find peace in the only true answer: We need God! Affliction is the lowest common denominator for all of us. tells us to expect suffering: “For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.” But no matter how strong our faith is, it’s natural to ask why.

After many years of suffering, I’ve concluded that God allows one form of evil, suffering, to expose another form of evil, sin. It is as if God turns suffering on its head and helps us to feel the sting of sin when we suffer so that as we are headed for heaven, we’re reminded of how poisonous sin really is. So, suffering is like a sandblasting machine that strips away our fear, anxiety, self-centeredness, complaining, and “I don’t care” attitude toward others who hurt. God allows affliction to rip all of that away so that we can see the world through the eyes of Christ.

God hates evil and suffering. He promises us in his Word to relieve suffering, and he relieves it every day. We can be sure that if our hearts hurt for someone, God felt that pain first. He felt my pain first. Our souls are strengthened through suffering. To know God better, we must know our suffering better. And as we do, we become less me-focused and more God-focused.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 1367click .

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What God Wants

This is what God wants—hearts burning with a passion for future things, on fire for Kingdom realities that are out of this world. God wants his people to be aflame with his hope and to have an outlook of pure joy that affects the way they live their lives. God wants each of us to be “like a city on a hilltop” () and “a lamp . . . placed on a stand” () so that everyone around us will be encouraged to look heavenward.

A perspective like this doesn’t happen without suffering. Affliction fuels the furnace of heaven-hearted hope. People whose lives are unscathed by affliction have a less energetic hope. Oh, they are glad to know they are going to heaven; for them, accepting Jesus was a buy-and-sell agreement. Once that’s taken care of, they feel they can get back to life as usual—dating and marrying, working and vacationing, spending and saving.

But suffering obliterates such preoccupation with earthly things. Suffering wakes us up from our spiritual slumber and turns our hearts toward the future, like a mother turning the face of her child, insisting, “Look this way!” Once heaven has our attention, earth’s pleasures begin to pale in comparison.

What has suffering taken away from you? Don’t allow your heart to dwell on such earthly disappointments. God permits suffering to draw our attention to heaven where that which was lost—and more—shall be restored. Suffering forces us to look forward to the day when God will close the curtain on all disease, death, sorrow, and pain (). Until then, we have work to do! Jesus says, “We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work” ().

Lord of heaven, turn my heart toward you this day. I set my mind right now on things above.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 1377click .

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The Measure of Love

If love could be measured, it would be measured by how much it gives. Would you like to know the extent to which you love your parents, your children, your spouse, your roommate, or your coworkers? Then ask yourself: How much do I give? The truth is, when we have a love that gives without limits, we don’t even think about how much we give to the people we love. Such a love defies measurement. We joyfully give without taking any notice of how much has been sacrificed.

This is how God loves. And his love can be measured by whom he gave. He gave his only Son; he gave everything, holding nothing back. He “squandered” his love extravagantly and unashamedly on vile sinners. He certainly didn’t think about how much we deserved his love or what we had done to earn his favor. God loves with reckless abandon and without any concern for the kind of people that are on the receiving end.

That’s why God should be so easy to trust. He never uses words of despair or defeat, hopelessness or frustration, fear or failure; those aren’t words of love. Not his love. When God encourages your heart, he speaks words of hope and victory, rest and peace, joy and triumph. The blessing that Paul speaks to the Thessalonians summarizes this kind of love beautifully: “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say” ().

In these words to the Thessalonians, we see God’s eternal encouragement. It’s the measure of his love. If your heart needs to be strengthened, lean in to these words of hope and comfort.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 1391click .

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Finishing Well

The book of Acts records the golden days of Paul’s ministry. It seemed effortless for him to be wide awake at midnight in a jail cell, praying and singing hymns at the top of his lungs despite his biting chains. Scripture tells us the jail doors flew open and everyone’s chains fell off. Prisoners applauded him, and the jail keeper—saved instantly—invited him to his house. Things were looking up!

But if you look closer at his last epistle, you see another side. A harder side. Paul was in jail again when he wrote 2 Timothy. But this time there was no miracle, no escape. Winter was approaching, and Paul felt old and tired. Deserted by his friends, he struggled against sickness. His friend Trophimus was also sick, yet Paul couldn’t do a thing to heal his friend. He couldn’t even heal himself!

Yet the old apostle didn’t allow discouraging circumstances to get him down. Things were different than in the “golden days of old,” yet he courageously hung on to God ().

Some days you feel life is on the upswing; other days it’s flat. Sometimes you sense the miracles in your life; other times life seems very ordinary. Are you energized today to meet a challenge head-on? or do you feel tired and trapped? Life’s circumstances can make you feel like a yo-yo, but don’t allow the ups and downs to get you down. Commit to God to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith ().

Give me strength, Lord, to finish well and not allow life’s disappointments—along with age, aches, and pains—to dampen my trust.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 1417click .

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The Real Me

One day during a long flight home, I could not get comfortable in the airline seat. My corset was digging into me, and no matter what Ken did, my blood pressure continued to spike, and my forehead kept sweating (signs that I am in pain). Normally, it would have been enough to drive me to pray. But not this time. I was fed up with my disability (a nice way of saying I was fed up with God’s control of the situation). My thoughts were sour, and I was not about to pull my Bible out of my backpack. Instead, I tried to get my mind off my pain by watching the in-flight movie. Halfway through, I thought, This is the stupidest film. Why am I watching it?

That night after the pain subsided, my first thought was, That wasn’t like me. I’m normally not like that. But the whisper of the Holy Spirit replied, “That is you. You are like that.” Suffering always tests us, examining and sifting us and asking, “Who are you really?” Normally, we are not faced all the time with how self-focused we are, or how sour and peevish our attitude can be. We think we’re doing pretty well. But suffering strips off that veneer and shows us our true colors.

Affliction does not teach you about yourself from a textbook; it teaches you from experience. It will always show you what you love—either the God of all comfort, or the comfort that can become your god. Think back on the last time you got fed up with your circumstances. What might this reveal about yourself? Talk to God about that today.

Lord Jesus, I may not like affliction in my life, but I am keenly aware that it constantly shows me who I really am. Thank you for covering every sin with your precious blood!

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Consider It Pure Joy

A personal trial is not just an assault to be endured; it is an opportunity one can seize. This little verse, , is intended to show us that trials are opportunities to prove our love and enhance our faith. With this perspective, life becomes inspiring—not in spite of the trials but because of them.

The soldier who is called to the front lines is excited at the chance to prove his skills. The officer who is given a position of higher responsibility is roused by the rugged demands of his task. You and I are soldiers in the same way. If you are tempted to slack off from praying but choose to remain faithful in prayer, your faith develops perseverance. If you are tempted to feel sorry for yourself but choose to think of others’ needs instead, your character will be refined. The result is an improved you with greater faith and a closer fellowship with the Savior.

This is where joy comes in!

We face such decisions every day. God may test you or the devil may tempt you, but you decide the outcome. We can choose to either backslide or advance. We can either fudge the truth or stand firm on the facts. When they happen, consider each test and temptation an opportunity to seize, a chance to prove ourselves faithful. The result? A closer friendship with God.

Lord, my lifetime on earth will be the only chance I’ll have to prove my faith and to show you how much I love you. When I go to heaven, that chance will be gone. Help me to consider it pure joy to face each trial—a glorious opportunity to show myself faithful.

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Faith Muscles

Candy, a fellow quadriplegic, was my exercise partner in physical therapy. Every day the physical therapist positioned our wheelchairs in front of a wall of weights and pulleys for an hour of strenuous exercise. I remember sweating and straining while Candy merely played with lifting weights, not taking the task of physical therapy seriously.

Years later, when I returned to the hospital for a checkup, I ran into Candy. I was shocked. Her arms were thin, and she looked weak and tired. As quadriplegics, we both had the same potential for gaining strength. But from lack of exercise, her muscles had atrophied and were useless.

There are many Christians who are like Candy—they play around, believing that the Christian life will just “happen” to them without any real commitment or tough obedience. As a result, they have very little power in their lives and no stamina when the hard times hit. For this very reason, we must make every effort to remain strong in the Lord. Growth as a Christian doesn’t just happen; we grow only when we exercise our faith.

Are you growing stronger in Christ? One way to tell is by measuring your life up against . Do you possess knowledge and self-control in an increasing measure? Has godliness and brotherly affection made your life effective and productive?

Today, may I be strong in you, Lord, and in your mighty power. Strengthen my heart with your grace so that I might add to my life goodness and knowledge, self-control and perseverance.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 1441click .

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The World, the Flesh, and the Devil

How would you sum up sinful humanity’s craving for physical pleasure? In one word: lust. And what about the “craving for everything we see” ()? That’s envy. Boasting in our achievements and possessions is a manifestation of pride. I’ve heard it said that virtually every kind of sin can be traced to these three villains—lust, envy, and pride.

So how is the battle against those opponents going for you today? Maybe you are toying with daydreams and imagining yourself in the arms of someone forbidden. Perhaps envy is enticing you to spend beyond your means in order to keep pace with the neighbors. And pride may be tempting you to run mental movies of past successes.

Is all this struggling worth the effort? Wouldn’t you rather sit ringside and watch someone else go his fair share of rounds against lust, envy, and pride? Well, if you are wrestling against any or all of these villains today, you are in a better state than many who have no awareness about the struggle at all. You are in a better condition than those who are stagnant in apathy.

As J. C. Ryle once pointed out, the very fact that we have been targeted by the devil should fill us with hope. For it means that we are in a state of enmity with the world, the flesh, and the devil—and, therefore, in a state of peace and friendship with God.

Lord of the Battle, please fit me for conflict today, for I constantly face temptation. Rather than lust, I want to desire you. Instead of envy, may I be jealous for fellowship with you. Instead of pride, I would rather boast in you. Guard me and my loved ones from the world, the flesh, and the devil.

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 1459click .

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The Sufferings of Jesus

In heaven, we will more fully understand our own sufferings, and we will also gain an eternal perspective on the suffering of Jesus. Our Lord will be honored as the slain Lamb, and his sufferings will never be forgotten. Unlike us, Jesus will always visibly bear his wounds for the universe to see, and for that, God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will enjoy praise as never before!

If any demon in a dark corner of the universe ever doubted the righteousness of God in stooping to rescue debased sinners, they’ll be set straight. No evil spirit will dare accuse God of having defiled his purity in order to redeem wicked men. No one will question God’s righteous reputation for having condescended to save sinners. God’s righteousness will be beyond question! In fact, the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus was of such massive and supreme value that God’s righteousness will shine even brighter. For it will be shown that God in his wisdom was able to rescue sinners, redeem suffering, crush the rebellion, restore all things, vindicate his holy name, provide restitution, and come out all the more glorious for it! Heaven will show this, and we will praise God for it for all of eternity.

You have something eternally precious in common with Christ—suffering! No angel or archangel will ever fully grasp the sweet union that affliction has forged between you and your Savior. In heaven, you won’t praise the suffering, but you will praise the wisdom and power of God in using that suffering to drive you to the Cross as well as to showcase his righteousness and mercy for all of eternity.

How unsearchable is your wisdom, O God! I praise you for your awesome plan of salvation and the way you use affliction to showcase your mercy and grace. I look forward to heaven where all will be made plain!

For the next devotional from Joni, see p. 1469click .

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The Wedding Feast of the Lamb

Picture yourself pulling up a chair to a table filled with items from the menu in : “In Jerusalem, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world. It will be a delicious banquet with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat.” Christ will open our eyes to the great fountain of love in his heart that is for us—beyond anything we have ever seen before. It will hit us that we, the church, are his bride. Not just individually, but together; one with each other, and one with him.

We will experience for the first time what it feels like to be pure and blameless. You will know family members and friends as God intended them to be all along, their best attributes shining brightly and their worst traits gone with the wind. You will see your loved one walk without a limp. You will witness the stroke survivor walk without needing a cane. No bruises on your daughter, free from the shackles of an abusive marriage. No confused thoughts, no mental illness, no Alzheimer’s disease.

You will understand the lessons the angels and demons learned about God from observing him at work in your mother, languishing in that nursing home. You will stand amazed at how your perseverance through pain sent repercussions rumbling through the lives of people you never knew were watching. You will be awestruck to see how your endurance through hardship forced others you hardly even knew to make tough decisions about God and suffering. Oh, what a wonderful day that will be! We will join hands around the banquet table: “In that day the people will proclaim, ‘This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us!’” ().

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Connection Points

The Image of God We are made in God’s own image—something absolutely unique to humanity. While our capacity to reflect the divine image is impacted by sin, the image itself remains undamaged. Thus, all human beings, whatever their abilities or disabilities, are “image-bearers” and capable of having a relationship with God. We share the common dignity and equal value that being made in God’s image confers.

Creation Care As the highest order of creation, humanity was charged with the mandate to exercise stewardship over creation. They were to “fill the earth and govern it,” but to do so responsibly, for God always retains ownership of the created order (). Today we know that much suffering and misery have come as the result of humanity’s failure to preserve the earth’s natural resources, which continues to endanger our children’s future.

Unsullied Garden The Garden of Eden was a lush green land with flowing rivers, beautiful flowers, and sweet fruit—an oasis where God would come to enjoy his creation. Adam and Eve had perfect bodies free from disabilities and diseases, free from fear and shame. They were blissfully unaware of the destruction their subsequent actions would bring upon the earth.

The Origin of Suffering When the first man and woman disobeyed God, sin entered the world. As they quickly learned, sin leads to alienation, isolation, and broken relationships with God and others. This painful progression separates husband and wife (), brother from brother (), and family from family (). In a fallen world, we should expect suffering as “the norm”—not the exception.

A Promise of Victory When God put hostility between the serpent and the woman’s offspring, he opened the way for our eventual redemption. Sometimes referred to as the protoevangelium (“first gospel”), this is the first promise in Scripture of God’s final victory over evil and a full restoration of the cosmos to its intended state—free from the effects of sin. These are words of great hope for those who suffer.

The Ground Is Cursed As a result of their disobedience, human beings’ fellowship with God was broken and their capacity to exercise full dominion over the creation was significantly impaired. In particular, the ground—the primary focus of man’s labor—was cursed, resulting in suffering and death for the first human beings and all succeeding generations.

Good and Evil With the Fall came the knowledge of good and evil. In a fallen world, human beings can employ their will for good or for evil, bringing about both great blessing and terrible suffering.

God’s Gracious Judgment As painful as it may be, God’s judgment is often for our own good. Here, God’s concern seems to be that man not live forever in his cursed condition. Seen in this light, the seemingly severe “punishment” of driving the first man and his wife out of the garden can be understood as an act of grace on God’s part.

Offerings and Attitudes Our attitude is crucial when we come before God. Abel’s offering was acceptable because it was the very best he could bring. The quality of his offering, combined with his pure heart, met with God’s approval. Cain, on the other hand, merely “presented some of his crops” to the Lord. Are our own hearts more like Cain’s or Abel’s?

Mastering Sin While the Lord did not accept Cain’s gift, he cared about Cain’s heart. Like a loving father, God talked to Cain about his feelings of anger and dejection. He warned Cain about his actions, telling him, “Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you.” The impulse to do evil was rooted in Cain’s fallen nature, but God offered hope to Cain if he would make the right choices: “You must subdue it [sin] and be its master.” From the beginning, God has promised, “When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” ().

God Knows Sorrow Our sin breaks God’s heart. In one of the clearest biblical statements about our sinful nature—here applied explicitly to the preflood generation but with obvious application to all of humanity—we are told that Noah’s contemporaries were “consistently and totally evil” in “everything they thought or imagined.” God’s loving heart knows the pain of sorrow—the heartbreak caused by our own rejection of and rebellion against him.

God’s Will Prevails God’s plans are never thwarted by human failures—even the worst of human wickedness and depravity is insufficient to derail his intentions for creation and humankind. After God passed devastating judgment on the world, he blessed Noah and his family. He commanded them to fill the earth, thereby renewing the creation mandate originally given in . Even when all seems lost, there is still hope.

God’s Better Way Noah experienced a great range of emotions before, during, and after the flood. So he grew a vineyard, made wine, and got roaring drunk. Sadly, this can be the story of some people who are disabled due to injury or violent acts. They may seek comfort or escape in alcohol and drugs. Like Noah, they can end up hurting themselves and humiliating their families. God has a better way, but these hurting souls may not find it unless someone reaches out to them with the love of Christ.

Pride in Communication After the flood, people settled in one place and shared a common language, which unfortunately fueled human pride and arrogance. So the Lord confused their languages, which forced them to scatter across the world. This was part of God’s plan to bless them, not to harm them. Have you ever seen young people with hearing impairments talking in sign language, their fingers flying? Language is a gift of God, whether spoken or unspoken.

Abraham Steps Out in Faith God promised to give Abraham many descendants—“a great nation.” And a land in which they could dwell, bless others, and be blessed. At this point, however, the promise was simply that—a promise. Abraham had to step out in faith, trusting that God would fulfill his word to him. Faith is a step we all must take, believing the Lord has a promised land for us, too.

A Promise of Hope In words that are staggering in their implications, God made a promise to Abraham: “All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” As the apostle Paul would later recognize (), this early promise of the coming Messiah pointed toward the greatest source of hope for those who suffer: Jesus Christ himself.

Abraham’s Doubt Even the “Father of Faith” had doubts. Many years after God’s promise of many descendants, Abraham still found himself childless. God responded to Abraham’s expressions of doubt with extraordinary patience and kindness, initiating a formal covenant to assure Abraham of the certainty of the promise.

Believing in Faithful God Though he struggled with doubt, Abraham is known for one simple thing: He believed God. As the New Testament makes clear (), faith—not works—has always been the basis for a right relationship with God. Those who suffer can rest in the assurance of God’s faithfulness to them.

Taking Matters into Their Own Hands A feeble attempt on Abraham and Sarah’s part to bring about God’s promise of an heir, this acquiescence to the customs of the surrounding culture sowed the seeds of much future conflict. When we allow our doubts and uncertainties to guide our decisions, suffering is often the unintended result.

God Remembers the Outcast Homeless, pregnant, and running from her abuser, Hagar knew suffering at the hands of those who rejected her. But God, the all-compassionate One, sent his angel to Hagar with a message: “the LORD has heard your cry of distress” (). A bright new day had dawned for Hagar as the Lord began to fulfill his promises to an outcast woman.

From Skepticism to Rejoicing When we are tired and weary, it’s easy to harbor doubts about God and his ways. Aged and weary of waiting for God to fulfill his promises, Sarah laughed silently when the Lord announced that she would soon be pregnant. By God’s grace, her doubts turned to great rejoicing, her skepticism into marvelous praise. He can do the same for you.

God Is Sovereign Abraham struggled to understand how a just God could wipe out the inhabitants of an entire city. Ultimately, he had to rely on God as the sovereign Lord of all things. Believing that God is sovereign does not mean we will fully comprehend all his actions, but it does give us hope in the midst of the most difficult and less clear aspects of his workings in our lives.

The Merciful God The Lord rescued Lot because he was merciful, not because of Lot’s or his family’s righteousness. Sometimes God does save us from calamity, disaster, or other sources of suffering, but we must always acknowledge that he does so out of his mercy, not because we somehow deserve to be rescued.

The Origin of Rival Nations It is no accident that the Mosaic law spends significant time setting the proper boundaries for human sexual relations (). Here we see that stepping outside of God’s intended plan for human intimacy resulted in the formation of two nations—the Moabites and the Ammonites—who would later become persistent thorns in the side of the nation of Israel and the source of much human suffering and misery.

God Provides How good the Lord is to supply our needs. Abraham was right when he named the altar Yahweh-Yireh, meaning “the LORD will provide.” Not only did God send the ram as a sacrifice up on Mount Moriah, he also gave us Jesus, the Lamb of God, on Mount Calvary to provide for us every day of our lives and into eternity.

Stairway to Heaven Many people are searching for meaning. As believers, we know that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (). Jesus is man’s only “stairway” to heaven—the one who stretched himself across the gulf between heaven and earth. People without hope need our help to find the first step that leads to the peace they so desperately seek.

A Meaningful Weakness Because we are all fallen creatures, we all have weaknesses which God allows and even uses to accomplish his purposes and display his glory. Following Jacob’s wrestling with God, he went away with a wrenched hip, but he also was blessed to have “seen God face to face” ().

Vicious Cycles Incensed at the outrageous treatment of their sister, Dinah’s brothers clearly had reason to be angry. And so they resorted to deceit (their father’s old tactic) to enact revenge on the men of Shechem. But Jacob was upset with their actions, realizing that seeking revenge serves only to perpetuate an ever-escalating cycle of violence, retribution, and suffering. Sadly, this is a lesson the world keeps having to relearn.

Uncomfortable Demands This sequence of events triggered a basic moral failure: the refusal to fulfill obligations to family members. Tamar didn’t understand how God planned to bring his promises through Judah’s bloodline. But faced with injustice, Tamar risked her life to do what she thought was right, and God honored her actions. Today’s families coping with special needs are sometimes placed in complex interpersonal relationships that impose uncomfortable demands upon them. As Christians, however, we cannot claim to love God if we don’t love and care for our own families ().

The Presence of God The Lord was with Joseph. The source of Joseph’s success throughout his ordeal was the abiding presence of the Lord to protect, preserve, and prosper him.

Joseph Flees Temptation In refusing the seductress, Joseph’s character stood out in stark contrast to Judah, who solicited a prostitute (). Joseph’s first concern was for the offense against God. Rather than give in to temptation, Joseph fled.

Loss Turned to Gain With Pharaoh’s acknowledgment that the source of Joseph’s wisdom was God, no other candidates for the role that Joseph described would be considered. This one pronouncement restored everything Joseph had lost and made him a superior to both Potiphar and his wicked, scheming wife. In God’s economy, with every “loss” there is always something to gain.

God Works All Things for Good God sometimes brings about his will through secondary causes. For example, although God is not the cause of sinful acts—we are responsible for our actions—he often uses them to fulfill his will and purpose. Joseph came through much suffering to a place where he realized that even those actions that others meant for evil in his life, God meant for good and for the saving of many lives (see ).

Growing Under Pressure The Israelites experienced horrible suffering under the oppression of their Egyptian masters, who went out of their way to treat them brutally—“without mercy.” Yet, as the burden of slavery increased, so did their numbers, which fulfilled God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Pain and prosperity are not incompatible with one another; in fact, God often brings about our growth directly through our suffering.

Afraid for the Right Reasons Fear can be a catalyst for both good and evil. The Egyptians feared the Hebrews would outnumber and rebel against them, so Pharaoh ordered the murder of all male Hebrew babies. But because the Hebrew midwives “feared God,” they were in a position to stem the tide of this great evil. No matter how intense the pressure we feel, our primary concern must always be to “obey God rather than any human authority” ().

A Mother’s Love Moses’ mother did everything in her power to protect her son, but eventually she reached the limit of what she could do. Grieving what seemed a certain death for her treasured child, she placed him in a basket—and, ultimately, in the Lord’s hands. Sometimes, after we’ve done what we can, all that’s left for us is to stand and wait, “watching to see” what God might do on our behalf.

Intimacy with God God is not bound by time, space, or other limitations. As the Timeless One, he is able to walk with us through all our struggles and sufferings, never growing weary or running out of options (). Jesus, the great “I AM” incarnate (, ), invited all those who “are weary and carry heavy burdens” to find rest in him ().

Designed by God As Creator, God assumes responsibility for what we call “disabilities.” He made all people just as we are—lovingly fashioning us in the womb () with a calling and plan for our lives. He takes full responsibility for our existence, and intentionally decides which abilities people will have. Because nothing falls outside of his sovereignty, we can have courage no matter what limitations or struggles we may face.

Radical Service God accommodates Moses’ sense of inadequacy, but remains steadfast in affirming his call on Moses’ life. Aaron will be Moses’ “spokesman,” but the calling itself remains for Moses: “You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt” (). God’s purposes for our lives are not negated by our perceived weaknesses and limitations. Instead, he provides exactly what is needed for us to answer his call.

Partnership Aaron’s role as a “spokesman” () for Moses was a crucial act of service, meeting Moses’ need and empowering him to fulfill his divinely-appointed mission. Those who are called to similar roles in the lives of people with disabilities or people who are suffering should never underestimate the significance of what they do. Service itself can be a high and noble calling.

Living with Suffering Moses was understandably frustrated by the Lord’s apparent lack of action. But his timing was not the same as the Lord’s. While we can confidently look to the Lord for ultimate deliverance from our sufferings, we need to be prepared for the reality that things may get worse before they get better. Do we trust God enough to lead us downward before he leads us back up?

God’s Goodness Being one of God’s children sometimes protects us from suffering, like it did for the Hebrews during some of the plagues; at other times, suffering is shared by all—the righteous and the unrighteous alike. Similarly, God often lavishes his blessings upon all, regardless of the status of their relationship with him (). In every situation, God’s goodness remains intact. His love is not diminished by suffering, and blessing is not evidence that God loves a person more than those who suffer.

God’s Visual Aids Sometimes when God delays in delivering us from our suffering, it is for the specific purpose of providing opportunities for him to display his miraculous power. God intends for these seasons of waiting to become the source material for our testimonies to his grace, mercy, and goodness in our lives.

Foundational Gratitude When the Hebrews finally left Egypt, it was the fulfillment of a promise given by God 430 years earlier. From that point onward, every detail of their daily existence—even their calendar—would revolve around their remembrance of God’s powerful deliverance. For the people of Israel, their future was designed to be a consistent reminder of God’s faithfulness in their past. We, too, can find hope in recalling God’s faithfulness to us at key moments in our lives.

Walking with God We often have our own ideas about how God ought to accomplish his purposes in our lives. But God sometimes takes us on the “roundabout” way because he knows it will be better for us in the long run. When we face what seem to be detours, it may be that we are in fact on the straightest possible path to the destination God has for us.

Health and Well-being The conditional promise—if the people of Israel would “listen carefully to the voice of the LORD” and “do what is right in his sight,” then they would be protected from disease—was premised on the fundamental truth that “I am the LORD who heals you.” Whether physical or spiritual, healing ultimately comes from and through the Lord; we dare not look anywhere else for our well-being.

Complaining The people of Israel had just seen the Lord save them from certain annihilation, yet as soon as their stomachs started growling again, their confidence in his abilities to provide for their everyday needs flagged. How easily we also can forget what God has done for us! No wonder our Lord instructed us to ask the Father not only to “give us today the food we need” () but also to protect us from temptation ().

Finding Rest God built in a “time-out” period, the Sabbath, for the people of Israel as a gift, not merely an obligation. Life is hard. And like the Israelites, we need to learn to stop, appreciate God’s blessings (without hoarding them), and focus on our relationship with him. Rest is one of God’s good gifts to us.

Partnership Fighting the battles to which the Lord calls us is rarely a solo effort. Joshua led the troops into battle, but Moses—literally upheld by Aaron and Hur—played a crucial support role. All of them were fulfilling the roles God called them to perform, and through them God won the victory. When we face struggles in our lives, we need to learn to reach out to and rely on the support of others. Victory, when it comes, will be all the sweeter for having been won together.

God’s Visual Aids God promises his people that if they are obedient to him, they will experience his care and protection—they will be his “special treasure”—and will have the honor of representing him to the world around them. Walking closely with God in faithful and humble obedience keeps us safe and, simultaneously, opens up vast new horizons for service.

Representing God Well We belong to God and he belongs to us. When God commands his people to not misuse his name, he’s asking us not to claim his name and then live contrary to his character. As the subsequent commands throughout the Law make clear, obeying this injunction takes shape in many different forms, including the ways in which we interact with those around us—especially the weak and the vulnerable.

Intimacy with God Experiencing the Lord’s presence is rooted in worship of him. When we come to him in a spirit of worship, honoring him with sincere sacrifices of praise offered on the altars of our hearts, he “will come to [us] and bless [us],” just as he did for the people of Israel when they offered animal sacrifices on altars of earth and stone.

Murder God’s concern to prevent the pain and suffering caused by murder, assaults, and other forms of interpersonal violence extends even to unborn human life. The underlying principle—“the punishment must match the injury”—and its application in this case, testifies strongly to God’s concern for the suffering of the smallest and most vulnerable among us, including the unborn.

Immigrants Mistreated, oppressed, enslaved—this was the Israelites’ experience as foreigners in Egypt. It would have been tempting for them to treat the foreigners in their midst in exactly the same way. But God’s heart reaches out to those who find themselves in an unknown land among unknown people. They are not strangers to him, and he expects his people to treat them with the same love and concern that he has for them.

Protecting the Weak The same God who promised the people of Israel a future in a land they could call their own assures widows and orphans that they, too, have a future under his watchful care. He is keenly sensitive to the sound of their voice (“I will certainly hear their cry”), and calls upon his people to intentionally reach out to widows and orphans in their time of “distress” ().

God’s Fairness In God’s economy, even the most ordinary business transactions are to be governed by a spirit of compassion. Borrowers are quite literally at the mercy of their lenders, and God’s people should conduct their business affairs in light of his mercy toward them. God has “poured out” his grace upon us (), so we ought to be open-handed with our grace toward others.

Covenant God shares a loving covenant relationship with his people, but this has never come without significant cost. Initially, sacrificing animals represented God’s wrath against sin. Later, God’s own Son—the “Suffering Servant” of —offered himself as a permanent sacrifice, whose blood “confirms the covenant between God and his people” (). Jesus bore the brunt of God’s wrath against sin.

Radical Service All are significant in God’s Kingdom. Aaron and his sons were to be “set . . . apart” for priestly service, but God also filled the craftsmen with a “spirit of wisdom” so they could make “glorious and beautiful” garments for the priests to use in that service. Whether our role is up front or behind-the-scenes, each of us has an important part to play in the Kingdom—regardless of our weaknesses or other limitations.

Christian Life When we become a member of God’s family, we enjoy true equality before him. Whether we are rich or poor, able or disabled, successful or unsuccessful by the world’s standards, the price on our heads—the “ransom” that redeems our lives—remains the same: the precious blood of Jesus Christ, the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” ().

Designed by God Just as God had “specifically chosen” Bezalel and had “personally appointed” Oholiab, we can be sure he has a unique plan for each of our lives. And we can take encouragement from the fact that God equips us with exactly what is needed to fulfill his calling. Bezalel was given “great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts.” What gifts has God given you? Are you using them?

Failure Giving free reign to our impatient, restless spirits can very quickly get us into trouble. It did for the Israelites, who turned to idolatry and pagan revelry almost immediately after Moses went up the mountain to meet with God. When we allow our wandering hearts to lose their focus on God, we find that temptation, sin, and suffering are not far off.

Intercession The people’s sin had serious consequences for the entire community, including the death of many by sword and by plague. Restoration of their relationship with God—their greatest need—was made possible because Moses was able and willing to intercede on their behalf, at great cost to himself. In Jesus Christ, we have a “great High Priest” who is greater than Moses and “lives forever to intercede with God on [our] behalf” (; ).

Intimacy with God Faced with the monumental responsibility of leading one million people to the Promised Land, Moses sought assurance of God’s ongoing presence. In his gracious response, God revealed himself as merciful and compassionate, promising to go “personally” with Moses and comforting him with the knowledge that God knew him by name. As we face our long journeys of faith, we also can find comfort in the fact that we are known intimately by God.

God’s Fairness In his self-description of his character, God emphasizes both his justice and his mercy. He holds people accountable for their sin, which can have long-lasting effects on future generations. But this concern for justice is fueled by a heart of love, compassion, and forgiveness. We can approach his throne of grace with boldness, knowing “we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” ().

Walking with God For the people of Israel, the “first” () and the “very best” () of the crops represented their future. The command to offer these to the Lord, before proceeding with the harvest, meant the Israelites had to trust God to meet not only their present needs but their future needs as well. God’s people have always been called to step out in faith, trusting him with everything—including the unknown path ahead.

Partnership Great things can happen when a community joins together to meet a need. In response to the call to build a place for God to dwell with them, the people responded with hearts that were “eager to help in the work the LORD had given them” (). When God’s people give what they can, freely and cheerfully (), he multiplies their efforts to accomplish his awesome purposes.

Intimacy with God Moses and the Israelites followed the instructions they had been given from the Lord exactly. As a result, they experienced blessing—most notably the personal presence of God himself. There are few guarantees in life, but we can rest assured that when we obey God and his commands, we will enjoy the blessing of intimate relationship with him.

The Christian Life A large part of the journey of faith is learning to walk with God instead of running ahead of him. The key to discerning God’s direction in our lives is resting in his presence. We may not always be certain which way we should go, but when we “remain in [him]” (), the Good Shepherd will never lead us astray (; see also ).

Walking with God Pagan nations practiced sacrifices that did nothing. Their false gods were entirely selfish and capricious because their mythologies were based on human characteristics. What made Israel distinct? God’s love created the sacrificial system to provide atonement for his people and to bring them to him. Animals to be sacrificed had to be choice animals without defects. Giving our best demonstrates our seriousness about making things right. Sacrifice to the one true God pointed to the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” ().

God’s Promises In Moses’ day, when people made agreements, they would seal them with a gift of salt. The gift of this valued preservative symbolized the strength and staying power of the agreement. In the grain offerings that were given to show thankfulness to God, God wanted the people to always add salt as a reminder of God’s eternal covenant with them.

Intimacy with God “The LORD said to Moses” is repeated 35 times in Leviticus. The phrase shows that Moses received God’s words directly. God interacted with Moses personally, and he still interacts with people personally today! We may not hear his audible voice, but as we spend time in his Word, we come to hear and know him in a personal way.

Avoiding God’s Anger Animal sacrifice took away God’s wrath from the person and the nation. But sheep and goats were not an ultimate solution for sin; only Jesus’ blood could pay the price for sin and make us right with God (; ; ; ). Doing all the right things doesn’t save us. Only faith in God brings salvation. This was true for the Israelites in Moses’ day, and it is true for us today (; ).

Radical Service Blood was applied to the right toe, thumb, and earlobe of the priest. The phrase “head to toe” mirrors the point of this practice. Full consecration to God was necessary for his priests. It involved their whole body! God also wants people today to love and serve him with their whole selves. Whether our bodies work well or not, God can use us for good in his Kingdom.

Living with Suffering Sometimes we might think that God grows weary of our complaints about our physical bodies, but God cares about our health! Many of the regulations regarding food and cleanliness in this chapter protected the Israelites from sickness and disease. God’s laws were about worshiping him in the proper way, but they were also designed for his people to have good health. But even when our health suffers, we should never doubt that God still cares for us and is still with us!

Isolation Being unclean is not the same as being sinful. When a person was unclean, usually it simply meant that they needed to stay away from others in order to take time to heal, recover, or ensure they were not a health risk to others. Sometimes, this isolation was temporary and provided much-needed rest, like when a mother was pronounced unclean after childbirth. She could be with her child without being expected to work as usual.

Don’t Be Embarrassed! God’s concern for his people was holistic. He didn’t only care about their spiritual lives; he also cared about their physical bodies, even the embarrassing parts! He gave rules protecting from the spread of disease, from sexual abuse and exploitation, even from mold and mildew! Today, we can depend on God to care about the embarrassing and personal issues we face as well. He knows our needs and is looking out for our good.

Matters of Life and Death “Blood” signified both death and the source of life. Blood was a symbolic covering for sin () while also being acknowledged as life-giving (). Blood was important for holy sacrifices, therefore eating blood was forbidden () since it represented life. Jesus’ surprising statement that his disciples should drink his blood thus came as a shock to his hearers (). Jesus’ shed blood is the source of new life ().

Walking with God Beneficence—God’s best interests for his people—is a consistent theme of the Levitical law. Obeying the law brings life! Every law God gave was given for his people’s good. But we fail to obey so often. Jesus came to fulfill the law because sinful humans are incapable of doing so ().

Sexual Abuse God gave very specific laws prohibiting sexual abuse of relatives. God understands the pain that sexual abuse by a family member causes and the long-term damage that it can do. Women and children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to abuse, especially in developing countries where they are hidden away from society. If you have suffered sexual abuse, know that God cares for you and hears your cries. As Christians, we are called to advocate for those who suffer in this way and not simply turn the other way.

Food for the Poor God gave landowners both benefit from and responsibility for wealth. God provided specific instructions for harvesting their crops. They were to leave behind fruit that fell to the ground for the poor to glean or pick up. People who could not fend for themselves gathered the leftover produce for food. God always looks out for those who are less fortunate and asks us to do likewise.

Insults Words can cause pain. Some people find it easy to mock individuals who use thick glasses, crutches, or wheelchairs. Bystanders even excuse such remarks as attempts at humor, seeing nothing wrong with treating adults with disabilities like children. God makes it clear that he does not find any humor from insults or harm done to the disabled. He forbids all such talk with a stern warning: “You must fear your God; I am the LORD.”

Christian Life The Hebrew background to Jesus’ teaching in begins here in Leviticus. Our love of God is shown by our love for others. The command of God to treat others based on the treatment we desire for ourselves is the linchpin of social consciousness (; ).

Finding Rest “You have six days each week for your ordinary work.” The Genesis command to manage and conserve creation, the fruit of one’s labor, is not to become the end-all of life. “But the seventh day is a Sabbath day of complete rest, an official day for holy assembly.” This is not a restriction but a release for our profit as well as a sacred time set aside for intentional worship of God. The Creator has our best interests at heart, and he knows our tendency to neglect rest.

Joy in Suffering Festivals and times of remembrance are important! The Israelites had set times each year to stop and remember difficult times and times of joyful victory. Some churches and communities sponsor annual disability ministry fairs and parties where they demonstrate the care and love of God. What events are important to remember in your life? How can you observe and celebrate these times?

God’s Fairness In the Old Testament, laws like these that prescribe “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” are concerned with proportionate justice, not retribution. It is not about empowering a person to take justice into their own hands to do exactly the same as what was done to them. Rather, it is about providing justice for the wronged person without punishing the wrongdoer excessively. If someone steals from or injures someone else, depending on the situation, restitution or replacement is required. Justice matters to God, and his law reflects that concern.

Set Free The Year of Jubilee celebration created anticipation. Every fifty years there would be release from debt and a returning of land that had been sold. Even the soil was given time to rejuvenate. There were no crops planted in the Year of Jubilee, so the people had to live off what the land produced on its own. Also, slaves and debtors were set free, and lenders were to forgive debts out of loving obedience to God. God cares about our freedom and financial situations, and he still has the power to help us when we cry out to him for relief.

Intimacy with God Yahweh will walk with his people when they walk with him, bringing times of blessing and displaying his personal presence among his people. We have the same promise from God today. When we are living in obedience to God, we are more attuned to his presence in our lives through the Holy Spirit, and our love for God grows.

Discipline God takes an active role in the discipline of his children. He will punish disobedience (), turn against his people with anger (, ), and increase the punishment if disobedience continues (). We often forget that God becomes angry and will judge us according to our actions. However, God never forgets his covenantal promises () or his love for us.

Faithfulness in Marriage Disabilities can be hard on a marriage. Spouses can get overly tired, anxious about money, and discouraged over slow progress in occupational and physical therapy. If a spouse seeks comfort outside of marriage, the whole family suffers. Christian support groups can provide help and hope for failing marriages because forgiveness is available to all through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Aaron’s Blessing The earliest archaeological discovery with the written name of the LORD—Yahweh—was a silver amulet found in a tomb in Jerusalem. The amulet was inscribed with this blessing. It is to be read, believed, and applied as a consistent reminder of God’s protection, pleasure, grace, approval, and peace. Read this blessing again and replace the pronoun “you” with your own name.

Hearing God’s Voice God spoke to Moses from above the mercy seat between the two cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant. Today, we no longer need the Ark or a human mediator. We can hear God’s voice directly from his Word and talk with him in prayer. Even amidst disability, pain, or disease, the Lord speaks through his written Word, guiding us and encouraging us to dialogue with him, just as he did with Moses.

The Passover The Passover was the defining event that led to the Exodus. The annual feast celebrates the miraculous deliverance of God’s people from Egyptian slavery. It represents Israel’s old covenant of God’s grace and points to the new covenant, the shedding of Christ’s blood. The Passover points to the One who suffered more than any human being ever has—or ever will. For this reason, we celebrate his grace today! Because we, too, have been delivered from the greatest slavery of all—sin.

Beware of Complaints How easy it is to grumble and murmur about our hardships. Our hardships are real, but just as real is God’s care for us. God’s love is a fundamental reality, something that is absolutely true in every circumstance we face (). Can you thank the Lord even in your pain or disability? Remaining grateful to God in every circumstance leads you to act in ways that please God ().

Burnout Many busy ministry leaders have burned out as Moses did in this chapter, especially those who serve in disability ministry. These leaders share the challenges and struggles families affected by disability constantly manage. As you read Moses’ cries, let his words inspire you to find ways to encourage disability leaders and caregivers in your community.

Humility A sense of superiority causes people to treat others who are weak or disabled with disdain, ignoring their pain and dehumanizing them. The only thing stronger than arrogance is humility. Like Christ before Pilate and Herod, Moses showed great humility and refused to defend himself against his accusers. When faced with injustice, trust your great Defender to provide justice for you, and respond with humility.

Missing God’s Best Eshcol (literally “cluster”) was the name of a valley south of present-day Jerusalem. From this fruitful valley, spies brought back grape clusters so large that it took two men to carry them on poles. All of the spies, except Joshua and Caleb, lost sight of the magnificent bounty God offered them and instead focused on the numerous, enormous inhabitants of the land. Often, even in the face of God’s blessing, our fear can overshadow everything else, leading us to doubt God and his promises.

Facing Giants A diagnosis of cancer, autism, Alzheimer’s, or paralysis can appear as large as a giant. Meanwhile, doctors, treatments, and the unhelpful comments of well-meaning friends can make us feel as helpless as grasshoppers. Fear and apprehension may cause someone to simply give up. Don’t let bad news and cowardly voices drown out the voice of God in his Word. Instead, say with Caleb, “Let’s go at once to take the land. . . . We can certainly conquer it!” ().

The Cost of Discipleship Disobedience always has consequences. Moses and Aaron dishonored the Lord at the waters of Meribah (). In anger, Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it and was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. Anger may be the biggest hindrance to obeying God’s will, especially when his will involves suffering (). Anger and bitterness over our condition can easily lead to the sin of disobedience.

Defeating Our Enemies These two kings of the Amorites, Sihon and Og, are among the first kings defeated by the Israelites. These victories captured valuable lands east of the Jordan River, securing the eastern border of Israel. It may seem daunting to wage war against emotional “rulers” such as depression, self-pity, and hopelessness, but take heart because God promises victory. “But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ” ().

God’s Roadblocks God speaks in unusual ways. Here, the Lord speaks through a donkey! Yes, a donkey! Balaam’s beast of burden refuses to carry him to a place where he could curse God’s people. Affliction and disabilities can tempt us to veer from God’s will. God uses whatever means necessary to correct us when we start down the wrong path. He speaks to us through his Word, loved ones, mentors, preachers, teachers, and even non-Christians to guide our steps.

God Does Not Lie When God makes a promise, he keeps it (see ). The greatest promise is salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (, ). His promise frees us from the sins of anger, self-pity, bitterness, and despondency. We need only to claim his promise: “And we believers also groan . . . for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us” (, emphasis added). God does not lie.

Chosen to Lead When Moses learned he would die before entering the Promised Land, he appealed to the Lord for a new leader who was Spirit-empowered, a capable military leader, and a loving shepherd for the people. God chose Joshua. Are we ready and willing to stand on the shoulders of those who have fought and sacrificed for the sake of the disabled and suffering, taking whatever responsibility God asks of us, no matter how large or small?

, Rebellion While Balaam couldn’t curse Israel through words, he succeeded in cursing Israel by introducing the immoral worship of Baal. Satan has long enjoyed abusing humanity through war, plagues, disability, immorality, and broken relationships. However, Satan is destined for the Lake of Fire (). His sinful, rebellious influence will one day be extinguished. What a glorious eternity awaits God’s people free from sin, death, disability, pain, and broken relationships!

Obedience and Disobedience Sometimes sin has devastating consequences in our lives. In this case, Moses and Israel suffered for disobeying God. Their attempts to make things right in their own way only made things worse because they continued to refuse to listen to God. Godly repentance requires fully submitting to God and being willing to do things his way and in his timing.

Family Fights The Edomites and Israelites were relatives—descendants of brothers Esau and Jacob. Even though Jacob and Esau reconciled after Jacob cheated Esau, their descendants still bore much mistrust. Sin can create a ripple effect that impacts multiple generations.

Growth under Pressure Israel had spent almost 40 years wandering in the wilderness. Spiritually, our time in the wilderness can last anywhere from days to years. God uses such times (whether short or prolonged) to cleanse us in necessary ways. If we are too anxious to get out of the hard places, we may miss the best part of God’s plan.

Overcoming Obstacles The Israelites had very concrete obstacles to overcome in order to see the fulfillment of God’s promises. Our obstacles may not be kings and armies, but they may be just as difficult to overcome. Just as he was with the Israelites, God promises to be with us and lead us to precisely the place he wants us to be, regardless of the challenges we face along the way.

Victory over Suffering As the new leader of God’s people, Joshua was told not to fear because God would fight for him. God still fights for his beloved children. He fights for us in ways we may not see or understand, but he is always working on our behalf. We can trust him to bring us the ultimate victory in the battles we face in our suffering, whether in this life or the next.

When God Says No Sometimes God says “no” to our fervent requests. This is hard for us, as it was for Moses. God’s refusal can seem to be a lack of compassion, but the truth is that God’s love and compassion have no bounds! God knows what is best. His plan is always good for us and for those who are with us and who follow us.

Remembering Watch! Be careful! Do not let memories slip away! This is such a vital command for us. God wants us to remember his mighty work on our behalf and be intentional about passing those memories down to our loved ones. Write down the good things God has done for you. Talk about them with your family and friends so that you will remember his work when difficulties come.

Rules for Life The first four commandments instruct us on how to love God our Redeemer. In the Sabbath commandment, we are reminded that God brought us out of slavery into freedom, so we must intentionally rest to remember his goodness weekly. The next five commandments show us how to love our neighbor. With every negative (e.g., you must not murder) there is an implicit positive command (so, we should honor and protect life).

Foundational Gratitude This final commandment focuses on our own hearts. The implicit commandment is that we find contentment, no matter our circumstances or our suffering, in God alone—not in envy of our neighbor’s life or circumstances. How do we do this? We discipline our minds and hearts to focus on loving God and others. When our minds and hearts are focused on those things, there is no room for covetousness.

Remembering Children ask good questions in their innocent desire to know why things are the way they are. We should be prepared to share about God’s mercy toward us. These verses remind us that we too were once slaves (not to Pharaoh but to sin). God has saved us by his mighty power and provided a new path to walk in freedom from sin.

Intimacy with God As one of God’s children, you are his “special treasure.” He has chosen you to be his own. This is a warm and encouraging thought in the midst of life’s difficulties. His love for you is not based on your actions; it is based simply on his desire to “set his heart on you”!

An Upside to Suffering When life is smooth and we are experiencing success, it is easy to forget that God is the source and the giver of all that’s “good and perfect” (). Pride can take over when we become self-reliant and self-sufficient. Suffering has a way of keeping us humble and mindful that God has saved us and sustains us.

A Model Prayer Moses’ prayer is a good model for us as well. “Lord, remember that I am your special possession. Please overlook my stubborn sins and give me again your gracious mercy.”

Rules for Life Here we have a summary of the laws God gave to his people: honor, love, serve, and obey God. This is the culmination of all he asks of us. Regardless of our suffering, disabilities, or other challenges we face, it is crucial to respond in obedience.

Protecting the Weak These verses are yet another indication of God’s compassion for the disenfranchised and rejected in our world. His repeated commands to show mercy and seek justice for the weak and the oppressed demonstrate how important they are to him. When you feel rejected, remember that God is with you, providing justice and mercy for you.

Christian Life God loves us enough to give us a choice. Each day, no matter what our circumstances, we can choose to follow God and lean heavily on his power for us and his love toward us.

Modern Idols Even in our modern world we must consider what idols we need to destroy. Though we may not bow to statues of stone, we can fall prey to the worship of money, career, or self-reliance. Even our children can become an idol if they begin to take higher priority than God. God calls us to worship him alone. Are there idols you need to break down so God can take his rightful place in your heart?

Health and Well-being These rules for eating can seem strange at first, but consider the potential problems that eating some of the unclean animals can cause—undercooked pork is very dangerous, animals that eat other animals can spread disease if they are not properly prepared. God’s laws are always given out of love and concern for his people.

Treasured by God God’s plan for releasing people from debt is radical! Every seven years all debt was to be forgiven. Imagine living with that kind of promised release instead of living under impossible and ever-increasing debt. Even though our society does not practice this kind of debt forgiveness, believers are still God’s treasured possession. God wants us to practice radical generosity with each other because he has radically canceled our debt of sin in Christ.

Justice God is the perfect judge. He loves justice and shows no partiality. He is especially concerned for those who suffer affliction or rejection. And God loves to use his people to comfort and heal those who suffer injustices. Perhaps you have suffered unfairly. You can trust God to be the final, perfect Judge and Defender.

Authority God intended his people to follow him as their king. But he knew that the Israelites would eventually want a human king like other nations. The rules God gave for kings showed that he expected them to honor him and serve justly. Power tends to corrupt human hearts. Pray for those in power, that they would be people who know and follow God and that God will guide and direct them.

Child Abuse Sadly, child sacrifice was common in the ancient Near East. God calls such evil “detestable.” God loved the weakest and most vulnerable in society then, and he loves them now. While we do not practice child sacrifice in our society, children are often victims of abuse and exploitation today—especially children with special needs. God calls his people to care for, protect, and pray for vulnerable children around the world.

Fair Is Fair True justice must be defended. When someone wrongly accuses another person, justice is in jeopardy and the wrongly accused person is subjected to undeserved suffering. God decreed that any person maliciously accusing another should face the punishment intended for the wrongly accused person. God is serious about the suffering brought by injustice!

Matters of Life and Death These verses look forward to Jesus who was “hung on a tree” for sinners, taking their place. Remember that God laid on Christ the punishment that we deserve for our sin.

Protecting the Weak Here is another glimpse of God’s love and care for the most vulnerable. Widows, orphans, and foreigners represent those who are weak and in need of protection and mercy. God tells us to extend kindness and generosity to all who are weak and afflicted by the hardships of life. Remember God’s kindness to you in Christ, and show kindness and mercy to others!

Treasured by God This final paragraph in the “law” section reminds us again that when we trust in God we are his own special treasure. He sets us “high above” and honors us, because he loves us as his own. Our obedience to him is a reflection of our gratitude for his love for us.

Walking with God In these chapters, God shows his people that they must continually recommit themselves to him and his love for them. We should also regularly remember that God loves us, and we should always place our trust in him—regardless of our life situation.

Intimacy with God God is infinite in all that he is and in all that he does. We can never fully understand him. But this verse reminds us that he does make himself known to us enough so that, no matter what happens to us, we can trust him. Though we do not know all the reasons for our suffering and pain, he does. We can depend on him!

Failure We mess up. God knows this, and he has chosen to be gracious and compassionate toward us. When we admit our sin and surrender to him, God promises to change our hearts and make us able to love him and live for him. Even when we are in the middle of great affliction, we can trust him for help!

Walking with God What comfort we find in these verses! We don’t need to have fancy college degrees to understand what God tells us in the Bible. The good news of a relationship with God is for everyone, not just for the smartest and the best. When we fill our hearts and minds with God’s Word, he will show us how to live for him.

Rebellion The important verbs here are turn away and refuse. When we rebel in stubbornness, the good life God promises will not be ours. But God graciously gives us a choice to love and follow him in obedience. Loving God is the key to life, no matter our outward circumstances!

Christian Life Life can be hard, and circumstances can be unflinchingly difficult. But just as God told Joshua, God tells us that we need not despair. God is with us and goes ahead of us in every danger and challenge we face. Nothing can take him by surprise or catch him off guard. What good news to know that God will never abandon those who trust in him alone!

Joy in Suffering Moses took time to sing about who God is. We also need to take time to stop and think about the greatness and goodness of God. Everything God does is perfect. This can bring us comfort as we suffer or watch a loved one struggle. Reminding ourselves that God is good and faithful helps us trust that even in pain and affliction, God has a plan for our good.

Protected Are you in a desert place? A howling wasteland? God knows! And he surrounds you and cares for you, hovering over you and keeping you in the shelter of his wings. God provided this word picture of complete dependence to assure us of his protection and guidance.

Growing under Pressure When our strength is gone and we’ve come to the end of ourselves, God sees and remembers us. These verses are a powerful reminder that God will do whatever it takes to bring us back to him. Even wounding? Yes. This is hard, but it is also comforting because God’s purpose is for us to know him and love him as he loves us.

Matters of Life and Death Reading the Bible can sometimes feel like another item on our to-do list, and we may be tempted to forsake it altogether. This verse cautions us to view God’s Word as life. Obeying God is more than just a good thing to do. Obedience allows us to experience God’s blessing and promises.

The Best Place God loves his people. His love is not flimsy or based on the good things we do or the strength we have. God holds the ones he loves in his all-powerful hands. Nothing is better!

Intimacy with God No matter how we struggle, as God’s children, we live in safety with him. How good it is to know that he surrounds us continuously and preserves us from all harm. Yes, we encounter suffering in our lives. But in the ultimate sense, we rest in him. He will always redeem us and save us.

Protected God is a refuge, a safe place in any storm of life or affliction. He carries us with strong arms that do not fail. Trust in his strength to carry you in whatever suffering you are experiencing at this moment. Remember that God is your perfect and powerful shield.

Finding Rest As the life of Moses ends here, we are reminded that just as Moses’ failure to honor God had consequences, our failures have consequences as well. Yet, despite our weaknesses, God promises to bring us home to himself. Though Moses did not enter the Promised Land, he did enter God’s rest. And in fact, with Jesus, he did come into the land on the Mount of Transfiguration (see ). God is good!

God’s Presence The promise of God’s presence was not just for Moses and Joshua, or for Jesus’ original followers who heard him say the words in . God is with us, too! His constant presence brings comfort when we feel alone or rejected. It can relieve pain and suffering. In both good times and bad, nothing can separate us from the love of God ().

Finding Strength Joshua’s story repeatedly reminds us to be strong and courageous, which is tied to knowing and obeying God’s Word. Scripture is a source of strength, even when we’re weak in body or spirit. Living with disabilities can drain one’s energy and resolve, but strength comes from the Lord.

God’s Indwelling Spirit Joshua instructed the Israelites to follow about half a mile behind the priests, who carried the Ark of the Covenant. That distance would allow all the people to see that God was leading the way, but also provide a safe distance from his holy presence. Sometimes God seems distant as we deal with daily challenges, but he is always guiding us. But instead of an Ark we can see, now God’s Spirit indwells our hearts—bringing us assurance and guidance, enabling us to stay on the right path, and helping us to encourage others along the way (, ).

Faith in Action God could have stopped the flow of the Jordan River at any time, even during flood stage. Nothing is impossible for him. But notice that God waited until the moment that the priests’ sandaled feet touched the waters. What a vivid picture of how God asks us to trust him in the midst of life’s flood-high conditions, which can so easily overwhelm us. He is always ready to act when we are ready to trust and move forward in faith.

True Victory Reports spread throughout the land about the Lord’s might and how easily he defeated all of Israel’s enemies. When Christians with multiple disabilities, paralysis, or chronic pain live faithful and joyful lives, they also attest to God’s glorious victory. The enemy may whisper to them, “You have nothing to offer.” But they can shout with Nehemiah, “The joy of the LORD is [our] strength” ().

Prayers in the Darkness Sometimes we experience what is often called a “dark night of the soul” because of physical pain or rejection from others. We may feel alone and wonder if God has abandoned us. reminds us that God will always “listen to the prayers of the destitute.” He will not reject us or our prayers. He may, however, allow a season of darkness so that we will draw even nearer to him.

God, Our Defender The miraculous event detailed in unquestionably proved that it was the Lord who was fighting for Israel. Centuries later, Jesus “fought” for each of us as he hung on the cross and permanently defeated the enemy of our soul. Let us call out to him in faith—believing, as Joshua did, that “everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved” (; ).

Victory Is Ours The people were told to “be strong and courageous” because God would deal with their enemies. This thought gives us encouragement as well. Some enemies are external—oppression, rejection, or prejudice are examples. Others are internal—doubts, feelings of inferiority, or feeling trapped in a body that functions abnormally. But God is on our side, and through him we have victory over all our enemies.

Stay Alert Why were the Israelites unable to drive out the Jebusites? Commentators suggest it was because the Israelites had become passive and failed to fully obey the Lord. We must take care that we adhere to God’s commands so that neither our external enemies nor our own laziness or self-doubt are able to impede our walk with the Lord. Disability and suffering are never legitimate excuses for faithlessness.

Finding Refuge God knew there would be times of tragedy when people would need refuge. The church should be a refuge where all people feel welcomed and experience shalom—God’s peace, wholeness, and forgiveness. As believers, we should seek to offer a place where everyone can find reconciliation and oneness, especially for those who feel they have nowhere left to turn.

Finding Rest The Lord helped his people defeat their enemies and gave them rest from their travels. Not one of God’s promises went unfulfilled; he was with them and fought for them. The same is true today. We find rest in God, and we know that what he has promised in his Word will not go unfulfilled. His Spirit sustains us when we suffer and leads us to rejoice as we trust him in all things.

Love like Jesus “Love the LORD your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul”—these were Joshua’s parting words to the eastern tribes. Similarly, Jesus instructed us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves (). How better to obey than by sharing our lives with hurting people, letting our hands, feet, and voices be Jesus’ when we minister to those he loves?

God’s Faithfulness Knowing his days were drawing to a close, Joshua gathered the Israelites near for encouragement and a warning. He reminded them of all that God had done on their behalf and challenged them to stay the course by continuing to cling to God’s promises. God does not change (); what he has promised—to fight for us and to be present with us—is certain. Circumstances will change, for better or worse, but we can face each day knowing that our God is faithful and trustworthy.

Choosing Service Joshua reminded the Israelites that they faced a choice—with whom would they would place their allegiance? Joshua confirmed his own choice to serve the Lord. This is a decision we need to make daily—even moment by moment—as we face struggles related to suffering or disability. God gives us freedom to choose whether or not to trust him. Placing our trust in God and drawing strength from him is always the right choice.

Obedience God’s people were given specific orders to take possession of the Promised Land and live in peace. God assured them of his presence and support as they faced each enemy tribe. However, the Israelites failed to persevere, and instead they made poor compromises. God’s instructions may not always make sense or seem like the easiest path, but the best way through is always to trust and obey.

Bad Choices, Tough Consequences Israel chose to abandon the Lord and worship other gods. The Lord’s response was not simply to abandon them but to fight against them. He actually handed the Israelites over to their enemies. When we disobey the Lord or turn to the false idols of our day—such as money, possessions, titles, and fame—we can also expect to experience suffering and hardships.

Pity If a perfect God can have pity for people who are suffering as the direct result of their sinful, rebellious behavior, how much more should we sinners do the same for those around us? Pity must not be the kind that looks down its nose at another’s pain but rather the outstretched hand of compassion that says, “I too have suffered and will walk with you through the darkness.”

Testing Some of our problems come as tests—allowed by God—to reveal our hearts, strengthen our resolve, and forge transformation in our lives. When conflict comes, ask God to show you where you need to grow deeper in your Christlike character and convictions. He will be faithful to show you.

, Powerful Rescues Twice in this chapter, God heard Israel’s cry and raised up leaders to rescue them. These men were given the ability to do great things by the power of the Holy Spirit. God still wants to use believers, empowered by the Spirit, to rescue others by doing the things he has prepared for us to do ().

Uniqueness Just as God created Ehud as a left-handed warrior, we are each distinctively designed with gifts, talents, and abilities to accomplish what he ordained for us to do before we were even born ().

Failure in Leadership During the times of Israel’s judges, the leaders of the people faced the choice to continue worshiping the Lord or not after a judge like Ehud passed away. When they made the wrong decision, the people suffered as God turned them over to their enemies. Similarly, the decisions of today’s church leaders impact the lives of their people. When leaders fail to embrace the gifts of those with disabilities, whom Scripture refers to as weaker yet indispensable (), the church body misses out and we all suffer the loss.

Power in Weakness It is so typical of God to use the weakest clan in the whole tribe of Manasseh to battle Israel’s mighty adversary! As churches become increasingly obedient in bringing those with disabilities into their fellowships, mighty works will be displayed through the power of God’s Spirit working in and through those who seem to be weak.

Loyalty How quickly we forget the provision of God. “As soon as Gideon died . . .” God’s people immediately forgot about his example (). Be mindful of the Lord’s care and provision in your life, and remember the loyalty you owe to those who have led you well in your relationship with God. Then, pass it on.

Humble Beginnings Jephthah’s mother was a prostitute. As a result, he was chased away from his home and lost his inheritance. But he held on to his faith and later trusted God in battle. Humble beginnings do not prohibit one from doing great things for God! Whatever the circumstances were that may have caused you to feel devalued by others, God can redeem your life for his glory. Jephthah became a great warrior, perhaps in part because of the abuse he suffered growing up.

God’s Way Is Best Jephthah demonstrated a degree of wisdom one might not expect from someone with his humble beginnings. He recognized this false god, Chemosh, but trusted in the one true God. He looked to the Lord for the provisions he needed. He was not ashamed to side with God and trust him for what was best.

Beware of Vows Jephthah foolishly made a vow to the Lord. He fulfilled the vow, but it was unnecessary in the first place, and it cost him the life of his only daughter—a tragic and unnecessary consequence. In difficult times, we may be tempted to make deals with God in hopes of influencing him. In the grief process, this is called “bargaining.” But God loves us unconditionally. He promises to be with us and carry us through every trial. Obedience is better than sacrifices ()—or vows.

Victory with the Lord Jephthah sought help from the Ephraimites, but they refused. His response was to take the risk and move forward in battle without them, and the Lord gave him victory. We are never alone in our battles or struggles—even if others have abandoned us. The Lord is with us, and he is the one who gives us victory.

Training Children In spite of his godly parents and Nazirite upbringing, Samson tended to do what seemed right in his own eyes. Loving parents often lose faith when their children turn from God and go their own way. Parents can suffer guilt and pain for years. But Samson returned to the Lord before his death, which is every parent’s prayer.

Revenge Samson set out on a path of deliberate disobedience and did not expect to be held accountable. He was enraged and took revenge against the Philistines. When we experience injustice and its life-changing consequences, our human nature seeks revenge. But God does not want his people trapped in a cycle of rage and disobedience. As Paul reminds us, “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the LORD” ().

Power in Weakness In an attempt to control Samson, the Philistines removed his eyes. He had already lost his physical strength, but this demonstrated that he was fully under their control. The Philistines believed their god Dagon had given them victory. They didn’t know that God’s power works best in weakness (). With Samson’s simple prayer, “Sovereign LORD, remember me again” (), God brought down the entire Philistine nation through the final act of a man who was thought of as weak because he was blind.

Crime and Punishment The punishment of God toward those who are disobedient can be incredibly severe. The tribe of Benjamin was almost wiped out because of their inhumane treatment and murder of the concubine from Judah. If we align ourselves with those who deliberately disobey and do evil in the sight of the Lord, we can expect to participate in their consequences. Sometimes suffering is  well-deserved and meted out by God.

Hope of Heaven Death often doesn’t seem fair. Even when we don’t understand, we can trust a loving Father who grieved the sufferings of his own Son, Jesus Christ, and understands our sadness. As Christians, we can believe God when he promises that the grave is not our final destination.

Accepting God’s Will God’s goodness and sovereignty can be difficult to grasp, especially when it comes to suffering. Yet the Bible clearly teaches that nothing can remove us from God’s loving protection in the palm of his hand (). God knows how we will respond to an illness, accident, or injury, and he provides his grace and guidance in each trial to ultimately accomplish his purposes.

God’s Plan for Provision Boaz’s order to let Ruth glean wheat from his fields displayed his honorable and generous character. He also acted in obedience to God’s command in , “When you are harvesting your crops . . . leave [some] for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. . . . God will bless you.” The Lord’s plans are always merciful toward those in desperate need.

Family Support Often in our suffering, we withdraw from those around us, particularly our family. And sometimes families can be uncaring. However, as we see in the example of Ruth and Boaz, family members can also be amazing agents of God’s love and support. Consider gently reaching out to your family in your suffering. They may be waiting, unsure of how to help and looking for you to provide them with directions.

Risk and Reward Ruth faced potential rejection when she followed Naomi’s instructions to ask Boaz to claim his right as their family redeemer. He could have shamed Ruth, but he responded with appreciation for her loyalty to family tradition. If you’ve experienced loss, heartache, or rejection as Ruth did, you may find it hard to trust people. God sees your desperation and loneliness. While he promises that he himself will be a husband to the husbandless (), he often fulfills our deepest desires through a fellow human being. When God speaks, don’t be afraid to take a risk.

Caring for Family Instead of turning his back on Naomi and Ruth’s plight, Boaz did all he could to alleviate the suffering of his widowed relatives. When God shows us a need in someone’s life, we too can reach out with practical and spiritual support. It sounds easy enough, but in reality, it can be harder when that person is a member of our own family. Despite any difficulties we face in caring for our families, we must remember Paul’s words to Timothy: “Those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers” ().

Embracing Today Naomi eventually came to a place of acceptance after the death of her husband and two sons. Once she said “yes” to the blessings that God had for her, she could look forward to the future with courage. One key is deciding to live in the present, embracing the strength available through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. With his help, we can glimpse the bigger picture of God’s redemptive work in our lives.

Deep Pain, Deeper Grace Hannah’s pain was intensely personal. Although her husband loved her and sought to comfort her, the relentless taunting from her rival, Peninnah, and the emptiness of unfulfilled longings took their toll, reducing Hannah to tears time and time again. Sometimes our pain is so deep that only the Lord is able to understand it fully. In those moments, we can rest assured that there are no limits to how far his caring touch can extend.

Lay Down Your Burdens The antidote to discouragement is to pour out one’s heart before the Lord, as Hannah did. The process of laying her “great anguish and sorrow” at the Lord’s feet made it possible for her to receive Eli’s blessing and, ultimately, to move from discouragement to refreshment ().

Fulfill Your Vows After holding in her arms the child she had longed for so desperately, Hannah entrusted her son into the Lord’s hands. Just as the Lord is faithful to fulfill his promises to us, we should also fulfill the promises we make to him—no matter how costly or painful it may be to do so.

Reversals of Fortune In her song of praise to the Lord, Hannah expresses a theme that is found repeatedly in Scripture: God delights in reversing the “usual” course of things. The weak are made strong while the mighty are broken (); the poor are raised up to places among royalty (); and, to Hannah’s joyful surprise, barren wombs are made fruitful (). Though “no one will succeed by strength alone” (), with God “everything is possible” ().

Honor God Above All Eli’s sons treated God and his commands contemptuously, and Eli failed to discipline them. Consequently, the Lord pronounced judgment on Eli and his descendants. When we fail to honor God above all else and instead put our own selfish desires ahead of obedience to him, we open ourselves up to divine chastisement.

Bending the Knee Before God God will be honored and glorified, whether through his people or others, in obedience or disobedience. The question is whether we will be “stubborn and rebellious as Pharaoh and the Egyptians were,” or whether we will willingly bend the knee before God’s throne.

Standing in the Lord’s Presence Only through the blood of Jesus Christ, the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (), can we stand in the Lord’s presence. Indeed, we have both the hope and the promise that he is able to “bring [us] with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault” ().

Acknowledging God as King When the people of Israel saw that they would not receive justice from the hands of Samuel’s sons, who “accepted bribes and perverted justice” (), they decided that having a “king to judge [them] like all the other nations have” () was the way to go. Unfortunately, as Samuel so clearly warned (), a human king would inflict the same injustices—and worse—upon them. Sometimes we bring suffering upon ourselves through our failure to acknowledge God as Lord and King over us. But even in our refusal to heed the warnings, he graciously provides.

Limits on Leaders The rule of Israel’s new king was intended to be limited by a prescribed set of rights and obligations. Problems arise when leaders overstep the limits of their role either by claiming for themselves rights that do not properly belong to them or by failing to fulfill obligations that they have toward those they lead.

Run to God! The Israelites were convicted of their wrongdoing and were afraid. But Samuel pointed out that God would bring dishonor to his own name if he were to abandon his people. As it was then, so it is today: When we become aware of our guilt before God, the best thing we can do is to run to him, not away—for he has promised that he will “neither fail [us] nor abandon [us]” (; see also ).

Patient Obedience Saul forfeited blessings that could have been his had he obeyed the Lord wholeheartedly and completely. Even in the face of apparent defeat—when things seem to be falling apart and nothing is going according to plan—the Lord calls us to continue to wait on him in patient obedience rather than usurp his place of honor and glory.

Check In with God First Even when all is going well and we achieve “victory,” we often make things harder for ourselves than they need to be. Saul’s oath was foolish, leading to hunger and weariness on the part of his troops. It’s possible that this outcome could have been avoided if Saul had consulted God before going into battle (). How often do we seek the Lord’s voice prior to taking on an emotional or physical challenge in our lives?

Complete Submission In the face of Saul’s lies, Samuel underscores the importance of obedient submission to the Lord. Our outward acts of sacrifice do not impress him; instead, the “eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (). Submission is not dependent on external circumstances; indeed, it is often in the most difficult times of inner suffering and uncertainty that our commitment to the Lord (or lack thereof) is most clearly evident.

Outward Appearance It is common to assume that physical attractiveness, impressive stature, verbal eloquence, and the like are reliable indicators of a person’s character and abilities. People with disabilities are often overlooked, neglected, or even abused as a result. God is far more concerned about internal qualities of the heart, such as patience, sensitivity, faith, goodness, perseverance, and self-control ().

God’s Sovereignty over All Depression and fear can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical and medical disorders. In some instances—as in the case of Saul—they can be experienced as a direct consequence of broken fellowship with the Lord. Regardless of the cause, depression and fear remain within the scope of God’s sovereignty. God’s power over all things—including anxiety, depression, and fear—means that the things you or your loved ones may be struggling with are known to him and within his power to heal. Often it seems as though there is no way out of these afflictions, “but with God everything is possible” ().

Prepared by God Rather than viewing his humble background as a liability or an embarrassment, David recognized the ways in which the Lord had used his experiences to prepare him specifically for the challenge at hand. We also can rest assured that the Lord has prepared us for the struggles we face, and we can be confident that he can use even the most ordinary, seemingly unimpressive details of our lives in completely unexpected ways.

The Right Perspective Perspective is key. The Israelite soldiers saw a forbidding giant of a warrior who came before them with “sword, spear, and javelin,” taunting them and mocking their God. David, by contrast, saw an enemy whom God had already defeated. He knew that it was “the LORD’s battle” and that “the LORD of Heaven’s Armies” would secure the victory and the glory. When we have the proper perspective, we can stare down even the most terrifying of enemies with no fear.

The Law of Love This covenant between David and Jonathan stood in contrast to the conventions of the time. Middle Eastern kings, upon rising to power, commonly killed off surviving family members of previous dynasties to prevent threats of insurrection and claims to the throne. In David’s promise to extend kindness to Jonathan’s offspring in the same way that Jonathan had shown kindness to him, David bound himself to a higher principle—the law of love—which is able to overcome even the most brutal of human traditions.

God, the Final Judge Ahimelech rightly protested his innocence, but sadly, neither he nor his fellow priests and their families were spared. Innocent victims of injustice abound in a world marred by sin, but there is a Judge who sees and brings everyone to account for their actions ().

A Jolt of Faith David found himself in the wilderness, on the run from Saul, and sorely in need of encouragement. He received it from his friend Jonathan, who “encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.” When ministering to those in need of encouragement, perhaps the greatest service we can provide is to bolster a person’s faith in God, directing attention away from the immediate danger and toward the one who is able to keep his children safe.

Suffering Shapes Character David’s capacity for mercy was fueled by a well-honed conscience (), which in turn had been shaped by years of walking in close fellowship with the Lord while enduring constant threats to his life from Saul. Suffering shapes our character in ways we often cannot anticipate, preparing us for critical opportunities to show the same kind of mercy to others that we have received from our own Savior.

Timely Advice A well-spoken word of advice or intercession, given at just the right moment, can be instrumental in preventing wrongdoing and the suffering that can result. Such timely advice is “lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket” (). If we remain alert, we can be used by the Lord to speak words of truth, exhortation, and encouragement at moments when they are sorely needed.

Confident Trust It must have seemed like a “no-brainer” for David to take the opportunity to eliminate his rival and thereby ensure the fulfillment of the Lord’s promises to him. But David recognized that Saul had been chosen by the Lord to lead the people of Israel, and that the Lord was not lacking for options. Trusting the Lord, even when his promises don’t seem to be coming true, requires patience and a deep, abiding confidence in him. Such confidence does not come easy, but it can be nurtured.

Life’s Setbacks and God’s Providence Though David had been driven into exile out of fear of being killed by Saul, this circumstance became an occasion to be used by the Lord to impose judgment on those who had harmed his people in the past. What might seem like “setbacks” in our lives can turn out to be occasions for the Lord to use us in unexpected ways.

Allowing Fear to Control Saul allowed his fear to lead him to do that which he himself had forbidden others to do and which he knew to be a profound evil expressly prohibited by God’s law. His desperate attempt to control the outcome of events was doomed from the outset and left him just as “paralyzed with fright” () as before. If we allow fear to drive our actions, it can drive us into unimaginable depths of sin and wickedness.

Be Generous with Your Blessings David recognized that victory over the Amalekites was neither his own doing nor that of his soldiers; instead, the Lord made it possible for them to defeat their enemies and had given the plunder into their hands. David pointed out that they ought not to be selfish with the bounty they were enjoying because it was all a gift from the Lord anyway. In what ways are we tempted to be selfish with the blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon us?

Compassion toward Enemies After Saul made David his sworn enemy, David was forced to live in exile. Jonathan, Saul’s son, also became a potential rival to David’s throne. Yet ironically, Jonathan and David became the closest of friends. And David mourned deeply over the deaths of both Jonathan and Saul. David’s compassion toward those who had tried to kill him was extraordinary—a testimony to God’s power to enable us to love even our worst enemies.

Humility in Victory The deaths of Saul and his sons could have been seen by David as a long-overdue triumph over his political foes. But David recognized their deaths and the defeat of Israel’s army as a devastating loss for the nation. This humble king modeled concern for the well-being of his people above his own pride.

Waiting on the Lord After Saul’s death, Abner anointed Ishbosheth as king, a foolish act that caused a brief split in the kingdom and foreshadowed the eventual permanent rift between Israel and Judah. For David, the delay and protracted conflict must have been agonizing—would the Lord’s promises to him ever come true? Like David, we are called to continue to trust that the Lord will fulfill his promises to us—even when we can’t see them coming to fruition.

Individual Actions, National Consequences Saul’s refusal to obey God’s commands led to a civil war after his death between those loyal to him and those who supported David’s kingship. This underscores the reality that the actions of individuals, especially key leaders, can have a profound impact on many people’s lives—even entire nations. Whether we are in a position of leadership or not, we need to realize that our actions have an impact beyond ourselves. We must resist the temptation to think that our relationship with God is merely a “private” matter without consequences for those around us.

God’s Sovereignty Abner may have been acting more out of a sense of wounded pride rather than a deep-seated desire to see the Lord’s will done. Regardless, his political intrigue and treachery accomplished the Lord’s purposes for David, providing yet another vivid reminder of God’s sovereignty in and over all things.

Taking the High Road In valuing loyalty above betrayal and forgiveness and mercy above revenge, David takes the “high road” and the people love him for it. When all is said and done, mercy is the only thing that can break the violent and painful cycle of revenge.

Challenges of Disability As a result of an accident at the age of five, both of Mephibosheth’s feet were seriously and permanently injured. Mephibosheth’s disability would have significantly impacted his ability to make a living and provide for himself, particularly in the agricultural society in which he lived. Similar challenges persist for people with disabilities today.

The Lord Our Savior Perhaps informed by his own experiences of unjust suffering, David’s chief concern here is for justice. These two assassins have “killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed” and therefore deserve to be executed (). Instead of relying on human cunning, David keeps his focus on the Lord, who alone “saves me from all my enemies” (). We, too, do well to remember that it is the Lord who rescues us from our troubles, not our own strength or ingenuity.

Giving Credit to God After many years of waiting, David received confirmation and blessing from the Lord. David’s success, both military and political, is intentionally attributed to the Lord and is recognized as serving a larger purpose. When we experience blessings in our lives, it’s imperative that we give credit to the Lord and look for ways that our blessings might also be intended to benefit others.

Hope for the Future In this hope-filled passage, the Lord simultaneously assures David that he and his descendants will have a future—indeed, “a dynasty of kings”—and also points toward the Messianic King who will someday reign with justice over all humanity. Christ alone can fill the longing in our hearts for genuine and lasting peace.

Just Leadership It is no accident that King David is portrayed in Scripture as being the greatest king in Israel’s history. One distinction of his reign was that he “did what was just and right for all his people,” and this reflects God’s deep concern for justice. Since much suffering can come about as a result of unjust leadership, leaders are held to the highest of standards.

Personal Significance Taken aback by David’s unexpected display of generosity, Mephibosheth responded in ways typical to people living as social outcasts. Like many who experience long-term isolation, he had no sense of significance or self-worth. Often the first step in reaching those who have known rejection is to reassure them that they indeed can receive the kindness of others.

Empowerment King David had the legal rights to all of Saul’s possessions. He gave them all to Mephibosheth, including thirty-five men under his employ. In doing this, David empowered Mephibosheth with a potentially lucrative business. Sometimes, people with disabilities simply need a hand to “get on their feet” again. Praise God for ministries and organizations that help provide such opportunities.

Life in God’s Kingdom The fact that Mephibosheth was “crippled in both feet” and yet elevated to the highest privilege of the royal household underscores the surprising nature of the “upside-down” Kingdom of God. The Beatitudes affirm this (see ).

No Fooling the Lord After achieving great success, David let his guard down—and temptation found him. To make matters worse, he tried to cover up his sins. But the Lord, before whom “all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open” (), saw everything that David had done, and he was displeased (). We deceive ourselves terribly if we think that we can fool the Lord—and we bring unnecessary suffering on ourselves and others when we try.

Offending God Sin, no matter how large or small it seems, is ultimately an offense against God. In the case of David, his sins of adultery and murder changed the entire trajectory of his personal and public life—tragically affecting the lives of everyone closest to him. David’s failure reminds us to take all sin—especially our own—as seriously as the Lord does.

Innocent Suffering The loss of an innocent child due to the carelessness of others is a great tragedy. This is an example of why “personal” sins are so serious. Though the Lord graciously forgave David, the child born from his illicit union with Bathsheba did not survive. As difficult as these verses are to read, they are a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin.

Confidence in God’s Character Though undergoing the Lord’s just discipline, David placed his confidence in the steadfast nature of God. In his desperation, he “begged God to spare the child” (). And although his request was not granted, David received the gift of hope: “I will go to him one day. . . .” No matter how difficult our suffering—even when brought on by our own actions—the route to hope always runs through our loving Lord, who “is the same yesterday, today, and forever” ().

Comfort In the wake of the pain, brokenness, and sorrow brought about by David’s grievous sins, the Lord graciously provided him and Bathsheba (now his wife) with another child—Solomon, whom the Lord loved. Time and time again in Scripture, the Lord reveals himself to be the comforter of the weak, who “heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds” ().

Life Is Short Despite his anger toward Absalom, David’s heart “longed” for reconciliation (). Still, he could not take the action needed to make it happen. At Joab’s prompting, the woman from Tekoa reminded David of life’s fleeting nature. If healing was to occur, she warned, it must happen sooner rather than later, for “our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again.” Is there someone who you need to reconcile with today?

The Ministry of Reconciliation Instead of reconciliation, Absalom provoked rebellion against his father and “stole the hearts of all the people of Israel.” Peacemaking and reconciliation are never easy and have no guarantee of success. But we are called to seek a settlement whenever possible (; ). In doing so, we follow in the footsteps of our heavenly Father, who “devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him” ().

False Accusations It is easy to return insults, accusations, and curses with harsh words. But such responses are foolish because they can lead to further escalation of the conflict. They also reflect a lack of trust in God. When faced with unjust accusations, we should follow the lead of David’s descendant Jesus, the Suffering Servant, who “was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word” ().

Timely Words If Absalom had followed Ahithophel’s advice, David might have been killed and the direction of Israel would have been forever altered. Instead, the Lord placed Hushai in a strategic position to frustrate their plans, preserving David’s life and mitigating the suffering they would have caused. Likewise, we should be on the lookout for ways in which we might be used by the Lord to preserve his plan when others might be tempted to choose their own way—for “timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket” ().

A Time for Everything David allowed his grief over Absalom to consume him to the point where he lost sight of the needs of others. Suffering has the potential to direct us inward—to focus on our own pain and sorrow to the point of ignoring everyone else. “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven” ()—including grief. But expressions of grief and sorrow must always be tempered with godly wisdom.

Vulnerability Mephibosheth’s disability made him dependent on Ziba to tell him the truth and accurately represent him to others. Apparently, Ziba did neither. Because people with disabilities are often more susceptible to being taken advantage of in various ways, the Lord places a high premium on their protection and well-being ().

Horizons of Faith Though some of the Lord’s promises to David had come true, many still remained unfulfilled, including the promise of “a dynasty of kings” (). Even after having scaled the heights of the Lord’s goodness, David still had to rely on his faith in God’s word. Similarly, our walk with the Lord is a never-ending journey of faith—he is always leading us toward new horizons of trust in him.

God’s Mercy David’s conscience convicted him before the Lord, and he knew there would be divine judgment involving suffering. At the same time, he believed that God’s mercy was great even during times of discipline (). When our conscience convicts us of sin, we can be sure that we have an Advocate in heaven “who pleads our case before the Father” () and longs to pour out his mercies upon us.

Serve God in Later Years When David failed to announce his successor, he left a power vacuum. Adonijah, his oldest living son, was the natural successor (), but not David’s (or God’s) choice. By not speaking up publicly, David allowed Adonijah the opportunity to take matters into his own hands, which ultimately resulted in suffering for David’s family. As we age, it is critical that we make our values and wishes known. We can still use our waning energies and resources to help future generations know and serve the Lord.

A Good Life What does a successful life look like? Popular definitions include things like status, title, property, and wealth. David summed up a good life for his son Solomon: “Observe the requirements of the LORD your God, and follow all his ways.” A successful life consists of following God’s ways and obeying his laws—something attainable by all people.

The Prayer of Dedication A dedicated life begins with prayer. Prayer and praise help us focus on God’s power to accomplish everything else, including serving people, leading projects, or growing businesses. For Solomon, God was supreme, faithful, and deserving of wholehearted devotion. Dedication is transformative: It can change the course of your entire life.

Greater Gifts An old adage says, “Run away from wealth, not toward it.” While Solomon’s riches were greater than all the kings of Israel combined, they were still God’s good gifts to him. When Solomon turned toward the pleasures of sin, his heart turned away from God. And the Lord turned away from Solomon (). Whether you have much or little, it all comes from God. Run toward the Giver, not the gifts.

The Biggest Sin The great sin of Jeroboam, king of Israel, was inciting God’s people to worship other gods. This became a benchmark of unfaithfulness for later kings, who consistently failed to remove the false gods Jeroboam set up for Israel. There was nothing complicated about the biggest problem during these centuries. For each king the test was the same—did he follow God completely and confront evil, or did he not? We must not be tempted to obscure God’s holiness or diminish his absolute supremacy over us.

No Other Gods Those in power are usually intent on staying in power. Jeroboam feared losing power. He worried that the people traveling to the Temple at Jerusalem would switch their allegiance to the king of Judah. So he created his own religious idols, practices, and festivals to keep the people at home. When confronted by a prophet of God, his resistance resulted in a temporary paralysis of his arm and—much more seriously—an increasingly hardened heart.

Carry the Word Elijah spoke the words of God not only to powerful kings but also to weak widows and peasants. His calling was to speak the message plainly. Being a “word-carrier” has a sense of immediacy: “This word is for you now!” Every new encounter begins with “the LORD said” (, ; ). Word-carriers look for “word-receivers” who can, in turn, become a living message.

Bold Advocacy Taking God into the public arena in order to expose false gods requires moral courage and spiritual confidence. In this chapter, Elijah the storyteller explained the action to come (); Elijah the mocker taunted the prophets of Baal (); Elijah the victor demonstrated the supremacy of his God (); and then Elijah the executioner removed the leading figures of false religion (). That’s godly boldness in action.

Succession Planning God’s succession planning for Elijah is instructive. First, God involved Elijah. Although Elijah did not appoint his successor, he did anoint him and symbolically threw his cloak over him. Elijah even hired Elisha as his assistant so he could learn from their shared adventures. Often, we can find worthy successors in places we wouldn’t readily expect, like Elijah being sent to anoint a farmer to take over for him as a prophet. Why not ask a person who might have been overlooked because of an impairment to assist you in ministry? Give them the dignity of serving. One day they may even take your place!

Not a Regional God God is not confined to a territory or to a particular group. He is the God of the hills and the plains! We can detect his work in private spaces, such as our homes and churches, and in public places, such as our governments and courts. God is sovereign over all space and time! “The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything” ().

The Lone Voice Two kings—Jehoshaphat of Judah and Ahab of Israel—sought the prophets’ counsel. Out of 400 prophets, Micaiah alone spoke God’s words. It’s difficult to be a solitary voice. God’s messages may not always be popular or easy to obey—advocating on behalf of people with disabilities and their families who are part of your church can put you in a similar place—but trust God, and always speak his truth.

Staying Close Elijah and Elisha had bonded. Elisha stayed close, knowing Elijah would be taken from him that day. In a fast-paced, globalized world, people with disabilities can find themselves socially isolated and alone. Choose someone as a friend and remain true to them; by staying close, you are sending a clear message: “You matter.”

Earthly Good-byes Elijah’s departure from earth was supernatural and sudden. Elisha was distressed (), and those around him struggled to process the disappearance as well (). To live is to leave—friends after a meal, parents as you grow up, places when you move on, and earth when you die. But for the Christian, to leave earth is to arrive in heaven—a glorious hope!

Honoring God There was no water. Three kings—Jehoshaphat of Judah, Joram of Israel, and the king of Edom—agreed to consult Elisha. The prophet requested a harpist. Music was part of honoring God before the kings (see also ). The outcome—the arrival of water and victory over Moab—was rooted in worshiping and giving glory to God, the King of kings.

Sacrifice amid Hardship During a time of economic hardship and famine, the unnamed man from Baal-shalishah remained devoted to God. He did not enter into a theological negotiation, arguing that God knew times were hard; he offered the first produce of his harvest. Like this man and the boy with the loaves and fishes (), we never know when we may become part of a miracle.

The Unseen Two worlds exist: the visible world of human resources and planning, and the invisible world of spiritual powers and realms. By prayer, the prophet and the young man saw what the kings could not. Can you see the spiritual realities surrounding you? Pray to see beyond the realities of earthly agendas into the power and resources of a supernatural God and his activities.

God at Work God uses those whom society marginalizes (). Four lepers, living through times of suffering and dehumanization (), decided it would be better to surrender than starve. On entering the enemy camp, they discovered that is was empty! The Lord had caused the Aramean army to hear chariots and soldiers, and the entire army had fled in confusion. Often we take a path only to discover God’s supernatural activity awaiting us.

Knowing the Future Our desire to know the future is strong, but we should be careful what we wish for—such knowledge can bring anguish. King Ben-hadad of Aram was ill and sent Hazael to Elisha to find out whether he would recover. The Lord revealed to Elisha that Hazael would assassinate Ben-hadad and become the next king. Elisha wept because of this knowledge.

God’s Help God used an evil king, Jeroboam II, to recover the territories of Israel and alleviate the suffering of his people. God saw the Israelites’ bitter agony and intervened in an unexpected way. Where does our help come from ()? It comes from God—but how? Perhaps for you it will come in a way you least expect!

God’s Anger God’s anger is an expression of his grace. He gets angry when we defy, disobey, and fail to listen to him—because he cares. It is the anger of love spurned, for time and time again he has spoken to us. Defiance sacrifices hope on the altar of spiritual resistance. Surrender now any known defiance toward God that is in your heart.

Bullying Intimidation, humiliation, and deception are the weapons of a bully—in school, the workplace, the church, or even ancient Judah. King Sennacherib of Assyria sent two letters to undermine confidence in Hezekiah, sow fear, and incite rebellion among the people. Hezekiah spread the second letter before the Lord and prayed. It was a physical act of trust. Are you feeling the pain of bullying? Lay it out before God!

, Medicine and Prayer Prayer can seem like a subversive, even defiant act when confronted with a fatal diagnosis. In the face of a terminal illness, preparing an ointment for a boil might seem like a waste of time. Yet for Hezekiah, both prayer and medicine were appropriate. Prayer isn’t pointless when a person is dying; neither is medicine pointless when a person is praying.

Children Who Turn Away Hezekiah, one of the greatest kings of Judah, had a son, Manasseh, who was one of the worst. Manasseh dismantled all of Hezekiah’s religious reforms. Mercifully, Hezekiah was not alive to see it. A parent whose child turns away from God experiences indescribable pain. Yet, there is still hope for our children (), and our own legacy—a lifetime of faithful living—remains.

Demonstrating Trust What we build or repair forms our legacy. Of course, how we build is equally, if not more, important—particularly when it comes to our relationships with the people with whom we work. King Josiah was prepared to entrust the money for repairs to those he had hired as supervisors. There’s nothing quite so empowering as extending your unqualified trust.

Including All People When Josiah set out to restore obedience and remove evil, he asked to speak to all of God’s people, “from the least to the greatest.” Later, Paul spoke to the church, calling it the “body of Christ” wherein each person played an important part (). Truly inclusive churches welcome all people, regardless of ability or disability, into full participation in the fellowship of believers.

Seek God Himself “Keep me from all trouble and pain!” This is a prayer God surely hears a lot. Jabez’s honorable prayer offers an example of how to pray for what really matters; God’s blessing, presence, and protection are the core requests in this prayer. A greater inheritance and freedom from pain are merely the desired effects of these requests. When pain afflicts you, seek God himself.

Mourn with Those Who Mourn One of the notable features of Ephraim’s life was his mourning due to specific misfortune. His two sons were killed in a raid in the vicinity of Gath. Mourning such loss often requires a long time. During such times, relatives and close friends can be a special source of blessing and comfort ().

Suicide Is a Costly Choice Saul took his own life because he would not allow himself to be abused by the Philistines. It is not uncommon for people to think or say that they would rather die than experience some grief or humiliation. But Saul’s choice multiplied the suffering endured by the Israelites, who lost their homes as a result of the disheartening effect Saul’s death had on his army. Suicide always touches more lives than one.

Do Everything through Christ The city’s inhabitants taunted him, but David conquered Jerusalem in the Lord’s strength. No matter what the world calls impossible, those who trust in the Lord “can do everything through Christ” (). Whatever suffering, obstacles, or setbacks you face—whenever the world says “never”—with Christ, you can say “nevertheless.”

Friends Help Friends David was thirsty and longed for water from a well near Bethlehem. He felt trapped and helpless. But then, to his surprise, three of his men risked their lives to bring him water. When we feel alone, our feelings are often inaccurate. Just as David had friends who were willing to risk their lives to aid him, we have a Friend who gave his life so that we might drink from the well of living water ().

Celebrate the Lord Delighted by the return of the Ark of the Covenant, all Israel gathered and rejoiced. Following David’s lead, they “were celebrating before God with all their might.” Not all could celebrate with the vigor of David, but every Israelite could and did celebrate with whatever ability God had given them. We, too, are called to love and celebrate God with all that we are and all we have (; ).

Look to God One of the surest ways to find joy is to look to the Lord and seek his face. Too often we look at God through the lens of our suffering, which the enemy uses to steal our joy. Look to God! And let his holiness and strength be the source of your joy.

Suffering and God’s Love Chapter 17 tells us of the great favor that God showed David and of David’s gratitude for God’s grace and mercy. Then, the following chapters relate that David experienced significant conflict with enemies for the remainder of his reign. Suffering is not a sign that God has withdrawn his love for the one who suffers! Just as God blessed David in his struggles, he continues to bless us in ours.

Leave All in God’s Hands In difficult times, when terrible things seem inevitable, Joab’s approach to a difficult situation is a valuable example. Joab’s army was surrounded, so he made the best military decision he could and then encouraged his brother to be courageous and brave, saying “May the LORD’s will be done.” When we feel surrounded, we do well to make the best plans we can and then leave the outcome in the hands of our faithful God.

Beware the Enemy Even the most mature among God’s people experience temptation in this life (). David himself, the “man after [God’s] own heart” (), could be led into sin by Satan. All of us should be careful to not let Satan “outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes” ().

The Cost of Ministry David insisted on paying full price for Araunah’s field because he refused to offer a sacrifice to the Lord that cost him nothing. It is in the very nature of a sacrifice that something is given up. If it doesn’t cost you anything, it isn’t a sacrifice. When ministering to others who are suffering, remember that despite the cost, God is worthy of that cost and “rewards those who sincerely seek him” ().

Equality in the Lord In Hebrew culture, the oldest child had advantages that the younger children did not. The eldest son inherited twice as much as his siblings (). But in the families that were assigned to serve the Lord, those distinctions had no bearing on the roles they played. The advantages the world celebrates are of no account, and God chooses to use all who are willing to do his work.

Be Strong and Courageous David encouraged his son Solomon with the same words that God used to encourage Joshua after the death of Moses (). In both cases, a younger man faced a daunting task left unfinished by the great leader who preceded him. In our lives, we often struggle with tasks that seem too great for us to accomplish on our own. In these times, we should remember to be “strong and courageous.” Our God is with us even as he was with Joshua and Solomon.

All Things Are the Lord’s David’s prayer was a reminder that whatever good or great things people may accomplish in the Lord’s name, God himself has been at work, and he gets the thanks and praise. All things are his—including the greatness and power present in those who endure suffering to build his Kingdom. Whatever reason you might have to say “but who am I?”; that condition is no deterrent to God, who can use you to accomplish great and heavenly things.

Value Wisdom People with disabilities and their caregivers often feel powerless and lack needed resources. When Solomon felt weak, he asked God for wisdom to lead and govern his people. His example shows us that no matter what is on our list of needs, wisdom is far more valuable. And God is ready to grant it when we ask ().

Praise God First When God reveals himself to us in some new way, we’re often slow to thank him. But here we see how God’s people declared him to be “good” and “faithful” even before they had experienced the glory of his presence. Let us praise him first and always—with full assurance that he will come as he promised!

God Forgives Willingly Sometimes God’s people bring suffering on themselves through their own sin; at other times this is not the case (). But when it is true that our sins have led to suffering, Solomon’s prayer encourages us to cry out to God, who forgives willingly.

Repentance Brings Restoration Sometimes the troubles brought on by sin affect whole communities. It is comforting to know that God’s gracious response to his people’s humble prayers of repentance can restore entire communities as well.

Wise Counsel After Solomon’s death, Rehoboam made some horrible decisions that increased the suffering of his people. He rejected the advice of the elders and listened to younger men, who encouraged him to rule with cruelty instead of compassion. Wise counsel from those with greater experience is especially necessary in seasons of suffering and transition. Foolish counsel can multiply sorrow.

Forgetting God Rehoboam’s sin was a common one. After the struggles had passed, he forgot God (). When God allows chronic suffering, we must remember that he may very well be using it to draw us closer to him (, ). Isn’t that what we want too?

Cry Out for Help When Abijah and the men of Judah realized they had been ambushed and were in danger of being destroyed, they may have been tempted to despair. But as they wisely cried out to the Lord for help, he gave them victory. Whatever troubles may be afflicting you, don’t give up. By putting your trust in God, you can experience his deliverance too.

Trust God Completely Today’s medical options can put patients in a quandary. There’s getting the first opinion and the second opinion, then choices between experimental treatments and established methods, all while consulting scientific research that is sometimes contradictory and difficult to decipher. After all of our due diligence, what part does faith play? Is God merely a supplement to the confidence we place in ourselves or others? Like Asa during this period in his life, our ultimate trust must be in God. He can work through all of our options to show us which path to take ().

Stay Near to God During dark times, even people of faith can turn away from God and neglect his Word. Azariah’s prophecy encouraged all who suffer to stay near to God and closely keep his instructions. Even when our courage and strength fail, and we leave God for a season, we are invited back with assuring words: “Whenever you seek him, you will find him!”

Always Seek the Lord Asa’s sin was not that he saw a doctor, but that he only saw a doctor and did not also seek the Lord. As a result, he died. Physicians and the knowledge they possess are good gifts from God, but they are to be employed in conjunction with prayer—never instead of.

When You Feel Overwhelmed Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were in a terrible position. They were being attacked by an overwhelming enemy and felt powerless to defend themselves. At times, we experience similar situations; we feel that nothing can be done from a human perspective. Jehoshaphat cried out, “We do not know what to do”; but actually he did—he looked to God for hope and mercy. His prayer encouraged his people. Our prayers can do the same.

Be Cautious in Friendship Throughout the Scriptures, we see that “bad company corrupts good character” (). Because Jehoshaphat allied himself with an evil king, his plans ended in disaster. As Christians, we can avoid many misfortunes by choosing friends who can give godly advice ().

Sin’s Collateral Damage Jehoram suffered intensely because of his rebellion against God. His people and his family also experienced great suffering. Knowing that our sins can cause others to suffer should be a strong incentive to find out what pleases the Lord and do it.

The Rewards of Faithfulness For his faithfulness, Jehoiada the priest was given an honor that even some of the kings of Judah failed to attain: He was buried among the kings in the City of David even though he wasn’t related to David. Jehoiada was given a place of honor, his body resting with kings after his death, but something even better awaits him—and us. God’s people will one day be eternally seated with the King of kings ().

Correcting Mistakes Amaziah feared his army was inadequate, so he hired hundreds of mercenaries. When confronted by a man of God for his lack of trust, Amaziah’s first concern was his huge investment. But realizing his mistake, Amaziah sent the hired troops away in favor of letting God bring the victory. Have you pursued relationships, investments, or decisions that did not reflect your confidence in the goodness of God? It is never too late to correct your mistake and trust the Lord to meet your needs.

God’s Restoring Grace God’s restoration of Manasseh stands as one of the great testimonies to the grace of God. Manasseh was possibly the wickedest king of Judah, even sacrificing his sons to idols. Yet while in chains in Babylon, he sought the Lord, who graciously restored Manasseh to his throne. No one is beyond the reach of God’s transforming grace.

God Collects Our Tears There are times when the most appropriate response to suffering or tragedy is simply to lament. Biblical spirituality is not always cheerful. At times like these, we can find comfort in this truth: God has “collected all [our] tears in [his] bottle” and has “recorded each one in [his] book” (). One day, God himself will wipe our tears away forever ().

Resting in God Chronicles ends with a wonderful invitation. All those who had endured suffering in Babylonian captivity were free to go. They could go up to Jerusalem and participate in the rebuilding of the Temple for the praise and glory of God. We, too, are invited to enter the “special rest” of God through faith in his Son, Jesus Christ (). All are welcome—yes, everyone!

God’s Heart for the Nations The Temple in Jerusalem was never meant to be exclusively for the Jewish people. When Solomon praised God for allowing him to build the Temple, he knew people of other nations would come to know and fear God (). The Temple in Jerusalem would facilitate their worship. After the Temple was rebuilt, the first celebration rightly included local worshipers who had turned from their immoral ways to worship the One True God ().

Every Person Counts Time was taken to document the number of those who returned from exile. It can be tempting to simply glance over a tedious list like this one, but this passage reflects the importance placed on each redeemed individual and family. Similarly, it can be easy to skip over or ignore the uniqueness of persons affected by disability. Don’t get overwhelmed by a list of diagnoses, behavioral issues, or what you think you don’t know. Simply get to know the person, and you’ll begin to see his or her true value.

Do It Anyway The Israelites were vulnerable as they gathered in the rubble of Jerusalem, and they feared how their neighbors might respond to their efforts. But they also knew they needed to rebuild the altar to be able to seek the Lord. Sometimes God will require us to look fear in the face and do the right thing.

Grief in the Midst of Joy The older priests and leaders broke down in loud sobs as they grieved the lost years and remembered the former glory of Solomon’s Temple. We rarely experience only joy. On earth our joys are mixed with sorrow, but in heaven there will be no sadness or tears ().

The Power of Discouragement and Fear Things were going so well. The newly returned exiles were doing everything they could to obey God and rebuild the Temple when the local residents began to discourage and frighten them. The builders stopped working, and years passed while both the Jewish leaders and the people lost sight of their divine purpose. We must be discerning about who we allow to influence us. As Paul warned: “Bad company corrupts good character” ().

The Power of Encouragement and Presence God sent Haggai and Zechariah to prophesy to the Jews about rebuilding the Temple. Not only did these prophets offer encouragement with their words, but they also “were with them and helped them” in the work. When the builders once again faced opposition, the result was radically different. They had a renewed confidence, remembering it was God who put them to the task.

God Uses Whom He Chooses King Darius wanted to cover all his bases. By ensuring the proper worship of each god in his empire, he thought he could count on a long reign. God used the desires of a self-serving, pagan king to bring blessings to his people. As Paul writes in , we can rejoice knowing that God can use impure motives to accomplish his purposes.

Remembering God’s Goodness The Passover celebration recalled the time when God spared the Israelites and delivered them from bondage in Egypt. Celebrating their first Passover since being released from Babylonian captivity, the Jews felt a special kinship with their ancestors and gained a new perspective on an old custom. Have some of your faith traditions become rote? Reflecting on what God has done for you, both now and in the past, can help you gain a new perspective on your faith and on God’s goodness.

God’s Favor While we are wise to be wary of those who try to peddle God’s favor, several verses in Ezra clearly illustrate that God was providing tangible blessings to assist the Israelites in their efforts to return to Jerusalem (; ; , ; ). Let us not be reticent about asking God to bless our efforts as well.

God of Second Chances Change can be difficult and scary, even if it’s for the better. Many of the Jewish exiles chose to remain in their new foreign environment rather than face the unknown and make the difficult journey back to their homeland. Although a second chance did come for those who had initially chosen to stay in Persia, it took 80 years. We must not let the fear of the unknown paralyze us or make us settle for less than God’s best for us.

Praying for Co-laborers When the long-awaited permission to return to the Promised Land came, thousands of people joined the second caravan headed for Jerusalem. But not one Levite had committed to return with Ezra, and Temple worship required the service of many Levites. Rather than becoming disheartened or frustrated, Ezra demonstrated faith in action by seeking the help of godly leaders. When we feel overwhelmed or ill-equipped, we are wise to pray and ask others to suggest suitable helpers.

Godly Remorse Brings Change Ezra’s sobering response to sin amongst the returned exiles challenged his contemporaries—and it challenges us today. Even though Ezra had not personally married a pagan woman and joined in the worship of foreign gods, he knew that before a holy God he was no better than his people. As their spiritual leader, Ezra took responsibility for the sins of the people and came to God with humility. As a result, God moved in the hearts of the people, and a national revival of repentance and renewed faithfulness began.

Hopeful through Failure Have you experienced failure? Whether you have been unfaithful to God in the little things or in huge moral failures, there is still hope. Confess your sin to God and seek godly counsel for wisdom on how to set things right.

Drastic Times, Drastic Measures As modern believers covered in grace, we may find it hard to understand the legalism of the Israelite culture and the drastic consequences prescribed for those who had sinned by marrying into idolatry. These former exiles desired to once again live long in the Promised Land. As makes clear, that requires radical obedience to God’s laws.

Petitioning God Prayer is the Christian’s first line of defense. As soon as Nehemiah heard the devastating news about the condition of the walls of Jerusalem, he turned to God in prayer. We have a God who asks us to bring our needs before him with boldness and confidence (; ). Nehemiah’s prayer was specific and grounded in what he knew to be true about God through Scripture.

God’s Provision It is often in the midst of our most challenging circumstances, suffering, and disability, that we see God at work in our lives. Nehemiah is an example of God’s provision for the people of Judah at such a time. When all hope seemed lost, God moved in the heart of King Artaxerxes to grant favor to Nehemiah, including safe passage to Jerusalem and resources for the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.

Faith in Action God spoke to Nehemiah’s heart, prompting him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah had to take a step of faith amid the collective doubt, fear, and pride swirling around him. Walking in faith does not always make others happy, nor does it mean a carefree life of ease. Sometimes we fail, but God will always use it for our ultimate good. Real faith expresses itself in action ().

Community describes the systematic rebuilding of the wall section by section and names those doing the work. Ministry was always intended to be done in community. The New Testament often uses the Greek word koinonia, meaning “communion” or “fellowship,” to describe the ministry of the church (; ; ). When people experience life-changing or disabling circumstances, ongoing community (fellowship) is the greatest expression of love and support they can receive.

Discouraging Times Everyone faces seasons of discouragement, especially when voices of defeat betray our intentions. Those voices can be our own or those of others. When the Jewish rebuilders started listening to those around them instead of God, they quickly became overwhelmed. Nehemiah had to refocus their attention on their “great and glorious” God. Are your eyes on your limited circumstance or on God? Whose voice are you listening to today?

Spiritual Warfare Nehemiah and his people were in a war—a spiritual conflict of epic proportions. It is no different today. Our true enemy is not physical but spiritual. Even when attacks come through human beings, the devil is ultimately behind them. But as he did for Nehemiah and the rebuilders, God has given us the weapons we need to fight the enemy of our souls ()—and the final victory is assured.

Justice Expressed A godly lifestyle reflects God’s heart. Of all Nehemiah’s activities during the rebuilding of the wall, one stands out: his advocacy for the poor and marginalized. Nehemiah placed central importance on rectifying the treatment of those who had been experiencing injustice—the poor, needy, and disabled. He knew that the key to a healthy city was not simply rebuilding the wall, but rebuilding a people with a heart “to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with [their] God” ().

Generosity Actions speak louder than words. As Nehemiah advocated for those in need, he backed his words up with actions expressed in kindness—at significant personal cost to himself. Ministry to people in need may cost much of your time, talent, and treasure. But as Jesus reminded us, when we give generously to those who cannot repay, we are assured a generous reward in heaven ().

, Our Refuge Nehemiah knew the pain of betrayal and conspiracy. He was acquainted with the grief that comes when those closest to us attack through hidden agendas. But Nehemiah also knew that God’s plans could not be thwarted by human schemes. Through it all, God was Nehemiah’s refuge and shelter, an ever-present help in times of need (). He is our shelter too.

Joy and Strength The reading of God’s Law brought joy and strength to those who had returned from exile. Suffering often brings confusion; God’s Word brings clarity, healing, and restoration. Just as the hearing of God’s Word became a regular habit for the restored people of Israel, so it is crucial that we remain in his Word on a regular and consistent basis, allowing it to guide our path continually ().

, Unfailing Love God’s unfailing love and faithfulness to his covenant people cannot be overstated. Even in times of suffering brought about by our own sin and rebellion, God is gracious and provides deliverance. Despite the rebellious ways of the Israelites, God restored them as his people who were chosen to bring to fulfillment the promise of a Messiah. Similarly, he does not delight in our suffering but, in his sovereignty, uses it to bring about his good purposes for those who love him ().

Grace, not Law Much human suffering is brought about by our failure to obey and live up to the standards set forth in God’s law. The point of the law was to reveal the darkness of the human heart and humanity’s need for a Savior (). Since no one could keep the law, the need for a Messiah was evident. Now that Christ has come, those who have received him are no longer under the law but are under grace. Christ took on the curse and fulfilled all righteousness on our behalf ().

Offerings and Tithes A significant aspect of the people’s worship was giving back to God the best of what they had to offer. People with limited physical or cognitive abilities often feel they have little to give to God, their community, or their church. Yet God declares that every member of his body has something valuable to contribute—whether that be finances, time, or talent (). What can you give back to God as an act of worship?

Passion for God In the face of the people’s shortsightedness and backsliding, Nehemiah took decisive action. Questions, doubts, and fears often turn people away from the things of God and toward sin and suffering. Nehemiah’s methods may have been unique to his circumstances, but we should always be as passionate as he was to point people toward the God who is eager to rebuild the “walls” of their lives and fulfill his loving plan for them.

Anger Destroys Queen Vashti may have had good reasons for refusing to come when King Xerxes summoned her. Xerxes’ quick temper, however, made him look like a foolish, easily-riled man—even he soon regretted his actions (). James cautions us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry” (). Hasty decisions made in anger can do irreparable harm to relationships.

Consider the Source King Xerxes sought counsel from his advisers on how to resolve the conflict with Queen Vashti. Unfortunately, his inner circle was made up of people who lacked godly wisdom and may have had ulterior motives. When making critical decisions, Scripture encourages us to seek the input of trusted advisers who will point us to God’s truth. “The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous” ().

Respect for Authority Mordecai didn’t have much reason to like King Xerxes. The king’s temper and greed had ripped Esther from Mordecai’s house. Instead of a shared family life, Mordecai and Esther could only communicate through sending messages by way of the palace staff. Yet Mordecai still spoke up about the plot against the king’s life. God calls on Christians to intercede on behalf of those in authority ().

True Identity Esther honored Mordecai by not disclosing her Jewish identity. Consequently, she didn’t immediately realize Haman’s plan threatened her, too. There may be times and places in which it is wise not to overtly identify ourselves as Christians, but we should never fool ourselves into believing that we need to claim Christ only when it is convenient.

Promised Deliverance Perhaps Mordecai remembered the story of how Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac but God provided a ram in Isaac’s place () or of how God miraculously saved his people from the hands of Pharaoh (). Whether or not Mordecai thought of these instances of deliverance, he lived in the knowledge of God’s promise-keeping ways; he had great faith in God’s power to deliver his people one way or another.

Pride The method Haman dreamed up for the king to honor a man revealed his own selfish desire for public recognition and accolades. If he been the honoree, he would have endlessly gloated over the attention. Mordecai, in contrast, returned to the very place where he had begun, seemingly unchanged by the elaborate display of honor. He did not let pride grow in his heart, nor did he taunt Haman with the turn of events.

Victory in the Impossible Absolute laws ruled the Persian Empire. Once decreed, no repeal was possible. Even the king could not wiggle out of a bad law he had made. Humanly speaking, nothing could be done about this law authorizing genocide. But God’s sovereignty isn’t squelched by human laws. Circumstances allowed for counterdecrees, which overthrew Haman’s evil decree. Out of an impossible situation, God’s people experienced victory.

Godly Limits Haman’s law allowed for the killing of all Jewish men, women, and children, as well as the capture of their belongings. While the decree under Mordecai repeated the same allowances toward their enemies, no Jew took full liberties. They killed only those who were an active threat. The Jews feared God and did only what was strictly necessary for their protection.

Feasts and Fasts The book of Esther opens with an extravagant feast of sickening debauchery and closes with detailed protocols for celebrating Purim. Sumptuous feasts were held, but there were also times of fasting to express profound sorrow and need. For God’s people, feasting in praise and fasting in devotion naturally coincide as we remember, “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” ().

Invisible Warfare Job was not aware of the discussion between God and Satan. Like Job, we often are unaware of the invisible warfare surrounding us and thus fail to see the higher purposes of God in allowing suffering and pain.

Trust Satan challenged God on two fronts: whether Job served and worshiped God for what he got out of it, and whether God had to “buy” worshipers by prospering them. When we are stretched by suffering or disability, do we continue to worship and trust the Lord?

Perseverance Amazingly, through all of his intense suffering, Job worshiped God! The key is that Job continued to trust in the sovereign God, even when there was no explanation for his great suffering. True worship does not depend on our feelings or our physical condition; it is rooted in our faith in a loving God ().

Fear This verse hints that Job’s view of God and his beliefs concerning the basis of his blessing may have been flawed. Job feared that he would fail and that calamity would follow. Do you live in terror, looking over your shoulder and waiting for God to take away every blessing if you make one mistake? That’s a defective understanding of our gracious, loving God.

Just and Unjust Do innocent people perish? Are the upright destroyed? Yes! Scripture is full of examples of men and women who suffered unjustly and were innocent of any wrongdoing. The ultimate example is Jesus Christ, the perfect God-man, who suffered untold pain even though he was sinless. Not all suffering can be traced to personal sin ().

Hidden Sin Eliphaz indirectly implied that Job’s children died because of his hidden sin. Even today there are many who are ready to explain disability and suffering in prepackaged terms that hurt and harm instead of heal and encourage. These explanations are unbiblical and extremely damaging.

Chronic Struggles Job did not suffer for a short period of time. He was “assigned months of futility, long and weary nights of misery.” Chronic illness and disability are not evidence of God’s lack of involvement in our lives. Instead, suffering can often serve to deepen our relationship with the Lord, who suffered in our place and stands alongside us in the midst of our suffering.

Not Forsaken Job began to point directly to God as a cruel master who was harassing him. When we are suffering, it can often feel like God is silent and unconcerned, but that isn’t how Job felt at this time. Job felt like God was actively causing his pain and suffering. The truth, however we might feel, is that God is compassionate and loving. He did not forsake Job, and he will not forsake us.

Fair and Just Job doubted God’s justice. When pain or hardships seem overwhelming, we often question God. Statements like, “God isn’t fair” or “I don’t deserve this” surface, revealing our uncertainty about God’s goodness and justice. But God is not unjust. He is always fair and good (, ; ).

Forgiveness Job was not sure what God held against him, but he wanted the matter resolved so the pain would stop. Like Job’s misconception, it is easy to believe that our suffering and disability is connected with some past wrong, which makes us wonder why the pain continues even after our sin has been confessed—did God not forgive us? But our God is always merciful and ready to forgive. Suffering is not a sign of unforgiven sin any more than prosperity is a sign of righteousness.

Unfailing Love God’s “unfailing love,” introduced here by Job and resurfacing again in by Elihu, is an unwavering commitment that God makes toward the objects of his love. He actively sustains, guards, protects, and directs the lives of his children. Job knew this instinctively, but he didn’t understand how to reconcile this truth with the reality of his present circumstances. No matter how bad things seemed, Job should have been able to rest in the knowledge that God had not forsaken him.

Eternal Life Job speculated on whether or not a person would live again after death. The image of the stump sprouting again and giving new life led him to ask: “Can the dead live again?” This is a thought that he struggles to believe in light of his suffering (), but he returns to it in . It gave him hope and suggested a resurrection to new life described more fully in .

God’s Comfort Is Enough Though spoken in condemnation, Eliphaz’s question does challenge us—are God’s “comfort” and “gentle word” sufficient for us to rely upon in our times of trouble? If not, why not?

Empty Clichés, Inadequate Explanations Though some of the words spoken by Job’s friends contained “germs” of truth, in this context they amounted to pious platitudes and “empty clichés” () that Job had heard many times before. What he most needed from his friends—their mercy () and compassion—they withheld, choosing instead to add to his pain with their inadequate explanations of his suffering.

The Power of Hope The hope of resurrection, secured permanently by Jesus Christ himself (), is no idle thing. As it did for Job, that hope can sustain us during even the worst suffering.

The Heart of the Matter The heart of Job’s intellectual and emotional struggle was the age-old problem of the incongruity between his expectations about God and how God deals with the world—the wicked suffer, the righteous prosper—on the one hand, and the evidence to the contrary that Job saw all around him. These realities can be difficult to reconcile. In order to have a compassionate response to people who are suffering, we must take this into account.

Engaged One of Job’s errors was thinking God was absent and did not hear his cry for help. Often we think God is too big, too powerful, or too distant to hear us. We also sometimes feel he is unapproachable, unmerciful, and aloof. But God is not indifferent. He is listening and actively involved in our lives ().

Our Advocate Here and elsewhere (; ; ), Job poignantly expresses the deepest desire of the human heart: to have a representative who can speak on our behalf before God and restore our relationship with him. Praise be to God that, in the person of his Son Jesus Christ, we now have such a “mediator,” an “advocate” who can plead our case and intercede for us with God (; )!

God’s Glory, Our Honor While it’s true that God in his infinite beauty and glory is incomparable—by comparison, not even human beings, who are the pinnacle of God’s creation, measure up—it’s also the case that human beings were made in the image of God (), are “wonderfully complex” (), and have been “crowned . . . with glory and honor” () by God. As a friend and counselor, Bildad failed Job by emphasizing only one part of this picture.

Serve Others Job served “as eyes for the blind and feet for the lame.” Job’s life serves as a model that can challenge us to use our lives responsibly and to pursue God’s Kingdom and righteousness in service to one another. We are to live each day fully in spite of our disability or suffering.

Discernment In the dark night of adversity, it is sometimes hard to discern between the work of God and the attacks of the devil. Job was lonely and in need of answers from God, yet God was silent. Perhaps the best service we can do for people who find themselves in such times of darkness and despair is to reassure them that they are not alone. While it’s true that God is always with them, we can choose to lend a hand as well.

Acceptance Elihu issued a caution to Job about the sort of complaints he was bringing against God: “God is greater than any human being” (). This means, among other things, that God’s actions and reasons are often beyond human comprehension. Yet Elihu also gave a message of potential hope for those who suffer, insisting that God allows—even sends—suffering not to reject the sufferer but to accept them and to train them to rely on God instead of their own human righteousness and goodness. While this idea doesn’t explain the divine reason behind all suffering, it does provide a way for those who suffer to approach God and await his loving response.

God Is Just In all our suffering, we must remember that God does not do evil, is always fair in his judgment, and never perverts justice. Recognizing and accepting this can be a major struggle for those of us who are disabled or in pain, because we are often tempted to believe our suffering is a punishment from God. The book of Job is a clear reminder that suffering and sin are not always related.

God’s Presence Just because Job wasn’t able to identify God’s presence in his situation doesn’t mean that God was not there or that he didn’t care about what Job was going through. Job’s pride may have blinded him to God’s work in his life. Elihu reminds Job—and us, too—that God “will bring justice if you will only wait” ().

Sanctification Job’s suffering did not prove that Job was wicked or sinful, but it did introduce a central issue: During times of suffering and disability, when anger and doubt arise that lead to accusations against God’s goodness, God is at work in his own ways to shape and refine his people. We need to be attentive to what God is—and isn’t—saying to us, and not let our pride or worldly assumptions obscure his purposes and timing in our lives.

Struggles for All All stages of the weather cycle, even unexpected storms, serve God’s purpose for blessing or affliction. By grace, rain falls on both the righteous and the unrighteous (). God’s grace and love are not restricted by the human assumption that it depends on our goodness or lack thereof.

Awe over Defense Elihu’s conclusion was that the proper response to suffering was not to arrogantly mount a defense of one’s own goodness and righteousness but to stand in awe of God’s power.

Ode to the Ostrich Why did God create the ostrich? It is a strange bird. It has feathers but can’t fly, lays eggs but can’t remember where, and treats its young cruelly. But all of creation—even the incomprehensible ostrich—is part of God’s intentional and wise plan. Unlike the ostrich that forgets where she laid her egg, God had not forgotten where he placed Job; rather, he had Job exactly where he wanted him.

Submission These were Job’s first words since his arrogant challenge in . God took Job’s contention seriously. Like Elihu, the Lord accused Job of trying to correct him. Job’s response was to cover his mouth and humbly submit to the sovereignty of Almighty God.

Ode to the Behemoth The Hebrew word for behemoth refers either to a collective of powerful animals or to a large “super beast” of some sort. Regardless of the specific identity, God’s point is that Job is no more a match for the strong, large Behemoth than he is for God’s power. God is powerful enough to heal our disabilities, illnesses, and other challenges—the “behemoths” in our own lives.

Ode to the Leviathan Many scholars believe that Leviathan was not a specific species of animal that lived in Job’s time but rather an image of chaotic evil. If that is the case, then God’s illustration had another application: Job had no ability to control or conquer the evil in the world. Like Job, we must trust in God’s administration of his world and his just dealings with its powerful and evil forces (; ).

Ministry to Friends God was displeased with Job’s three friends. They had not been right in what they said about him. God gave them the opportunity to repent of their actions and attitudes by sending them back to their friend Job to intercede on their behalf. This also gave Job the opportunity to personally forgive his friends for the way they had treated him, in the form of praying to God for their forgiveness. In performing this priestly service for his friends, Job pointed toward Jesus, our great Redeemer and Intercessor.

Faithfulness The message of the book of Job is not dependent on the restoration of Job’s former blessings. The most important thing is that Job rejected a false theology of works and found instead a deep relationship of grace. Satan’s hypotheses (; ) were proven false. God’s servant still loved and worshiped God, in spite of severe suffering and disability.

Prosperity God did not tell Job to repent so his pain and disability would be eliminated, he would be vindicated, or his prosperity would be restored. No. God brought Job to a face-to-face meeting with himself so that he would know that real prosperity is found in knowing God intimately. This is an important lesson for us, too.

Inspiration The finest man on earth (, 8; ) lived a full and meaningful life immersed in God’s presence. His story is the go-to book when we face suffering or disability. We can count on God to remove all obstacles that prevent or hinder the development of an intimate relationship with him.

Everyday Choices We all must choose whether to “follow the advice of the wicked” () or “delight in the law of the LORD” (). One leads to spiritual decay and destruction while the other yields growth in faith and maturity. These choices are not dependent so much on our ability as on our reliance on Jesus Christ, who empowers us to spend time in prayer and in God’s Word, and also to resist temptation, share our faith, and serve others.

God Calms Our Fears Fleeing from his own son, David felt vulnerable, humiliated, and fearful. In that time of distress, God made himself known to David in a special way. Despite the danger surrounding him, David could sleep peacefully because the Lord was with him. When we suffer at the hands of our oppressors, God also protects us and calms our fears with his presence.

The Pinnacle of God’s Creation Made “in the image of God” (), human beings are at the apex of God’s creation—“wonderfully complex . . . marvelous” beings () who bear great responsibility toward one another and all of creation. When we fulfill these responsibilities, we bring glory and honor to God; when we don’t, suffering often ensues.

When God “Hides” When we cry out to God for rescue, his intervention is sometimes delayed—he seems to “hide.” How can we get through these difficult seasons? Pray for a surrendered will. Because trials are often painfully difficult, sincerely asking for God to change our hearts may require a time of deep soul-searching. Changes of heart may not come easily, but by God’s grace and through his strength, our reluctance will give way to acceptance.

Borrowing God’s Smile The struggles of daily life can threaten to overwhelm, especially when pain and discomfort dominate. But God has the resources—physical, emotional, and spiritual—that we need to “make it,” one day at a time. We may sometimes need to “borrow God’s smile”—simply rely on God’s strength to give us the emotional energy we need for that moment or day. But when we cry out to him in the midst of our distress, he inclines his ear and takes delight in rescuing us.

How Long? When Jesus cried out “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (), all creation bent low to hear God’s precious Son express the fullness of human suffering with an agonizing question. In Jesus’ prayer the night before, our Savior modeled the best posture for responding to doubts and questions—“Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (). By surrendering his will to the Father, Jesus left us with the correct response to all of our questions: trust.

What Gives God Delight Before we were born, God knew us () and set in motion his marvelous plan to rescue, redeem, and glorify us in Christ. He has spared no effort in putting that plan into effect. Why? Because we are the objects of his delight. If ever we are tempted to doubt our significance or value, this verse should put those fears to rest.

Find Life in God’s Commands If you need vitality, wisdom, joy, and insight, look no further than the words of God. As the sun, moon, and stars illuminate the sky and allow us to see what would otherwise be hidden in darkness, the “commandments of the LORD” () are able to reveal the hidden faults and sins lurking in our hearts, thus leading us toward repentance and purity. When both our thoughts and words are pleasing to God, we enjoy sweet fellowship with him.

The Suffering Servant This song, quoted by Jesus as he hung on the cross, expresses the profound sense of abandonment felt by both the psalmist and Jesus, the Suffering Servant of whom the psalm speaks. Thankfully, the song does not end with the anguish of the first 21 verses. In what is sometimes called “the psalmist’s turn,” the author finds comfort in reflecting on God’s past provision, concluding that because God has been faithful in the past, there is hope for the future ().

From Mourning to Joy How do our “why” questions become worship? The answer comes, ultimately, in our complete surrender to the will of a wise and loving Father—even when we still don’t have all the answers we wish we could receive. Even when it may appear that he is silently hiding, God calls us to endure and remember that he walks beside us. And after a dark night of the soul, “joy comes with the morning.”

Exalting God Together Life was never meant to be lived in isolation, and as believers we are called to walk alongside each other. Equally important, we are called to exalt God together. Until the Lord calls us home, each of us is an integral part of a team with one ultimate purpose: to bring glory to God.

A Safe Harbor The pain of loss, grief, or depression can feel overwhelming. When nerves are raw and emotions are frayed, our natural instinct is to turn inward, to retreat, to protect ourselves from further hurt. In such times, we have a safe harbor to run to—our Lord Jesus Christ, who “will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle” (). In his loving arms we are home at last.

The Key to Happiness The closer we grow in our relationship with God, the more the things of God will delight and please us. And as our own desires and pleasures come to reflect God’s desires and pleasures, we will find our deepest longings and yearnings fulfilled. This is the key to contentment, peace, and happiness in life.

God Hears Our Whisper Sometimes all we can do is sigh because we are exhausted; we’ve reached the end of our endurance. In such times, be assured that it is the neglect of prayer that is sin—not the inability to pray. The Lord hears even our faintest whisper. There is no condemnation when prayer is a struggle, for in our heavenly Father’s eyes not even a feeble sigh goes unnoticed.

It’s About Others! Our suffering and struggles, and God’s rescue of us, are often as much about others as about ourselves. God wants to draw all people to himself (; ), and he will use all sorts of means—including our own difficulties—to do so.

Unto the Least of These God’s people are called repeatedly throughout Scripture to care for the poor and sick, especially those vulnerable to abuse. This calling comes with a wonderful truth: As we have done it to one of “the least of these,” we’ve done it to Christ himself ().

Direct Your Longings to God When suffering is extended or severe, we yearn for the past—a time when the pain wasn’t so intense, relationships were whole, and the future seemed bright. But dwelling on the past only brings discouragement. Instead, we can learn to redirect our passions and longings toward the God who is able to give us what we need most: hope.

Be Still When natural disasters, political upheavals, and endless threats of war overwhelm us, we must step back and remember who it is we serve: the One who causes even the winds and waves to obey him (). If he can walk on water and calm the seas, he can calm the storms that rage in our souls. Be still, and listen for his “gentle whisper” ().

Only God Can Save Those with wealth and power often seem to have it “better” than we do, but it’s important to see beyond appearances to reality: Riches can never save us. What we need is redemption, and only God can redeem. Indeed, he can save us not only from human oppressors, but from the grave itself.

Remain Gratefully Obedient Inevitably, trouble will come into the lives of God’s people. When it does, God’s exhortation is simple, yet powerful: Be thankful, remain faithfully obedient, and call upon me. In return, God promises his children that he will rescue them, and they will give him glory. The surest way to honor God is to maintain a posture of grateful obedience.

From Confession to Joy Few things can sap one’s energy, joy, and enthusiasm quicker than the pain of unresolved guilt. If you are burdened by the weight of unconfessed sin, follow David’s lead. Ask God to give you a repentant heart and a renewed spirit. The good news is that we are redeemed from sin by God’s gift of love through faith in the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ ().

The Sacrifice God Desires The kind of sacrifice that God desires—“a broken spirit”—is the result of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He works in our hearts to convict us of our pride and arrogance. Rather than boasting in riches, strength, or wisdom, our boasting should always be in the Lord (). When we boast in him, “a broken and repentant heart” is not far behind.

A Place to Belong One of our deepest needs is to belong—to be rooted in a place, culture, and family. This longing was placed in our hearts by God, and he takes special care of those without a home or family to belong to. If you’re feeling alone today, know that your heavenly Father is watching over you. He established the church as a community of faith and fellowship, and he continues to welcome believers to that community ().

God’s Values God’s priorities are often very different from ours. Where we tend to value possessions and accomplishments, God treasures people—especially those deemed less “worthy” of esteem. The poor, the prisoners, the widows and orphans, people with disabilities—Scripture resounds everywhere with God’s heartbeat of love for them. Indeed, they are precious in his sight. Now that’s value!

Our Unchanging Lord The contrast between who and what we know God to be—kind, loving, gracious, and compassionate—and what he sometimes seems to be can be unsettling. In our confusion, we can take comfort in the fact that our Lord is “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (). He will never stop loving or caring for us.

Desperate Need, Flowing Mercy The more desperate our need, the more God’s mercy flows. In God’s hands, even the most difficult of circumstances can be used by his Spirit to strengthen our faith in Christ and deepen our love for life. Where God is involved, no struggle is “too much,” and not a single moment is wasted.

Stand Up for Justice! Christians, especially those in positions of authority, are called to uphold the interests of the vulnerable and marginalized—the ones who are least likely to be treated justly in society. In a world filled with violence and oppression, it can require courage to take such a stand—but when we do, we can rest assured that we represent the Judge of the universe, to whom we will one day give an account ().

God’s Loving Embrace Love cannot exist without truth, and peace cannot last without righteousness. These qualities are united in Christ. He bore the full weight of divine wrath against sin and paid the price on behalf of those who believe in him (). His sacrifice made it possible for God to show peace and love to sinners and yet remain righteous and true (). As a result, we now can rest in God’s loving embrace forever.

Life Is Short At some point, we all come to the realization that there’s simply not enough time to do the things we would like (or ought) to do. In the face of this reality, our prayer should be that God will show us how to make the most of every opportunity to follow him and live wisely in this life. That is the sort of prayer God delights in answering ().

God’s Promises for the Golden Years God’s promises are not limited to the young and healthy. When God promises that those who “delight in the law of the LORD” are like “trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season” (), there are no age restrictions. Indeed, God pledges to sustain us “until your hair is white with age” ().

God’s Unfailing Love Far from portraying God as unsympathetic and untouched by our suffering, Scripture stresses his deep and devoted compassion for us. Because his character is unchanging, his love toward us remains constant—“unfailing” (). And because his love for us never fails, he is always “compassionate and merciful” () rather than angry and accusatory. His unending mercy is a secure and dependable anchor—both when we falter and when we suffer unjustly.

The Power of Affliction Sometimes the Holy Spirit uses our life circumstances to convince us of our weakness and brokenness. Affliction can heal us of the disease of depending on ourselves and drive us to depend upon the only truly reliable source of power: the Lord God. This is a lesson that the apostle Paul discovered in his own life ().

God’s Watchful Care As valuable as spouses, parents, friends, and pastors are in the lives of those faced with disability and suffering, none can compare with God, who watches over and cares for us day and night. He never slumbers or sleeps! No matter your condition—even when unconscious due to seizures, surgeries, or much-needed medications—the Maker of heaven and earth “stands beside you as your protective shade” (). You can sing with the psalmist, “My help comes from the LORD” ().

Seeing through God’s Eyes When we see our children through God’s eyes, there is much to celebrate. This verse tells us that they are a “gift” and “reward” from the Lord. tells us that children are “wonderfully complex” and that God knit each of them together in their mother’s womb. No matter how “imperfect” our children may seem by the world’s standards, they were perfectly designed by God to accomplish his purposes.

The Beauty of Harmony It is absolutely wonderful when brothers and sisters in Christ live in such a way that displays the powerful unity that we experience as a spiritual family. This is particularly lovely when people who are living with significant physical or developmental disabilities are included as welcome partners in the life of the church. When we are living out that kind of harmony, we give witness to the world about the transforming power of Jesus in our lives.

Courageous Prayers Since God formed you in your mother’s womb with a specific plan for your life, you can pray courageous prayers. God already knows your every thought, and you can never escape his attention—so why not open your heart fully to his searchlight? Who else could lead you along the best path for your life? Try praying the words of these verses daily for a week, and determine to become a courageous prayer warrior!

You Are the Advocate! As followers of Christ, we are called to be “Christ’s body” (), the embodiment of his presence in this world. So when God, speaking through the voice of the psalmist, says that “the LORD will help” those who are being persecuted, we can draw only one logical conclusion: He plans to use our hands, feet, and voices. If we do not advocate for people with disabilities and others who suffer, who will?

Jesus Is Praying for You When overwhelmed by chronic pain, severe grief, or numbing anxiety, you may find prayer difficult. Your feeble cries may seem useless. But Jesus stands at the right hand of God, interceding on your behalf, and is touched with the feeling of your infirmities. Are your prayers faint and weak? Take heart—Jesus is praying for you. God can use even the shakiest prayer of the weakest saint to move heaven and earth because he promises to be “close to all who call on him”—no matter how softly.

Hope for the Future Scripture repeatedly affirms that God will one day gather together the lame, the exiles, and those who have been filled with grief—healing and establishing them under his righteous rule (). His kindness demonstrates his greatness, and his promised restoration offers profound hope for all those who suffer now.

A Parent’s Heart Parents long to help children understand the gravity of their freedom to choose. The book of Proverbs calls young people to make the wise choice to use their wills for good, which brings blessings, instead of for evil, which brings disaster. Pray for all children that they may stay on a godly path.

The Source of Knowledge We live in the Information Age, but what claims to be knowledge can vary greatly in its reliability as truth. Much of the information available on the Internet and from other media sources is difficult to assess, but as believers we can be confident that we have a reliable and trustworthy source for all knowledge and wisdom: the Lord God and his Word.

Trusting God Learning to trust God in every aspect of our lives often comes through a lot of trial and error. Christian maturity doesn’t happen overnight; we all need reminders of some of the most basic truths, which is why this is one of the most quoted Scripture passages. However, when we are able to rest in God’s guidance and direction, we “will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand” ().

Guard Your Heart Our feelings help us connect with God and with others. Jesus, quoting as the greatest commandment in the whole law of God, tells us to “love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength” (). As Christians striving to live by faith, we follow our hearts more than we want to admit. This is why it’s critical to guard our hearts carefully.

No Secrets Much of our self-inflicted suffering can be avoided by living every day in light of one simple fact: The eyes of the Lord are always upon us. No “secret” sin is hidden from his eyes—no careless word, no idle gesture, no cruel wish, no lustful or greedy thought. Instead of fearing the Lord’s gaze, though, we can find comfort in knowing that we can never go beyond the reaches of his “strong arm” (); he sees not only our conduct, but the conduct of those who want to do us harm as well.

Work Diligently Life brings many situations we can’t control our way—natural disasters, deaths of loved ones, chronic physical pain, and a host of others. One thing we can control is the way we approach our daily lives. When all else around us is out of control, we can continue to work diligently, faithfully fulfilling the responsibilities that God has entrusted to us.

Whose Voice? We must choose whose voice we will listen to—that of wisdom or folly, the Lord or the Adversary, ourselves or our Maker. Wisdom says, “Whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD” (). If we want to find life, we will listen to the voice of Christ, who is the “wisdom of God” ().

The Power of Words Language is powerful! Words can ignite passions or incite rage. They compliment, discourage, cause prejudice, and persuade us to follow right or wrong attitudes, beliefs, and actions. Language plays an important role in showing respect for persons, including those with disabilities. The right word spoken at the right time is “lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket” ().

Reach Out God made us relational people and gave us emotions that help connect us to one another. Sometimes we need special help. On other occasions, friends or family members may look to us for emotional support, advice, and prayer. This can be challenging, especially with hurting people. Remember, you may be the only Jesus some people will ever meet. Be that wise adviser when the opportunity comes. Don’t be in a hurry to go about your day; take time to love people well.

Control Your Tongue Because the tongue “can set your whole life on fire” (), leaving pain and heartache in its wake, the godly person learns to control his or her tongue by thinking carefully before speaking. Such wisdom comes through walking closely with God in the “fear of the LORD,” which is “the foundation of wisdom” ().

Unexpected Words of Wisdom Speech is something most of us take for granted. Words began multiplying in our brains at an early age, and shortly thereafter we learned the art of persuasion. However, many adults and children with developmental or intellectual disabilities are nonverbal; others can speak, but only with great effort; and some use a message board or computerized devices. Even though communicating is a significant challenge, their minds are often sharp and full of wisdom. How often do we take the time to slow down and listen to these precious friends? Their wisdom might just change our lives.

True Friendship The deepest friendships are forged in the fire of adversity. When darkness besieges you, true friends stand alongside you, holding the light that can help you move forward. It may be humbling when that friend sits in a wheelchair or mumbles their words. Yet, their light is equally bright when Jesus Christ shines through them.

Training Children The fact that children have developmental or intellectual disabilities should not lead us to conclude that they cannot receive instruction in wise living. For example, children on the autism spectrum are fully capable of learning when they’re taught in a manner consistent with their unique learning style. If we offer help based on their distinctive characteristics, these children can grow and become blessings to many.

Training in Humility Jesus alluded to these verses to emphasize the surprising reality that in the “upside-down” Kingdom of God, those who seem least important now will turn out to be the greatest, and vice versa (; ). Humility is and always has been a prized virtue in God’s eyes; we should train ourselves in it at every opportunity.

Foolish Arguments Although some people will tell you differently, it is a mistake to assume that disability is necessarily or always the direct consequence of personal, familial, or ancestral sin, or that it is a curse. God often allows disability to enter our lives for reasons unrelated to any sin in order to accomplish his good and sovereign purposes. Don’t get caught up in arguments with people who want to insist on taking up a foolish view, but don’t hesitate to correct their mistaken arguments with wisdom and truth.

Voice for the Voiceless Since we are all made in God’s image, humans have dignity and enjoy certain rights that cannot legitimately be violated. Sadly, many people—especially persons with disabilities—are increasingly vulnerable, and their rights and dignity are being threatened by society. Christians are called to be a voice for the voiceless and to ensure that human dignity and rights are protected at every stage of life, especially the very young and the elderly.

Endless Activity A generation is born, and a generation dies. Solomon perceives life as an endless cycle of activity that, by itself, does not bring security or meaning to the human experience. Without God, these thoughts can lead to anguish. But as the psalmist assures us, God’s perfect plan accounts for each day of every person’s life before it comes to be ().

Search for Meaning The burdensome search to understand life and all of its complexity can be disappointing. However, those who avoid reflecting on the deep matters of life’s purpose do so to their peril. It can be difficult and sometimes leads to grim conclusions along the way, like Solomon’s words here that blame God for the “tragic existence” humans face. But looking for meaning only in earthly things is ultimately meaningless; the search is fruitful, however, when it brings us back to dependence on God.

Embracing Our Circumstances Solomon tried to measure wisdom’s capacity to solve the problems of life, particularly forms of suffering. He determined that in spite of people’s best efforts, there are matters that are simply beyond us and times when we cannot restore what was lost. How might our lives be different if we decided to keep our hands open to receive or release our problems according to God’s good and perfect will?

Idol of Success In his ongoing search for meaning and satisfaction, Solomon considers the value of work. He describes the futility of all his labor and striving for success. Many in our current culture fail to realize this, turning career goals or achievements into false gods. When those things are stripped away as a result of a tragic accident or diagnosis, we can be left feeling as if we have no purpose or value. But when we trust in God, we realize that our value and purpose do not depend on accomplishment and achievement. Keeping God at the center of our lives gives meaning and purpose to everything we do.

Leaving a Legacy Regardless of how much we accumulate, we can’t take it with us. God has given each of us resources to manage during our lifetime. Many parents of children with special needs are diligent to plan ahead and provide the financial means necessary to support their adult child after their deaths. While it’s prudent to plan (), our confidence ultimately must lie in knowing that God is in control of the future.

Understanding the Times Solomon reminds us that God appoints the time for every event of our lives. From times of joy and celebration to times of trial and affliction, God is sovereign—even if we don’t understand his plan. We cannot let our disappointment or desire for control keep us from enjoying life. We can find comfort in trusting that God always has our best in mind according to his purposes ().

God’s Justice God has appointed a time when he will judge all humanity. God’s judgment is a significant theme in Ecclesiastes (; ). Whether in this life or in the next, judgment will bring relief and reward for the righteous who have suffered.

Better Together We need other people in supportive and healthy relationships, especially when we face adversity. Solomon touts the common-sense wisdom of having a support network, and emphasizes the strength gained as we join together in unity. Satan wants to isolate us, but we are called to live as a unified body of believers ().

Never Enough Solomon warns that wealth never satisfies. Solomon had almost unimaginably vast wealth (), yet he cautions us about living to accumulate wealth or coveting the financial success of others. He says money will simply slip through our fingers and cause us stress ().

Constant Craving No matter how much success a person has in life, satisfaction always seems elusive. Solomon uses the word picture of an insatiable appetite to convey how much people crave satisfaction. But apart from God, we will never be satisfied.

Rain or Shine In life, we will experience days of prosperity and days of adversity. God ordains both but withholds knowledge of the future from us. Because we can’t see what’s ahead, wisdom teaches us to be patient during the hard times and to embrace the good things we have at any given moment.

Ignoring Exceptions Generally speaking, God rewards obedience and punishes disobedience. When we see an exception, it can be hard to comprehend the inconsistency. Do you know of someone whom you would describe as wicked but continues to prosper? It is comforting to know that “the wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance. But the LORD just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming” ().

Good Clean Fun How can enjoyment and discernment go hand in hand? Solomon is encouraging us to seize opportunities for joy, while also maintaining wisdom to keep us from iniquity. Our God created the majestic mountains and the brave men and women who take joy in climbing them. What can you do to seek joy today?

Days of Darkness How are we to handle the difficult seasons of life when suffering increases with age? We experience grief as we say good-bye to family members and friends who go to be with the Lord. A lack of income makes managing our expenses more challenging. During these difficult days, we remind ourselves of what we know about our creator and his plan for us.

Final Conclusion King Solomon’s final words focus on a person’s relationship with God. All of the concerns of life, with its pleasures and temptations, are irrelevant to the king. Even though he faces death, Solomon realizes that God’s judgment is the real equalizer, as God knows even our secret actions and motivations. Everyone who is in relationship with him through Jesus Christ can face that final judgment with confidence; that is true wisdom.

Be Happy Feeling genuine happiness for those who are fortunate enough to find love can be difficult for those who are waiting for a relationship of their own, but it is possible when we recognize that human love, at its best, reflects God’s nature () and brings honor and glory to him.

Handle with Care! Here and on two other occasions in this book (; ), the urgent warning is given to handle erotic love, especially its expression in physical intimacy, with special care. When not limited to their proper context—the God-ordained, God-blessed domain of marriage—these powerful forces can wreak havoc in our lives, causing more harm than good and leading to intense suffering.

Be On Guard While the blessings of human love are many, they inevitably come with a degree of vulnerability, rendering us susceptible to destructive influences from the surrounding culture and intrusions into the marriage covenant by other people. We must constantly be on guard against those “foxes” who would destroy our deepest relationships.

Loneliness The deeper our relationship is with another person, the more likely it becomes to experience greater pain from their absence. It can keep us up at night, weighing us down with anxiety, fear, and loneliness. Yet in our times of deepest loneliness, we can find comfort in the fact that we have a friend who is always with us (; ).

The Delight of Love God designed the marriage relationship between a man and a woman to be one of mutual delight in one another, reflecting the eternal fellowship among the persons of the Trinity. As the Father loves the Son and finds “great joy” in him (), so husbands and wives are intended to see the very best in each other and to derive pleasure from their relationship.

Drink Deeply The encouragement to “drink deeply of your love” is God’s hearty “Amen!” to physical and emotional intimacy between a man and a woman within the context of marriage. This is one of God’s greatest gifts to human beings, and it underscores the deeper spiritual reality that God offers himself and his love to each one of us, regardless of our marital status.

Waiting Separation from a loved one—whether temporary, long-term, or permanent (through death or divorce)—can be a source of intense agony, longing, pain, and vulnerability. Those who find themselves in this kind of holding pattern may very well be “smiling on the outside but crying on the inside.” Make it a point to reach out to someone in such circumstances today with your friendship, companionship, and care.

Both Friend and Lover Contrary to what some may think, friendship and love can coexist. God himself has called us his friends (), and his love for us literally knows no bounds (). His unconditional love and friendship is the standard against which all our relationships, including marriage, should be measured.

Belonging True love involves both mutuality () and self-giving. As the bride belongs to her husband, so we should view ourselves as belonging to our heavenly Father. After all, we were bought at the highest price possible ()—the life of his dear and precious Son, Jesus Christ, whose infinite love for us sent him to the cross on our behalf.

Waiting and Trusting Waiting is hard. Whether you are waiting for that “special someone” to come along or for the proper time to express love for another person physically (in marriage), the longing of unfulfilled desire can be heart-wrenchingly painful. It is in these in-between times that we need to learn to trust in the Lord, whose timing is always perfect.

The Power of Love Human love is simultaneously incredibly strong and extremely fragile. In its ability to bind people together, it is able to withstand virtually anything—even death. On the other hand, the jealousy of love is powerful—especially when love is unrequited or treated with contempt—and it can quickly destroy relationships. If they are to stand the test of time, our human love relationships must be energized and empowered by God’s Spirit of love.

The Holy One of Israel Holiness is one of God’s central attributes. Israel profaned his holy name by their wickedness, inviting divine punishment through rebellion. God’s people ought to be holy, which means: “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows” (). Because they were intended to be a people who represented God to the world as his children, the suffering of exile was necessary in order to purge Israel’s sin—to make them holy.

The Mountain of the Lord In this vision, Isaiah sees Jerusalem lifted up as a beacon of peace among the nations. Salvation is not simply for ethnic Israel, though the division between the two kingdoms of Judah and Israel would be healed. Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God for both Jews and Gentiles, which is the church made one in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Testing God Isaiah reminds King Ahaz that God is in control despite the politically troubled times. God promised to sustain Judah as long as Ahaz remained faithful, but Ahaz refused to comply with the prophet’s instructions about asking for a sign to confirm God’s faithfulness. Ahaz made an excuse that sounded like piety, but by refusing to participate in receiving God’s message from Isaiah, he implicitly rejected God’s plan to save his people. We can and should confidently ask God to fulfill his promises—he is faithful to sustain our faith in the midst of trouble.

Immanuel While Isaiah’s prophecies were partially fulfilled in his lifetime—before his son was twelve years old, Israel and Syria were defeated—their final fulfillment took hundreds of years, coming in the person of Jesus—Immanuel (). Similarly, we experience a taste of redemption in this life and look forward to a full feast of salvation in the life to come.

God’s Guidance In confusing times, we can be tempted to seek wisdom from worldly sources that promise security. But the word of the living God is trustworthy—even if it takes longer for us to see the fulfillment of his promises than we would like, and even if we experience suffering in the meantime.

A Glorious Hope As Jesus ministered in Galilee (), he brought the great light of the gospel prophesied here in Isaiah, breaking the bondage of slavery and ushering in the eternal justice of the Kingdom of God. Isaiah wrote this prophecy in a time of darkness and despair, expressing hope for a glorious future, a hope that would sustain God’s people through the pain of exile. We have that hope as well.

God’s Tool God stands above the strategies of the nations, using Assyria (an idolatrous nation) to punish his people for their continued abuse of the poor and weak (). Assyria intended only evil, but God used wickedness to destroy wickedness, eventually destroying the destroyer of his people. God’s justice prevails, though we may not always understand how that will happen while we are in the midst of suffering.

The Remnant The purpose of all this suffering was to bring a remnant of Israel back to a purified trust in God alone. One of the most frustrating things about suffering is its apparent meaninglessness. In the midst of national destruction, Israel could not see that depending on fickle allies would only lead to further suffering—but God spoke through Isaiah to reveal his higher purposes.

Spirit of the Lord A new Branch out of a blasted stump—what a picture of new beginnings! Jesus is this one on whom the Spirit of the Lord rests, bringing justice, peace, and salvation to the whole world and restoring Israel to its original intended unity. Isaiah prophesies an astonishing reversal of the painful suffering of exile, something that none of his readers could have predicted from their own experience.

Salvation Songs This shout of praise exemplifies joyful dependence on God alone for rescue. God’s people are called to bear witness before the nations to the mighty acts of God not because God is otherwise lacking in glory but because grateful thanksgiving is the proper response to God’s grace. Israel’s vocation is to testify to the great goodness of God, calling the world to worship.

Laughing at Lucifer The early church interpreted these taunts as describing the fall of Satan, partly due to the force of Isaiah’s mocking language against the king of Babylon. The idea of mocking our enemies may feel uncomfortable, but Isaiah is passionate about reminding Israel that God will rescue his people, requiring the total destruction of evil.

Redeeming Oppression At this time, the Egyptians were bitter enemies of Israel. But God promised to redeem the oppressors by sending a Savior who would rescue his people by making his name known to the nations, which would bring healing to those he had punished. Who among us knows how God might use our suffering to reveal himself to those whom we consider our enemies?

Tower of Refuge God pays special attention to those who have needs, whether they are spiritual, physical, or economic. Ruthless people take advantage of the poor and needy, but God is on the side of the oppressed. He promises to be faithful to rescue, even when his people, who are called to protect the vulnerable from abuse, fail in their duty.

Hope of Resurrection The Old Testament rarely refers to bodily resurrection, but Isaiah insists that death is not the end of the story—the experience of seemingly purposeless earthly suffering is not final. God’s love is so strong that he will not forsake his people, even in death. That promise began its fulfillment in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is the basis of our hope for bodily resurrection.

Leviathan Commentators disagree about what Leviathan is: a terrifying prehistoric creature, a mythical sea monster, or perhaps a symbol for demons or Satan. In any case, Leviathan embodies evil, and God promises to destroy this sinister snake. It is right to earnestly hope for and desire the destruction of wickedness, but Isaiah reminds us that our deliverance is from God alone.

The Purpose of Punishment When God punishes Israel, it is for a purpose. Exile is intended to eliminate idolatry and injustice, sins that God hates because of their destructive force. Isaiah contrasts the violent fist of God—striking evil to crush it utterly—with a vivid picture of his tenderness—careful fingers gathering up each individual, like single stalks of wheat, from the wreckage of judgment.

Heart Worship God despises empty religious ritual. But he cares about the heart of his people, out of which true worship flows through just actions. Jesus quotes this verse in condemnation of the way religious leaders elevated their own traditions over the care of vulnerable people, redirecting their wealth to publicly pious offerings at the expense of providing for their parents, as the law commands (; ).

Faithful Waiting God’s people sometimes wonder why he is not more proactive in seeking them out and fixing their problems. But in this passage, Isaiah says that God must wait for his people to come to him in order to bless them. God is always faithfully waiting, but we need to acknowledge him before we can experience his goodness.

God’s Presence God’s people are often tempted to put their trust in visible security, like the swift horses of Egypt or bulging bank accounts. Experiencing adversity can remind us of our true dependence on the Lord’s provision. Isaiah reminds us that God will be present even in the midst of suffering, teaching us and gently leading us on his path.

Righteous Rest In the midst of terrifying judgment for injustice, God promises a day when peace will be restored through his reign of justice and righteousness. The result? His people will be at rest. We long for rest, for the time when the Spirit is poured out from heaven on the Lord’s Kingdom of peace. That is a promise for which we still wait in hope.

Honest Abundance Sinners fear the devouring fire of the Lord, while the honest are kept in the security of an abundantly supplied mountain fortress. Even when our neighbors seem to be profiting from fraud, God calls us to a lifestyle of justice and promises himself as the reward. He is the Mighty One, the Savior of his people and forgiver of their sins.

God’s Comfort This section of Isaiah preaches comfort in the midst of the experience of exile. It is a peace that can only be found in the presence of God, not in political or social restoration. Such comfort was partially experienced when the Israelites returned from exile and was more fully realized with the arrival of Jesus Christ. It will be fully accomplished when Jesus comes again in glory.

Power to the Weak The creator of the universe is not ignoring us in our troubles. God is aware of us, providing strength to the powerless and energizing those at the end of their rope. We often refer to this famous image of an eagle soaring in the sky, untiring wings beating the air—but notice how it is preceded by a glorious description of who God is (). God is the ultimate source of strength, always ready in our times of need.

I Will Be with You God never promises a life free from suffering, but he guarantees that he will accompany Israel in their hardships. When we feel submerged in pain, scorched by trouble, consumed with loneliness, or drowning in despair, God is there and promises to preserve us. This assurance is ultimately guaranteed by the presence of the Holy Spirit, poured out on all Christians ().

Refined by Suffering Despite Israel’s stubborn obstinacy, God sought his people, sending prophets and even exile at the hands of their enemies. The suffering Israel experienced had a purpose—to burn away the impurities of sin and rebellion in order to make them holy and draw them back to God. Not all of our suffering fits this category, but painful discipline is sometimes necessary for God’s children ().

God’s Hands Isaiah’s maternal language describes the depths of God’s love for his people. God has not forgotten—on the contrary, he has carved their names into his palms. The early church interpreted this verse in terms of the risen Christ’s nail-scarred hands: Jesus literally embodies Isaiah’s image.

Comfort the Weary In these next few chapters, we are introduced to a figure who supersedes Isaiah—the Suffering Servant, whom the early church identified as Jesus. The weary are comforted through the wisdom of the Lord, by the one who experienced the suffering described in (see ). The comfort this Servant offers is unique because, as the only person who is both divine and human, Jesus fully understands our weariness.

Mercy and Justice Are Coming The image of brawny, muscled arms conveys strength and reassurance. Isaiah describes God’s personal intervention in vivid terms when he talks about the mighty arm of the Lord, reaching in to save Israel from distress and threats. When God rescues, he brings his mercy and justice with him. He is strong to save.

He Carried Our Weakness This chapter is a centerpiece of the early church’s interpretation of the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Suffering Servant experienced the depths of humanity’s plight—personally assuming our sickness, pain, and grief—in order to remove that suffering from us and to restore us to healing and wholeness. The ultimate rescue from suffering was accomplished by Jesus bearing the consequences of sin upon himself.

Everlasting Love In many cultures, including ancient Israel, the face is the central symbol for relationship. Losing face is shameful, and having a loved one turn their face away signifies a broken relationship. In exile, God turns his face away, but that is not the end of the story. The Redeemer returns in everlasting love to restore his people to the deepest joy of face-to-face reunion.

Divine Mystery God’s people often do not understand what he is doing, especially when they are experiencing pain and suffering. Out of context, this verse can sound superficial, a simplistic appeal to divine mystery when we have no good explanations. In context, it is a reminder that God is at work precisely where we cannot comprehend his purpose and that a relationship with him requires trust.

Blessing People with Disabilities In ancient Israel, to be born or made a eunuch (especially in war) was a shameful disability, even to the point of exclusion from the community of God (). But here we catch a glimpse of something new: The scope of salvation is so inclusive that God can bless people affected by disabilities without physically curing their impairments. Jesus personally enacts that redemption.

Protective Death The world experiences death as irrevocable loss, but Isaiah acknowledges the agony of untimely death while also affirming that death can be good—a case of God sparing us from evil and further suffering. From God’s perspective, death can be a blessing, ushering in a truly peaceful rest for the godly. Christians hope for eternal life with God, not simply the prolonging of biological existence ().

God Steps In God’s “strong arm” () appears again in this chapter, now emphasizing his own intervention to save the oppressed. Isaiah has just described how God hates the injustice and wickedness of his people: sinful economic abuses by the rich, deception by the courts, and violence by rulers. These are the injustices that God steps in to personally correct. Would we be found guilty of the same injustices today?

Gift of the Spirit One of the promises of the prophesied new covenant is the constant presence of God’s Spirit with his people (), rather than occasional gifting or a few temporarily-anointed prophets. The Lord promises that the redemption of Israel will include the Spirit living within them, permanently and without limit. Pentecost provides the fulfillment of this promise for every person who believes, from Israel to all the Gentile nations ().

Everlasting Light These concluding chapters of Isaiah provide many of the images that are used in the book of Revelation. Here, Jerusalem’s restoration to glory exceeds anything that could be hoped for from an earthly perspective. Zion will no longer need the sun or moon because God will be present, providing everlasting light. Such presence will bring an end to mourning ().

The Bride of God The New Testament describes the church as the bride of Jesus Christ (; ; , ), drawing on Isaiah and other prophets. This picture emphasizes the intimate love that God has for his people—the Lord delights in Zion, and rejoices in Israel like a bridegroom exults in his bride. We need to recover how astonishing it is that God loves us in this way.

He Also Suffered Amid a powerful description of God’s vengeance on the enemies of his people, Isaiah says something we must not miss: The Savior suffers with those who suffer, personally rescuing them because of his love and mercy and carrying them throughout their painful history. We see this most fully in the person of Jesus Christ, but the Lord is consistent. We never suffer alone; God is there.

Still Our Father God’s people cry out to him for relief, reminding him of his promises and asking for mercy. They do so as children calling upon their Father, in whom they trust and on whom they depend. Such passionate and personal language describes a deep identification of God with his people—an unbroken relationship despite the wicked actions of Israel—where God remains Father no matter what.

Potter’s Clay Scripture often uses this image to describe our total dependence on God’s sovereign and sustaining power. Clay cannot protest the uses to which the potter puts it. But the image is not impersonal—here it comes immediately after referring to God as Father—and the prayer is that the Potter will not forget his creation. We can remain confident in God’s ability and willingness to save—even when he seems silent.

New Heavens and New Earth The last few chapters of Isaiah describe a vision of redemption so sweeping that we have to wait until the book of Revelation to begin to grasp its scope. Here God promises to create new heavens and a new earth, where weeping and crying will be no more (), so full of peace that the wolf and lamb will eat alongside one another ().

Messengers to the Nations This promise of final salvation for Israel concludes with a vision that reaches out to include all of the nations, with a hint that God’s people—and even his priests—will include Gentiles from around the world (). Israel’s ordained purpose as messenger of and witness to God among the nations would be achieved in Acts, as the church starts to spread throughout the known world.

No Accidents, No Excuses When God called Jeremiah, he left no room for doubt. He confirmed that Jeremiah was destined to be a prophet from his mother’s womb. Jeremiah’s youthful lack of experience, excuses, and fears could never disqualify him because God would put words in his mouth. Jeremiah believed God’s promise. We can also trust that God had an intentional and divine design for each of us before we were born ().

Remaining Faithful Israel deserted the Lord. First, they turned away from devotion to him and served idols (); then they relied on foreign powers to save them when they were being threatened by Babylon (). They thought other gods or foreign nations were better solutions to their problems than the God who loved and cared for them (). While we may not have a choice in when or if our trials come to an end, we can choose whether we respond in faithfulness or let discouragement cause us to turn from God.

Responding to Discipline Jeremiah confronts the Israelites’ refusal to learn from God’s divine rebukes. When we behave like obstinate children, pain and suffering can be a forceful shout that awakens us, turns us back to loving God fully, and keeps us from the further consequences of sin ().

Words and Action We can rely upon God’s mercies being new every morning (), but true repentance requires action—a turning away from sin. God will not be satisfied with mere words.

Looming Disaster Jeremiah was in anguish, writhing in pain at the thought of the disaster that awaited God’s people. They were doing business as usual, ignoring Jeremiah’s tearful warnings. Have you considered that the contemporary church might be in a similar situation? Christians are being murdered because of their faith around the world, and some societies no longer seem to tolerate Christian values even if they aren’t murdering Christians. Do we hear Scripture’s warning? How much time do we spend weeping in prayer for Christ’s church and our fellow believers?

Avenger of the Marginalized The Lord warned the people of Judah (and us as well) about the dangers for those who deal unjustly with the poor, the orphans, and other marginalized people, including those with disabilities. “LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them” (). Ask the Lord to use you to be part of his solution, providing justice and care for those who need it most.

A Matter of Obedience The people of Judah had convinced themselves that God would not let their city fall because his Temple was located there. They lived lives of hypocrisy—worshiping idols and false gods beyond the Temple walls and then running back to pledge their allegiance to God in times of distress. “Obedience is better than sacrifice” (), and none are exempt from the consequences of sin.

Observing Nature There are times when creation itself can teach us how to respond to the challenges of life. The prophet reminds us that even animals follow their natural instincts, migrating to ensure that they are not stuck in an inhospitable climate. Certainly the people of Jerusalem, who have received direct revelation from their Creator about how to live well and worship him, should know the right way to respond to difficulties. Yet humans so often ignore God’s principles for healthy living and reap the hurtful consequences.

When Others Suffer Jeremiah wept for “people who have been slaughtered” (). It’s important to remember that “slaughter” isn’t always physical. It can be the massacre of a person’s character, livelihood, or even their sense of identity in Christ. We sometimes feel powerless when faced with the raw emotions of another’s grief and pain. Paul’s admonition to “weep with those who weep” () is crucial. We must show up, be present, and lift them up to God in prayer.

Melting Down the Metal God assures us that even our times of trial and affliction are for our ultimate good. The Babylonian exile served as a means to refine God’s people, bringing forth those whom he could use for his glory. “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold” ().

Proper Boasting Human wisdom and riches will ultimately fall short. It is only when we realize that these good things and all of our blessings come from God () that we will have true cause for boasting!

He Sets Our Course Our days are not our own. What a relief! It’s a blessing to know that someone greater than ourselves is planning our course. Here Jeremiah acknowledged God’s sovereignty in a prayer calling out for mercy. As we know from elsewhere in Scripture: “You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail” ().

Difficult Truth Speaking the truth of God’s Word can invite opposition, even from those closest to us. It can be a heavy burden to bring a word of correction to a sister or a brother who has strayed from the path of righteousness. It might be especially difficult or unpopular to confront sin in the life of a person with a disability, but it is important not to shrink back from such an opportunity because the goal of being like Christ is the same for all. If God has given you such a responsibility, trust him and speak up.

He Is Light There are times when things seem to get worse before they get better. Darkness comes, and we struggle. But even in darkness, God is still present with his people. Victory comes when we give God glory by setting aside our own pride and inviting him to bring light into our lives.

Our Protector Keeping our eyes fixed on God is crucial if we are to remain faithful during times when he seems distant. Jeremiah complained as he faced what felt like “an attacking army,” yet God reminded him that he was securely protected and his influence would remain. We can endure much more when we’re confident that we will not fail and our witness will not falter.

Trusting the Source People may disappoint us, but we are never let down when we place our hope in the Lord. The prophet’s encouragement paints the picture of a towering tree that has healthy roots and a constant water source required for continued growth, even during seasons of drought. God is our constant source of refreshment, as long as our confidence is rooted in him.

Pliable Clay God sends his prophet to observe a potter at work—a powerful visual reminder of God’s authority and role as Creator. May we humbly yield our entire selves into our Potter’s hands, letting go of our illusion of control.

Spiraling Down Jeremiah’s complaints spiraled down into a deep depression, leaving him wishing he’d never been born. He called out to God in the midst of his “trouble, sorrow, and shame.” Not everyone responds to despair in the same way; King David knew dark days as well, but he was able to say that God had turned his “mourning into joyful dancing” (). David and Jeremiah were both faithful in the way they responded, however, because they both took their burdens to God. Where do you turn in moments of despair and hopelessness? How would you help others who share their personal struggles with depression?

A Higher Standard The responsibility for godly leadership (“shepherds”) is a recurring theme throughout Jeremiah. Prophets and priests, who should have known better, led God’s people astray. God’s judgment against those leaders was unrelenting.

Returning Home After we suffer, the pain dies down, and the healing has begun, we yearn for home, where we find comfort. The same was true for Judah. God promised that after the suffering was over, his people would once again find rest in the Promised Land.

God’s Vengeance Even though God used the Babylonians as instruments of discipline, those who inflict suffering on God’s people will not go unpunished. “For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the LORD takes care of the godly” ().

A New Covenant Each one of us has only so much time, money, or energy to commit to any experience, including pain. God has no such limitation. The order he has built into the created world gives evidence of his endless commitment to his people. Jeremiah prophesies about the Lord’s ultimate restoration, when all suffering will cease.

Prayer Power Acknowledging God’s holiness and love for us are both important. When we acknowledge God’s mighty acts as well as his care for his people, we link heaven’s miracles with our daily needs.

No Escaping the Truth The king tried to destroy the prophet’s warnings in an attempt to avoid the ugly truths. When confronted by words with which we disagree, what is our response? How do we treat God’s Word during difficult days?

Salvation amid Suffering Just as he did with Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, God can provide deliverance regardless of events, people, and circumstances that may seem to stand in the way.

Obedience Brings Peace God had instructed his people not to resist the Babylonian takeover (; ). Gedaliah, the leader appointed by Babylon, repeated Jeremiah’s instructions (), and those who listened were blessed ().

Desperate for Guidance When we are desperate to know what to do next, do we plot and plan, trying to control or cajole? Or do we fall on our knees, begging God to “show us what to do and where to go”?

Our Fair Share of Trouble Have you ever come to the point where, like Baruch, you have simply had enough of life’s troubles? God spoke an encouraging word to Baruch when he needed it most. May Paul’s words to the Galatian church also encourage you: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” ().

Restoration Is Always Possible God cares deeply, even for those who have defied him (, ). When circumstances look their worst, we can always anticipate our future restoration and know that God tarries in the hope that none will perish ().

Not Our Ways It is important that we remember God rules his world, directing every person and every activity. His plans always have a purpose and will always come to pass (; ; ; ), even when we can’t fathom them.

Looking Forward, Not Behind Restoration is our expected outcome as well. In eternity, there will be no more sin. Plenty will replace want and joy will replace weeping as we gather around our Good Shepherd ().

Evidenced by Creation The prophet once again looks to Creation as evidence of God’s mighty power and humanity’s frailty. When we come to the end of ourselves, can we acknowledge our weakness and trust in the One who loves to use the weak to confound the strong ()?

The Pain of Loneliness A serious disease or disability can isolate a person, leaving them feeling as empty and sad as the deserted streets of Jerusalem in the wake of her destruction. And just as the beloved city’s beauty was stripped away (), suffering can weaken the body and mind. Devoted friends can fade away over time for various reasons. Yet God remembers and sustains us, restoring us as he eventually did with Jerusalem.

Falling Short When struggles color our world, we can lose perspective. Sometimes we disregard the precious gifts inherent in our being as humans created in the image of God, trading them for the empty promises of temporary distraction or indulging our despair. When that kind of thinking takes hold, behaviors and attitudes that rebel against God and his plan are often not far behind. Even the strongest believers can stumble in their faith under such pressure. It is good and right to lament over those moments of struggle, naming them and bringing them before the Lord in repentance.

The Plight of Children Jeremiah didn’t just have passing thoughts about the destruction of Jerusalem, he lived through it. He anguished over not being able to bring greater comfort to his people, especially the children. The majority of children around the world with disabilities live below the poverty level, which compounds their struggles. Even today, childhood deaths due to starvation continue to increase. Ask God what you can do both in your community and around the world to help ease the suffering of children.

Foolish Words People do not always know how to talk with someone who suffers with a disability. Even with the best of intentions, someone will say the dumbest thing—and that hurts! Decide to forgive them anyway. Perhaps you can help educate and inform them about hurtful language. Or you may need to go in another direction and make friends with people who take the time to listen well and work with your limitations. Friendships should strengthen and encourage us—not bring us down. Don’t settle for less!

Sticks and Stones Mockery and name-calling begin early. No matter what the rhyme says, names do hurt: stupid, ugly, mistake. Words are thrown around about people for a lot of reasons. When it comes to those of us who are affected by disabilities, these names are often said in our presence as if we cannot hear or understand. Take those names to God and ask him to replace them with his names for you: beloved son or daughter, beautiful in his sight, made in his image.

Not What God Intended When you really know someone, you can see the image of God shining through him or her. A disability does not change this. And yet, just as the people of Jerusalem ignored their starving children, around the world people do unspeakable things to those with disabilities. Discrimination and abuse happen, and we should not look the other way just because it is unpleasant. Acknowledging it reminds us that this is not how God intended it to be.

God’s Justice While divine justice is not the standard most people acknowledge as guiding our world, it applies to all people! The innocent often suffer, but they are never far from the mercy and restoration of the Lord. Jeremiah urged his people to believe this and to not lose heart. But the guilty—the ones who lack authenticity before God and humanity—will be exposed for their sins and will suffer the consequences.

Burnout Bills, decisions, changing health options, failing strategies, and new challenges all seem to come like waves incessantly crashing against us. The relentless daily issues can become exhausting. It is alright to admit when we are worn out. While rest is needed, it may elude us for what feels like an unending season. Share your heart with a trusted friend who can pray with you for insight and rest.

Restoration Many of our prayers are for temporary relief. We ask God to fix a problem or provide help for a particular moment. Jeremiah prayed bigger prayers. He cried out to God for restoration for all the people—not just for his own personal needs. Praying for relief for all who suffer puts our own needs in proper perspective.

Expect Rejection When we declare God’s message, rejection often follows. Unfortunately, as Ezekiel also discovered, that can sometimes be the case even from within God’s people. Obedience is key in following God’s directions about speaking up. It can be intimidating to speak to lay leaders or pastors about the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in our churches due to the fear—or even expectation—of this kind of rejection. Our responsibility is to proclaim God’s truth faithfully, regardless of how our audience responds.

Boldness Comes from Conviction God encourages us not to have fear when sharing his message with people who are “hard-hearted and stubborn.” Why? Because he’ll make us just as “obstinate and hard-hearted” in our obedience to him. But before we go to others, we must first let God’s Word sink deep into our hearts.

Humanitarian Service Judah was subject to devastation because they were being judged by God for their sins, but that doesn’t make their suffering any less worthy of compassion and care. Historically, Christians have witnessed war, famine, or disease and responded by bringing the truth of God to suffering people. Christianity grew significantly when Rome was consumed by plagues. While others were fleeing for their lives, Christians came to the aid of the sick and suffering, often at the cost of their own lives. Such humanitarian service in Jesus’ name continues to be a growing need in our world, and when Christians faithfully respond in this way it is a clear testimony of the difference Jesus makes in people’s lives.

He Is Lord Variations of the phrase “then they will know that I am the LORD” occur over 70 times in the book of Ezekiel. God’s actions are clearly intended to make people realize that he is the one true God. And God is not averse to using negative circumstances to get his message across; in this instance, God crushed a nation and made their cities desolate. Suffering brings people to their knees in a way that nothing else can. It is wise to recognize that, especially in times of suffering, there is nowhere else to go for help but to the Lord.

Suffering Due to Sin Before God responded by saying, “And though they cry for mercy, I will not listen” (), he took Ezekiel to places where the leaders of Israel were worshiping false gods. National and personal suffering can grow out of unrepentant sinful behavior. Our prayer should be, “Lord, please continue to open our eyes to our own sinfulness and humble our hearts.”

Marked for Protection Not all of the nation’s people were evil. Many wept and sighed over the detestable sins in their city. God saw those who opposed national sin and ordered that they be marked for protection. But he destroyed those who encouraged and participated in Judah’s wickedness.

Everyone Is Doing It! Refusing to follow God’s commands and copying “the standards of the nations around you” is particularly objectionable to the Lord. The Israelites knew the Lord personally, yet they rejected him in favor of the popular standards of their time. If you know the Lord and still indulge in the trendy sins of the day, don’t expect to experience the life-transforming power of God’s presence until you repent and follow his leading rather than the world’s.

A Tender, Responsive Heart Even as the Israelites suffered the horror of punishment for their unrepentant hearts and unconfessed sin, God still offered his people hope for a different future. Someday he would “take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart.” Why? So they would be obedient; “Then they will truly be [God’s] people, and [he] will be their God.”

Choosing Not to Know God says to Ezekiel, “You live among rebels who have eyes but refuse to see. They have ears but refuse to hear.” Sadly, this verse could also be accurately spoken to Christians who advocate for the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in some local churches today. Most churches have included accessibility features in their facilities like designated parking spaces and bathrooms that accommodate wheelchairs, but those physical accommodations are not enough. Church leaders must intentionally take further steps to consider how they might actually include persons with disabilities in the life of the church. Church leaders may claim not to know what steps they might need to take, but unfortunately in some cases they may simply be choosing not to know so that they do not have to deal with the uncomfortable changes that might be required of them.

Replacing God with Idols Have you erected personal idols that brought you suffering? Idol worship can lead to family breakdowns and emotional scars. Ned, whose son has sensory issues, became loud and angry when he found teeth marks on his new desk chair. Ned’s son, who already felt bad about damaging his dad’s new chair, was also overwhelmed by the commotion of his dad’s angry reaction. Later in prayer the Lord asked Ned what he valued more: perfect furniture or his son, who needed his patience. God values people over things. Be aware of what you value, and don’t let anything become more valuable to you than God or the things he values.

Suffering Outside Our Doors Ezekiel says that the ancient city of Sodom () was marked by the sins of “pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door”—not the sins we usually think of when we hear the name of this city! We must consider whether we are guilty of these same sins today. People suffer outside the doors of our churches, hoping someone will care and come help—it can be something as simple as providing a ride to church. There is always something we can do, if we are willing to look.

A Path to Life This passage is reminiscent of Jesus’ statement in : “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” It is amazing that despite the sinfulness described in the book of Ezekiel, God still offered forgiveness and wanted the wicked to turn from their wicked ways and live (). His desired response from us in every situation is our obedience and acceptance of the new life he offers.

God’s Enemies Ezekiel confronted prideful leaders, calling them his “enemies” because they cared only for themselves while neglecting those who were entrusted to their care. Unfortunately, that is still the case today as we see in many government and religious leaders the same bad attitudes toward people with disabilities. But God promised to find “his scattered flock” () and bring them back home safely. He will no longer allow them to be abused. God’s covenant of peace () continues to reach all those who call him Lord.

Back from the Grave God promised that he would bring back the nation of Israel from the grave of exile. As the church grows in obedience, God can do the same for people with disabilities who have been “exiled” from the house of God. And like the return of ancient Israel to the land after exile, the full inclusion of people with disabilities will help us to know that “the LORD has spoken!” ().

Facing the Unknowns Daniel and his friends were captives in a foreign land and given new names, yet they remained true to their identities in God. When disability strikes, people often enter a new culture with unfamiliar, complex medical terms and descriptive labels that relate to their special needs. It can be difficult to maintain a consistent sense of Christian identity in the midst of so many changes. A caring church community can help them maintain their trust in God’s faithfulness and their identity in Christ in this strange new landscape. Ask God to show you someone who is facing an unknown path and make it your goal to walk with them.

Remaining Faithful Daniel stayed true to God by not partaking of the king’s rich food and wine. He was disciplined in his diet, choosing foods that did not compromise his commitment to following Mosaic law. He found a way to live within the culture without compromising his values, acting as a witness to God’s faithfulness and provision to those in authority. We are called to do the same today (see ).

True Source of Wisdom God answered Daniel’s prayer regarding the meaning of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. God reveals his plans and purposes in many ways, including dreams and visions. We are also encouraged to ask God to reveal himself and to seek his great wisdom in the midst of our darkest hour ().

Standing for Truth Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego trusted God when threatened with death. They trusted God to deliver them, but even if he didn’t, they would stand true. In February 2015, the world watched the videotaped beheading of 21 Egyptian Christians who were kidnapped in Libya. This heinous act by the terrorist group ISIS was intended to terrify Christ-followers. Instead, Christians rallied together to pray for persecuted believers and be more determined to stand for Christ. Jesus’ call to take up our cross daily and follow him () is as relevant for us today as the need to be faithful in the face of intense pressure was in Daniel’s time.

Pride and Judgment Nebuchadnezzar was a prideful king, boasting of all he had built. Daniel pleaded with him to stop sinning, to break from his wicked past and be merciful to the poor. As says: “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.” Nebuchadnezzar failed to heed God’s warnings, and as a result, he was removed from his kingdom to live in the fields, eating grass with the wild animals. Later, God restored Nebuchadnezzar, who finally humbled himself before the Most High ().

God’s Plans Will Happen The common phrase “the writing on the wall” comes from this story about Daniel and King Belshazzar. The message that was written on the wall in this story was enigmatic, but the message God was sending through it was clear: God will bring down the proud and those who use what has been dedicated to God for sinful purposes. Every person’s days are numbered, and the proud, like Belshazzar, will be measured and found lacking. God gives us the very breath of life and controls each person’s destiny, whether we are ready to acknowledge him or not.

The Returning Messiah Daniel’s vision of “someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven” () was a vision of the Messiah. Jesus referred to this verse in . Christ is “given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him” (). These prophetic words are echoed in .

Shaped by the Word Daniel turned to the Scriptures to understand the circumstances of Israel in exile. He “learned from reading the word of the LORD, as revealed to Jeremiah the prophet.” Daniel knew how to pray for Israel by studying God’s Word. Are there times you don’t know how to pray? Follow Daniel’s example and ask the Lord to give you understanding from his Word. Speaking God’s words back to him in prayer is a yes and amen to his will.

Precious in His Sight Even before Daniel finished praying, God sent Gabriel to give Daniel insight into and understanding of his vision. The angel wanted Daniel to listen carefully so that he would clearly understand that he was precious to God. We, too, can come to God with expectant, listening hearts, knowing that we are precious in his sight.

Spiritual Warfare Daniel persisted in praying and fasting, even when God’s answer was delayed. God sent a messenger to reassure Daniel that his prayer had been heard. But the delay was not caused by human enemies; it is a battle God continually fights “against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” ()—and God will always win!

Eternal Rewards God reassured Daniel that though many would experience trials, they would be “purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials” (). God promised Daniel that he would rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for him (). When experiencing trials, persecution, suffering, or pain, our hope comes in knowing that this life is not the end: “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later” ().

Equality Will Come Hosea speaks of a time when the people of Israel will be brought back from exile. They will be reunited with Judah and will live together as one nation in God’s land. This could be a foreshadowing of the final day—when all God’s people are united as one and those who have disabilities are treated the same as everyone else.

The Hope of Redemption Hosea buys his wife back from her life of prostitution, redeeming her as an example of how God treats all people who believe in him. His love for us is so deep that no matter how far we stray from him, he will always passionately pursue us. One of the clearest ways God has done this is through the incarnation and death of his Son, Jesus. Jesus is the ultimate Redeemer for all people, including those with disabilities.

Pray for Those in Bondage The temple priests of false gods justified prostitution as a means of worship. Today we would consider this a crime of human trafficking, which shamefully degrades and injures children, women, and even some men. It also preys on those with special needs, who are especially vulnerable. Pray for people who are trapped in the bonds of human trafficking.

The God of Israel Is Our Hope Suffering can—and often does—lead people to a place of complete and utter dependence on God. When you get to the end of yourself and realize there is nothing you can do to change your circumstance, turn to God and let him bring hope.

The God of the Brokenhearted Brokenness does not exclude us from the Kingdom. Everyone deals with brokenness to some extent. We all experience daily struggles and challenges; there is no need to hide or deny it. But there is good news: God can and does use our brokenness for his purposes—if we let him. And he also promises to heal us, bandage our wounds, and “restore us, so that we may live in his presence.”

The God of the Displaced The people of Israel lived for a time in a land not their own.They no doubt felt out of place. This is often how people with disabilities feel when isolated in residential or rehabilitation centers with little to no contact with the outside community. This is an opportunity for the church to regularly visit people or provide them with transportation so that they can be part of a community of faith. Christian hospitality should be practiced in every season.

A Call to Attention During the deadly locust invasion, the Lord called his people to listen to his explanation of the events. When we receive bad news, we’re tempted to only listen to the doctor, banker, employer, or lawyer, especially when the pending doom seems beyond our control. In such times, it’s important to pay attention to God’s word and listen to his explanation of the situation.

A Call to Mourn The people of Judah were to cry out to the Lord in repentance during their time of trial. In the same way, we must search our hearts for any hidden sin. Our attitudes toward those with disabilities and toward the afflictions that we experience ourselves could lead us down a dangerous path. Repentance is the way upward.

A Call to Repentance The Lord commanded his people to return to him, but he also reminded them that repentance is impossible without him. However, God made repentance possible because of his character and covenant commitment to them—and us. In the grip of suffering and disability, we must remember who God is and repent before him. The words “repent” and “remember” are verbs, and God is actively working in our lives to make them a reality.

The Lord’s Response God’s promised response to his people’s acts of repentance and remembrance is astonishingly hopeful: The land will be restored, the people will rejoice in the Lord, and he will restore to them the years consumed by the locusts. The day of the Lord is a day of hope for those who suffer, but also for those who have the vision to see what God will do in the future.

Hardship and Our True Calling Amos was living a comfortable life in Judah when the Lord called him to preach to the leadership in Israel. Difficult circumstances may come into our lives in order to enable us to hear God’s voice concerning what he would have us do for his Kingdom.

Finding Truth for Life Sometimes it is difficult to listen when God rebukes us. The first four chapters of Amos describe the woes that are coming because of social injustices. Nevertheless, repentance is just what we need to set us back on the path to God and others. For your own edification, do not skip over the difficult readings in Scripture.

Practice True Religion The book of James defines true religion in this way: “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you” (). It is possible that James had these verses from Amos in mind when he penned those words. Whether in ancient Israel, the early church, or even today, religious observance is meaningless if it isn’t accompanied by a changed life. A clear sign of that changed life, which both Amos and James point out, is actively pursuing justice for those who are vulnerable and oppressed.

Do Not Become Complacent Israel’s wealth and prosperity lulled them to sleep when it came to the things of God. We must be careful not to let our culture lure us into thinking that material “success” is necessarily a sign of God’s favor. Worldly wealth can just as easily corrupt us and become the devil’s playground.

Be Steadfast in Conviction Those who remain faithful will be among those who experience the restoration that will come when the Lord rebuilds David’s fallen tent. This is an allusion to the new Jerusalem where the Messianic Banquet will be hosted (). Steadfastness in the ways of the Lord yields eternal benefits.

The Lord Brings Down the Proud Those who think they will get away with inflicting suffering on God’s people will be brought down. They have no place to hide. God’s faithful ones who are suffering now can rest in the protection that the Almighty brings.

Deliverance Is Assured Jerusalem was the seat of God’s throne, the place he chose to display his power to the entire universe. Deliverance will come from Mount Zion, and God’s people can rejoice in that future hope despite the suffering and disability they experience in the here and now.

You Are Royalty The book of Obadiah may seem obscure and distant on the surface. But it is worth an in-depth study—especially by those who are afflicted—because of the reward communicated in the final verse. God’s people will overtake the land of their oppressors and rule them in the future Kingdom of God. Patient endurance now will reap great reward in the end.

To Cry Aloud Jonah cried out to the Lord from a place of total despair. Living with disability and suffering often brings us to the end of ourselves and puts us in a place where we feel we have nowhere else to turn other than to cry out to our God who hears us.

Trust in God’s Sovereignty Jonah was searching for ways to describe how helpless he felt in the situation he was facing, but even in the depths of despair he remembered to call out to the Lord. No matter our circumstances, God is still King of all kings and wants to save his children. With the right perspective, we can learn to praise God no matter what life brings, because we can trust him to care for his people.

He Is Merciful Just as God spared the Ninevites after they repented of their sins and turned back to him, we also can claim his grace and mercy, which begin afresh each morning ().

Slow to Anger In a fit of self-righteous indignation, Jonah failed to see the irony of his situation: He was complaining about God’s long-suffering nature. When we find ourselves angry because we wanted God to mete out justice, we are wise to heed the counsel of James to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry” ().

The Lord Is No Respecter of Persons Even among the “enemies” of God’s people, there are innocent people who are just as much victims of the cruelty that their leaders dish out as the people of Israel were. Jonah wanted to see all the Assyrians suffer rather than offering them an opportunity for repentance. But God’s love and mercy are available to all of his children. Jew and Gentile alike are under his watchful eye.

Mercy Triumphs over Judgment In the middle of Micah’s indictment of the false prophets and corrupt leaders was a promise of deliverance for God’s people. Even when things seem the darkest, light will dawn on those who belong to the Lord and steadfastly follow him.

The Ruler to Come Micah prophesied that the remnant of God’s people would become a powerful force in the world under their divine ruler, the Messiah. Micah repeatedly emphasized the Lord’s covenant faithfulness. The meek can rest assured that, no matter what calamity overtakes us, God’s purposes are greater still.

Love Justice and Mercy The greater value of knowing and loving God over offering mere sacrifices cannot be overstated. Believers must take the challenge to walk humbly and to love what God loves: justice and mercy.

God Is For the Downtrodden God is for his people. He is slow to anger and rich in mercy. His righteousness is expressed in advocacy for those who are oppressed and in need. It is also seen in his refusal to ignore injustice. God is the defender of the weak.

Hope for the Oppressed Nahum’s message was unpleasant in many ways. Nevertheless, it was a message of hope to those in Judah who suffered under the oppression of vicious foreign invasion. In the midst of their trial, they clung to God’s truth that flowed from the mouth of his prophet. We, too, can cling to this truth; God hears the voices of the oppressed and acts on their behalf.

Justice Is Messy Nahum’s vision stands as a testimony to God’s justice and salvation. In a fallen world, justice and salvation are messy. But God will not allow the brutalization of his people to last. Nothing in heaven or earth will thwart his eternal restoration. This is good news for those surrounded by suffering and disability.

Doubting God’s Goodness When people of good faith find themselves dealing with difficult situations, a natural response is to question God’s goodness. We may ask, “Why would God allow this perversion of justice?” Sometimes God’s silence is deafening and hard to comprehend. Is he indifferent to our suffering? The message of Habakkuk is a resounding, “No!” God sees all wickedness and suffering, and he has a plan that will defeat it.

God’s Timing Habakkuk understood God’s holy character and acted accordingly. He went to the watchtower to await God’s judgment on the Babylonians (). Faith was required for two primary reasons: The judgment on Babylon would take place in the future, and the delay did not make sense from a human perspective. Habakkuk knew his God, and he was willing to wait in faithful expectation.

God’s Present Reality The end of Habakkuk reveals a transformed prophet. He was no longer focused on the past and the wrongs that had been committed; he was rejoicing over God’s faithfulness in the past with the assurance that God also controls the present. We must actively choose to embrace joy even if we cannot see how it will all come together in the end.

Hidden in Truth It is difficult to remain hopeful in the midst of perilous times. We become negative in such a fragile and uncertain world. But the lives we know will one day give way to a new beginning and a new hope. Let’s stay hidden in that truth.

Guard Your Heart Moral and spiritual decadence that consumes a society can impact the inner chambers of the heart. It is critically important to guard our hearts in such circumstances. The Lord will purify a remnant that is humble and teachable. We have much to learn from the most humble and vulnerable in our midst.

The Promise of Restoration These verses describe the return of the remnant after the 70-year Babylonian exile. This is a foreshadowing of God’s final redemption of his creation, of which the Messianic Banquet is a centerpiece. This is the promise that suffering and disability will soon disappear!

Spiritual and Material Together The Lord is the universal King who commands his people to focus on him first, and then material and spiritual blessings will flow. He is not unaware of our struggles and hardships. This is not about getting rich; it’s about getting what we truly need: a life rightly ordered.

I Am With You The Lord encourages the leaders of Jerusalem to be strong in their effort to rebuild the Temple because he is with them. This is a good reminder that when suffering and disability seem to consume us, the Lord is an ever-present strength to help us accomplish the task of honoring him. The prerequisite is that we say yes to the challenge of putting him first.

Blessings for Obedience Obedience requires prayer, thought, and reflection. The Lord’s promised reward for such obedience is priceless. Sometimes we may be tempted to think that suffering, affliction, and hardship give us adequate excuses to focus on ourselves. But we see from Haggai that God does not allow for such excuses. He knows life is tough, but if we give careful thought to his house, he is with us and will bless us with the spiritual and material blessings we really need.

A Call to Repentance Future hope begins with repentance. If we want to bask in the blessings of God, we must wholeheartedly return to him, leaving our sinful actions and attitudes behind in order to follow his design for our lives.

Comfort for Those Who Endure Zechariah’s first vision affirms that comfort awaits those who are radically committed to God’s purposes. The people of Judah enjoyed peace, but they were still suffering from the effects of drought and famine. They had been faithful to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, and God promised that they would enjoy comfort and prosperity soon.

Suffering Will End Zechariah’s second vision is a reminder for the people of Judah, who had suffered greatly at the hands of other nations, that their oppressors would be defeated. God sees the suffering of his people, and he will not forget about those who were responsible for that suffering.

Restoration Is a Promise to Embrace Zechariah’s third vision demonstrates that reconciliation and redemption will come to Jerusalem and to all who remain faithful to God. God also promises his own presence among them as a comfort and protection.

Christ: High Priest and King The New Testament book Hebrews reveals many ways in which Jesus fulfills all the promises made by the Old Testament prophets, including this prophecy about the high priest being a symbol of the coming Messiah (). These passages fill suffering believers with encouragement and strength to make it through tough circumstances. Jesus knows our weaknesses and is familiar with our infirmities.

The Gentle, Coming King In fulfillment of this prophecy, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, demonstrating two things simultaneously: He was the one they needed, and he was soon to be rejected. Jesus, who is the rightful King, made himself vulnerable to his people. When the vulnerability of suffering overwhelms us, we must remember the gentle King who did not run away from suffering but endured, knowing that the future was his.

Apathy Is a Cop-out Malachi calls the people out for their unworthy sacrifices and whining complaints: “It’s too hard to serve the LORD.” Turning up one’s nose at God’s commands and cheating on our promises always displeases the Lord. And it should displease us, too! What a cop-out! Suffering illuminates our apathy and calls us to cling to the Lord, who loves us and never gives up on us.

God Hates Divorce When a spouse becomes severely disabled, divorce is acceptable, right? That might be the way the world thinks, but God does not put marriage on a sliding scale. Marriage is designed to be a picture of God’s sacrificial love for us. When a sudden disability or conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or a stroke afflict a spouse, you can be sure it is no accident. Instead, consider it an opportunity to display God’s love to the world. When married couples stay true to their vows and model sacrificial love even in the midst of suffering, they become a beautiful expression of God’s sacrificial love for us.

In the Last Days Nowadays, we either want to do away with all difference or embrace all difference to the point that it is impossible to judge anything to be good or bad. Such times call for godly wisdom and discernment. In the end, the Lord will judge by the only distinction that matters: those who serve him and those who do not. Let’s serve the coming King wholeheartedly.

A Refugee in Egypt Jesus was not born into a family with wealth or status. In fact, the family became refugees in Egypt because of a politically motivated attempt on Jesus’ life. Through it all, Mary and Joseph believed God would lead, protect, and provide for them because of his word given through the angels.

The Death of Boys in Bethlehem Even as God brought his Son into this world so that people might live, the evil one used the occasion to bring death to as many as thirty young boys (Bethlehem was a small village at the time). From the very beginning in Eden, Satan has opposed God’s plan; still, God would bring about blessing even as the evil one sought to bring death. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the final victory over death.

Testing or Tempting? Jesus’ wilderness experience involved both testing and tempting. God tests his people, never in order that they will fail but rather that they will come to trust him in a deeper way. Satan tempts God’s people by using circumstances that they might fail in so they will lose heart. Christ resisted the temptations of the evil one—and so can we—by knowing the Scriptures deeply and understanding the desire of Satan to undermine our trust in God.

The Impossibility of Serving Two Masters Ultimately, no one can answer to two different authorities if they have competing requirements and goals. When we serve God, the responsibilities and goals of life have one clear focus: bringing glory to the One who made us. When we serve the Lord faithfully, we are then able to serve our families and friends in a holistic manner, knowing that all we do is in service to the One we love.

Plotting to Kill Jesus When Jesus began to call attention to the Jewish leaders’ inadequate repentance and their lack of compassion, the result was that the religious leaders decided they needed to kill Jesus. His miraculous healings were less significant to the leaders than the fact that he was breaking long-standing religious traditions by working on the Sabbath. Jesus was directly challenging the authority of the religious leaders through both his teachings and his actions. The people wanted the blessings Jesus brought, but the leaders didn’t want to lose their control by changing either their beliefs or their lifestyle. So instead, they plotted to kill him.

A Little More Faith When Peter took his eyes off Jesus to look at the raging waves, he began to sink. Jesus gently reproved Peter for his lack of faith. We can imagine that Peter might have felt a bit unfairly chastised; after all, he alone had stepped out of the boat in the first place! But we shouldn’t compare our faith with others, nor should we allow it to be shaken by the circumstances of the blowing wind and dangerous waves. Instead, we should fix our eyes on the One who can calm the storm and continue to have faith that he will bring us safely to shore.

An Unmerciful Jesus? Jesus’ actions and words toward this Gentile woman at first seem to be callous or even cruel, but they can be understood more clearly when the incident is put in cultural context. Up to this point, the blessing that this woman was asking for had only been offered to the Jews (), a blessing that was intended to flow through the Jews to the nations. Jesus responds to her persistence with mercy, recognizing that she is simply asking for whatever is left over from a blessing that was intended to go from the Jews to all nations right from the start ().

An Advocate for People with Disabilities Jesus came to this earth to make himself known, and he did this through both what he said and what he did. Those who needed a touch from Jesus were all brought to him, and Jesus “healed them all.” There is no illness that Jesus can’t heal and no person brought before him that he will not touch. Jesus is the great advocate for people with disabilities.

Spiritual Sight One of the most interesting phenomena in the Gospels is how well those who were physically blind could see spiritual truth. Having listened carefully to the testimonies of those who had seen Jesus, these two men were able to sort out the facts rather than be distracted. So they shouted “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” (). They recognized that Jesus was the promised Davidic Messiah, and that he could give them mercy and heal their physical blindness.

Weeping over Jerusalem Christ was capable of expressing deep emotion for the things that mattered most to him. When he wept over Jerusalem, it was not the stone walls or wooden gates for which he had deep affection but rather the residents of the city where God had chosen for his name to be honored (). God loves people!

Overwhelming Distress “Gethsemane” means “the olive press.” It was a place at the base of the Mount of Olives where olives were pressed and crushed to make olive oil. This night, the Lord Jesus Christ experienced a crushing pressure of a different kind: He was filled with anguish and deep distress as he foresaw the challenge of death that lay before him. It wasn’t easy for Jesus to maintain his commitment to do his Father’s will despite the tremendous cost. But it was vitally important that he did, because ultimately his obedience gives us life.

Abandonment At one of the lowest, most difficult moments of his earthly life, Jesus was abandoned by all of his disciples. He had told them to stay awake and pray, but they had fallen asleep. And now, when they needed the spiritual strength to do what was right, the disciples had none left, so they fled. Prayer is the means to access the spiritual strength we need to face the difficulties of life. If we neglect prayer, we are less prepared to respond well when life gets hard.

False Accusations Being falsely accused of wrongdoing is devastating. Christ was innocent of the charges brought against him, but his enemies searched until witnesses could be produced who could justify the death sentence they wanted to impose. When we experience suffering because of lies that people tell about us, we know that Jesus understands because he experienced the same thing.

Unjustly Accosted Christ was innocent of any sin or crime. He was unjustly arrested by the jealous Jewish leaders and brought to the Romans because only Rome had the power to enforce capital punishment in Judea. Roman laws, which allowed for the harsh treatment of criminals, including hitting, whipping, and spitting, were applied to Christ. Yet he endured all this so that he could pay the penalty for our sins.

Death’s Cruelty Crucifixion was a slow, cruel form of death developed as a warning to those who might contemplate rebelling against Roman authority. Even seemingly merciful measures, such as assigning a passerby to carry the cross of the condemned, were designed to ensure prolonged suffering and slow death. All this was just a routine part of Roman rule. But the day Jesus died was no ordinary day: They crucified the eternal Son of God—who then came back to life!

Christ Took Our Sin After three hours of darkness, Jesus cried out the opening words of : “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” The apostle Paul later explained: “God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (). Christ allowed the sins of all humanity—including yours and mine—to be placed on him so that we could be reconciled to God. He deserves our everlasting love and gratitude.

Reaching Out It is easy to accept the benefits of Christ’s life without accepting the responsibility of sharing it with others. Christ wants his church to grow disciples among all peoples everywhere. This is possible because of the authority that Christ has as the One who has risen from the dead.

Unity in Christ Not only were the sick and suffering brought to Jesus, the whole town gathered. Everyone came together to be in the presence of Jesus. While this is a passage about healing, it is also one about inclusion and no one being left behind.

Finding Comfort The city of Capernaum appears in many New Testament passages. To modern readers, the city is associated with healing and miracles. Even the city’s name itself can be a reminder of the acts that occurred there (Capernaum means “city of comfort”). It was a city where not only those who were in need could find friends, like the four who carried the paralytic, but where many people received comfort and healing from Jesus.

Experiencing Sabbath Jesus refused to be trapped by the standards of the day. He knew that Sabbath rules—which God had intended to be life-giving, not life-crushing—were being abused. Healing on the Sabbath certainly gave life to the one who was healed, and yet there was an even bigger message in that moment. The Sabbath was not a test for God’s people to see if they would fall short. It was instituted to give life rhythm and rest.

Keeping Perspective Even while witnessing healings, daily provision, and the very presence of God, the disciples struggled. The amazing things they witnessed through Jesus often filled them with fear. Jesus reminded them of all they had already experienced and overcome by asking one simple question, “Why are you afraid?” When we suffer, we can lose perspective. We need reminders of all the ways God has been with us in the past and the assurance of his presence now and in the future.

Have Faith When you’ve grieved and suffered, did it feel as if it would never end? How many times did others count you out or discourage you? Jairus’s friends told him to stop troubling Jesus and accept the worst. Jesus overheard, but rather than tell Jairus that his daughter was alive, Jesus said, “Just have faith” () Regardless of how others respond to your times of trouble, Jesus knows your pain and says, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”

A Place of Rest Whether you are suffering or helping those who suffer, there must be times of rest. Jesus invites you to find a quiet place to seek solace. Instead of feeling as if you must do everything all of the time, allow yourself to heed Jesus’ exhortation to seek rest. In so doing, you will be refreshed and better able to bear all that God has planned for you.

Suffering Does Not Define Us Many know Jesus as the Suffering Servant. In this passage, Jesus reminds us that his suffering was not a surprise but rather something he knew was coming and chose to face head on. Yet it is easy to forget that Jesus’ life was not all about suffering. The stories preserved about Jesus’ life in the Gospels attest that the human experiences of joy, love, parties, and sleep were just as much a part of his daily life as suffering was. Suffering was not the only thing to define him. Suffering is not the only thing that defines any one of us.

Help with Unbelief Belief and unbelief often feel like two sides of a seesaw, and where we sit often depends on the day. Rather than feeling inadequate or “less than” on those days where unbelief seems stronger, name it and offer it to God. Be honest about your struggles and your need for help with unbelief.

Know Your Purpose Jesus was never defined by what others said about him or did to him. It wasn’t that those insults didn’t hurt; rather, he knew they were wrong. Name-calling, harsh words, and betrayal all lay before him. Yet, because he knew his purpose, Jesus also knew that he could endure the attacks of those who did not understand God’s will.

Love Is Nonnegotiable Jesus said, “No other commandment is greater than these” (). How often do we decide that other commandments are more important? If only Jesus knew about my situation, surely he would agree with me that this—this one right here—is the most important commandment, and everyone should know it. But Jesus does know, and he said there is nothing higher than this: Love God; love your neighbor.

Serve the Least of These Some people misunderstand Jesus’ words in this verse to be giving an excuse for why not to serve the poor. But nothing could be further from the truth. He consistently loved and served the poor and marginalized, and he expects his followers to live the same way. Yet here Jesus reminded his disciples of the importance of worshiping him and spending time adoring him, as the woman did when she poured the perfume on his feet. It is not wasteful to give our best to worship God, especially as we also remember to live our lives in ways that show how much we love Jesus by loving the people he loved—including the poor and those with disabilities.

Complete Surrender Jesus asked for “this cup of suffering” to be taken away. This moment puts Jesus’ humanity on full display. Dear God, I am suffering, and you can do something about it. But then Jesus models humanity attuned to divinity, “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” It was not easy for Jesus to place his suffering in God’s hands, but he did. And by his model, we can learn to do so too.

A Cheerful Account Luke’s record of “the events that have been fulfilled” includes the many ways that Jesus fulfills the ancient messianic prophecies, and his compassion for all people of every background and ethnicity, especially those with disabilities. Jesus’ loving care for those who are considered outcasts and sinners is a powerful revelation of God’s nature. This account should cheer and comfort those who suffer, and it should restore hope to all our hearts.

Jesus’ Mission Is Ours These verses, drawing on , express Jesus’ mission statement in a nutshell: to declare “the time of the LORD’s favor” (), to extend God’s liberating love to all who would call upon him for salvation. As Christ-followers, we are called to lay down our lives to evangelize and minister to the marginalized—the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, the blind, and the oppressed.

Faithful Friends Just as this man’s friends brought him to Jesus, we who are the body of Christ have the privilege of helping marginalized people find fellowship in the church family. This is especially important for our friends with severe physical disabilities, for whom transportation and other practical challenges may make connecting with the church community especially difficult.

Sympathy for Our Plight God’s sympathy for his children includes a special grace toward those who suffer. Although the central point of Jesus’ earthly mission was to provide redemption and eternal life for sinners (), along the way he encountered multitudes of individuals and families coping with various forms of suffering. His response was to reach out with care, compassion, and a healing touch.

Overflowing Abundance As God’s children, we are rich beyond imagination—we have been given “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms” (). We have been filled to overflowing with insight, knowledge, and grace—and we must share it with others. We must spread the light and love of Jesus, who always tells the truth about everything—from redemption and atonement to rickets and autism—and who offers real and lasting hope in the midst of it all.

The Puzzle of Suffering It’s a mistake to assume that when bad things happen to people, it is necessarily a result of sin or failure on their part. When his disciples asked Jesus who was to blame for the man being born blind, Jesus replied that neither he nor his parents had sinned (). Scripture doesn’t always give us answers as to why we suffer at a particular time and in a particular way, but it clearly says that suffering in general is a part of our broken world—a part that Christ came to redeem and restore.

The Least and the Greatest Here, and again in , Jesus strikes at the pride and arrogance lurking in the hearts of the religious leaders of his day. The same pride can also be hiding in our own hearts today, if we aren’t careful to avoid it. In the Kingdom of God, those whom we might naturally think of as the “least important”—including people with disabilities—will turn out to be the “greatest” of all.

Intentional Inclusion In referring to both a “luncheon” and a “banquet,” Jesus makes it clear that his instructions are not reserved only for special occasions. Instead, we should be including people from outside our comfort zones and traditional associations—those we may consider lowly—as a routine part of our everyday lives. This is a clear instruction to the church to intentionally embrace people with disabilities in both our personal lives and our faith communities.

A Biblical Mandate It is with urgency in his voice that the master commanded his servants to seek, find, and invite the disabled of the community into his house. This is a clear mandate as the master repeats the charge to go out and “urge” them to come in. God intends for those affected by disability to be fully engaged in his house (the church), and he expects his church to actively include everyone.

The Cost of Inclusion Immediately after Jesus’ teaching on honoring the least among us, he spoke to the crowds about the cost of discipleship. Some churches mistakenly conclude that the cost of including people with disabilities is too high—it might demand too much of the congregation. Jesus warns that this decision might be the difference between a church that is “good for seasoning” () and one that is “flavorless” ()—not even good enough to throw on “the manure pile” ().

Shame or Humility Our disabilities and weaknesses can evoke a sense of shame. People who were once active and successful may need to be fed, bathed, and dressed as if they were helpless infants. Others struggle with pride over being forced to ask for help with staggering medical bills. However, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (). Our pride can be replaced with humility as we daily take up our cross and reflect the glory of God the Father. We don’t need to prove our worth to God (or anyone else) but instead should rely on the loving mercy of our heavenly Father, who will exalt those who humbly rely on him.

Give What You Have People with disabilities sometimes feel they have little, if anything, of value to offer to God. But as these verses make clear, when we give what we have, no matter how insignificant it may seem, the Lord himself takes notice—and he is pleased.

A Ray of Hope Two disciples walked the road to Emmaus, “sadness written across their faces” (). Yet through a fresh encounter with the presence of the living Lord—Christ himself—a ray of hope broke through the dark despair of their human circumstances. When we draw close to Christ and his Word, we also can find a beam of sunlight in the midst of life’s storms.

John, the Witness This Gospel’s author, John, is concerned that we believe what he has written. He describes hurting people with significant needs, and he is writing to people with similar concerns. We are all vulnerable and have been disappointed and misled. John wants to be sure that his readers understand that his Gospel is trustworthy. That is why he begins by talking about John the Baptist (a different John than the author, John the apostle). John the Baptist was a trustworthy witness to Jesus who was widely respected and sought out by religious leaders and common people alike (). John the Baptist consistently pointed people to Jesus rather than drawing attention to himself.

Jesus, the Human In , John establishes that Jesus is God. This is remarkable. But now he takes it further: Jesus is also a man. The God of the universe became a human just like us. Like us, he hurt, suffered, and was tempted. In fact, Jesus was like us in all ways except one: He did not sin ().

No Need Is Too Small While Jesus was attending a wedding, the wine ran out. This would have been extremely embarrassing to the hosts, who were responsible for meeting the needs of all of their guests. Jesus meets this need by changing water into wine. Although impressive, this miracle might seem inconsequential compared to Jesus’ miracles of healing or of raising the dead. Nevertheless, it demonstrates that Jesus is concerned with all our needs—both large and small—and it gives a foretaste of the joy Jesus will share with us as the host of the great Messianic Banquet that he invites everyone to join.

Born Again . . . as Part of God’s Family! Jesus says that only a person who is “born again” or born from above can be saved. This imagery reveals that God’s salvation is more than simply avoidance of hell. Rather, it is membership in a new family, one in which God himself is our Father (; ; ) and our adoption comes through belief in Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection (; ; ).

The Greatest Gift The most devastating disability—and the source of all the suffering in this world—is sin. Our sin is the root cause of all our problems and will lead to death. Through Jesus, God dealt with this problem once and for all. While on this earth, we will suffer. However, suffering will not last forever. God’s gift will make us whole and enable us to spend eternity with him.

Boldness in Jesus’ Presence Although the Samaritan woman knew it was not socially appropriate, she asked directly for Jesus to give her some of his living water. There is no veil of formality here. What we learn about her suggests that she was extremely desperate. After all, she had experienced a lot of disappointment. No matter what, she knew she needed what Jesus had to offer. And he was more than willing to oblige her bold request.

Jesus Cares about Our Loved Ones Jesus revealed how much he shares our concerns. A deeply worried official was concerned about his son who was near death. Jesus showed concern by listening to the man and healing his son, without even going to see the boy. When we pray, God always listens and acts on our behalf in accordance with his divine will.

Obedience Jesus intentionally sought out a man who had suffered for years and gave him a choice: obedience to a seemly impossible command or familiar suffering. The man chose to accept Jesus’ offer, and his life was changed—he was healed! All he had to do was obey Jesus. We are not guaranteed healing on this side of eternity. But whether we receive healing in this life or not, our response should always be faithful obedience to God.

God Provides A large crowd of over 5,000 people had gathered to hear Jesus, and it wasn’t clear how there would be enough food to feed everyone. The disciples were discouraged by the seeming impossibility of the problem. Jesus, however, took five barley loaves and two fish and was able to feed the entire crowd. Only God can provide for his people in such a remarkable way.

Jesus Satisfies Our Spiritual Hunger In this first of seven self-identifying “I am” statements, Jesus reveals that he is the “bread of life”—the one who satisfies all spiritual hunger. We were created with a longing for God. We need to turn to Jesus for spiritual satisfaction.

Jesus, Our Light and Salvation Light is common religious imagery. In fact, light played an important role in the Feast of Shelters—the Jewish festival that was going on when Jesus spoke these words. Jesus says that he is “the light of the world.” Jesus is the light that reveals God. states, “The LORD is my light and my salvation.” Light also reveals sin, and those walking in light avoid judgment.

Seeing Is Believing Jesus demonstrated his power over sickness and disease. We are familiar with the healing power of Jesus, but this was something special. This was not healing a small cut. Rather, this was giving sight to one who had never seen before. Today, we know that this would involve restoring neural pathways in the brain. In Jesus’ day, such healings were unheard of (). This was an amazing miracle, but it also resulted in spiritual vision—faith.

Access and Care Jesus reveals that he is both the way into God’s family (“I am the gate,” ) and the provider for and protector of his people (“I am the good shepherd,” ). Jesus, our good shepherd, pays close attention to us and meets our needs, even needs we do not realize we have. He protects us against all dangers, both obvious and unknown. In him, we have both confidence and security.

We Will Be Raised! Jesus’ claim to be the source of resurrection and life is not some theoretical abstraction. No. He is “the resurrection and the life.” He supported his claim by raising Lazarus from the dead. Life is physically and mentally challenging, and we long for relief. Jesus has promised to resurrect us (). By resurrecting Lazarus, and then being resurrected himself, Jesus has proven his claim is trustworthy.

Victory over Death Jesus demonstrated his divine identity through victory over death itself. He is the resurrection! John records this and other signs not only to reveal Jesus’ identity, but also so that we might believe in him. Jesus healed sick and disabled people, alleviated suffering, fed many, exercised power over nature, and raised the dead. If we do not believe from all that, what more would it take?

The Ultimate Servant Jesus, the one who is most worthy to be served, provides the ultimate example of service. Feet are dirty. After hours of walking on hot, dry, dusty roads, they are even worse. Yet, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet to provide an example for them—and us—to follow. Jesus wants us all to follow him and serve one another. When we care for and serve others, we are following in Jesus’ footsteps.

Accepting Service We can all relate to Peter. Often, it’s easier to serve than to be served. It makes us feel powerless or embarrassed when someone else chooses to do something for us that we would prefer to do for ourselves. However, sometimes we need to accept service with grace, allowing another to experience the joy of being a blessing. This is God’s way of washing our feet.

Our Source for the Christian Life Jesus’ final self-identifying “I am” statement gives us the secret to the Christian life. As a grape branch must remain attached to the grapevine, we must “remain in” Jesus (). Jesus is not discussing salvation here, but rather the fruit of salvation. Remaining in Jesus involves getting into his Word (), and it always results in bearing the kind of fruit that Jesus produces in his people (). No matter our circumstances, only by remaining in Christ will we be successful and produce the fruit of God.

The Most Powerful Witness Jesus prayed for our unity because he knew that in a hurting world, a loving community could make a tremendous difference. Time invested in loving and caring for one another is attractive. Love should set the church apart and draw outsiders to Christ. Every time we minister to a need, have patience, encourage each other, and simply stand together in unity, we can be a means by which Jesus’ prayer is answered.

, Big Mistakes We all fail. When Peter failed, he failed big! After committing to die for Jesus () and defending him with a sword (), Peter denied knowing Jesus three times. Big failures demand major forgiveness. Ultimately, Peter was able to reaffirm his commitment to Jesus () and became one of the most important followers of Jesus in the history of the church. Sometimes we’re afraid to approach Jesus because of our failures. Peter is an example of forgiveness that can encourage us all.

Our Home Is with Jesus Sometimes we feel like we don’t belong on this earth. Trials, failures, illness, and disability can make life very difficult. However, we can take hope in the knowledge that Jesus’ Kingdom is “not an earthly kingdom,” and someday we will be with him forever. This comforting thought can help us through our difficult times.

It Is Finished Jesus’ final words on the cross indicate that his mission had been completed. He had secured salvation for his people. There was nothing more he needed to do and nothing more that could be done. Jesus has promised us total redemption. Its price, however, was not cheap. It cost the Son of God his life. What will we do with God’s great sacrifice? The only proper response is to believe in him. If we do not, we are essentially telling him he died for nothing.

The Purpose for the Gospel John reveals the reason for writing his Gospel. We have followed Jesus as he ministered to all types of people, performed miracles, taught, died on a cross, and finally came back to life. For those who don’t know Jesus, John wants them to believe. For those who are already followers of Jesus, he desires that they be encouraged to continue to believe. Jesus demonstrated his love by dying for us. Whether rich or poor; suffering or comfortable; disabled, sick, or whole, Jesus’ story demands a response.

Someday Like the intrepid explorer who sets out to discover exotic new lands and people, Acts is about the church being launched into the world on a mission. There were miracles, riots, arguments, friendships, and shipwrecks, but the spiritual realities beyond such earthly activities were at the heart of things. For believers, the promised end—eternal life spent with the risen Lord who will someday return—brings endurance and hope to the often strenuous adventure of faith.

God’s Prearranged Plan Everyone suffers. No one is exempt. Jesus experienced the extremely painful death of crucifixion not by accident but according to God’s prearranged plan (; ). God’s call to Paul included suffering for the sake of the Kingdom of God (). But remember: The God who permits suffering is good. No pain is forgotten by God; no suffering is wasted in his divine plan. It is permitted for a good purpose and a glorious end.

At the Beautiful Gate To get to the Temple for prayer, worshipers had to walk past people in misery and pain lying at the Beautiful Gate. The unclean and people with disabilities were excluded from worship at the Temple. They were considered unfit for spiritual life and faith development, their condition often being blamed on personal or family sin. By reaching out “in the name of Jesus Christ” and letting this man come “with them” to prayer, the disciples continued Jesus’ ministry of welcoming the weak and the outcast (; ).

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Purpose Peter and John were “ordinary men” who had known Jesus; as a result, they were transformed into bold witnesses for the gospel. Note that what made the difference was their having “been with” Jesus, not being highly educated, skilled, or otherwise credentialed. God can use anyone—young or old, healthy or sick, able or disabled—to represent him and to accomplish his purposes.

Boldness in the Face of Opposition When we pursue Kingdom purposes, we are bound to face opposition. Our response should be to pray—as the early believers did—for boldness. This is a prayer that God delights in answering.

Suffering Disgrace “To suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus” is, for the Christ-follower, perhaps the highest possible honor this side of eternity. While the suffering we encounter in our daily lives is often not directly related to our faith in Jesus, the ways in which we respond to our suffering can bring honor or dishonor to the name of Christ.

No Spiritual Superhero Required Seven godly, well-respected men were chosen for what might have seemed to some like a menial task: “running a food program” (). But one of these men, Stephen, also “performed amazing miracles and signs among the people” (). In the Kingdom of God, no task is menial, and God can use anyone to do his work—you don’t have to be a spiritual superhero to be useful to God.

“Father, Forgive Them” Stephen followed the model set by Jesus, whose complete submission to and trust in his Father’s will moved him to extend forgiveness to those who were crucifying him. As Christ-followers, we should pray for those who impose suffering upon us, asking the Lord to show the same mercy to them that he has showered upon us.

Uncharted Territory Though difficult and unpleasant, suffering because of religious persecution became the catalyst through which Jesus’ great commission () would be fulfilled. The disciples moved from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria, and eventually to the entire world (). Suffering often forces us out of our “comfort zones” into unfamiliar, uncharted territory. But this may be exactly where God planned to take us all along.

When Opportunity Meets Preparation It’s been said that success is what happens when opportunity meets preparation. Being used by God is primarily a matter of willingness and availability, together with appropriate preparation. All members of God’s family are equipped with spiritual and other gifts (; , ; ). Unfortunately, people with disabilities are often excluded from serving in the church. But everyone who is willing and available should be given the opportunity to serve God and to be used by God as a blessing to others.

The Road Between Jesus spoke directly to Saul in order to reveal his identification and solidarity with those who were suffering the pains of persecution. On this road between his old life and his new life, Saul discovered that Jesus experiences the pain of his followers in such a way that it becomes his pain. Jesus truly is Immanuel—“God is with us” ().

The Great Leveler The gift of the Holy Spirit, which shows the presence and favor of God, even extends to those who, in some people’s minds, are beyond the possibility of inclusion in the community of God. This includes persons with disabilities, for whom full inclusion in church is all too often an unrealized dream. But the Spirit of God does not discriminate, bestowing the same blessings on all.

Expect the Unexpected We can be tempted to think we know exactly how and in whom God works, expecting only people of a certain ability or identity to experience relationship with him. But what if God acts differently and includes different people than we expect? We can either dig our heels in, insisting that “God simply doesn’t work that way,” or allow God to challenge and expand our expectations of him.

Fully Present In the midst of all the movement in Acts, there are significant periods of staying (, ; , ). To stay is not to visit—the visitor is conscious of the boundaries of time. To stay is to be fully present, to share life, to speak of Christ, and to strengthen the believers every day. One of the most precious gifts that can be given to people with disabilities and their families is the presence of a Christian friend who simply stays.

The Power of Words It is likely that the name “Christian” was originally used by the people of Antioch as a nickname and a term of derision for the new religious sect in town. While that name has become something that followers of Jesus Christ are proud to claim as their identity, some nicknames are cruel and mean-spirited. People with disabilities often face the latter indignity, having cruel nicknames, dehumanizing labels, and terms of ridicule attached to them. Words can hurt; they can also build. Let us endeavor to use our words to build up rather than tear down.

Timely Reminders Timely reminders are part of discipleship. Here, the reminder is given that as we follow Christ we must suffer many hardships, just as Jesus had to suffer before entering his glory () and Paul suffered in taking the gospel to the Gentiles (). The path of suffering for the Kingdom of God leads to glory!

Determination Faced with opposition, Paul and Silas knew that giving up was not an option, so they pressed on. Perhaps you are facing exclusion from a Christian community, battling for medical attention, or having to stand up for your own or another person’s educational opportunities and the way seems so hard, so unfair, so long, and so complicated. Don’t be deterred by past responses, and keep moving forward with courage, trusting God for the outcome.

A Purpose-filled Life A strong sense of his life’s purpose empowered Paul to press on in the face of impending suffering. Even though he knew it would involve much pain and difficulty, he pushed forward toward the goal of finishing the work “assigned” to him—namely, telling others, especially Gentiles, about the grace of God. When we recall that our primary calling in life is to glorify God, we can find the strength to persevere in the midst of our sufferings.

A Royal Audience Imagine being called before a king to talk about Jesus. Paul probably wouldn’t have chosen making his defense during a trial facing capital punishment as the moment when he got the opportunity to share the gospel with a king, but Paul made the most of his chance before this powerful judge. Perhaps, like Paul, your life’s path is painful and constricted. The road is long, the ground is rough, the pace is slow, the routine is numbing and the people are hostile. But take heart: You never know where God might lead you.

Take Courage! For Paul, obedience in taking the gospel to the world meant facing a massive storm. In the midst of the terror, courage was given to him by a word from God. It was not merely private courage for Paul alone; it was intended to strengthen the hearts of others as well. The courage of one was life-changing for many—together, they went on!

First Impressions Based on folklore about snakes, the island locals assumed Paul must have been a dangerous criminal or murderer. When Paul didn’t die from the snakebite, they reclassified him as a god. Of course, Paul was neither. Similarly, people with disabilities are often classified as “threatening” or reclassified as “special” according to the changing whims of popular belief. Like Paul, they are neither of these. Instead, they are simply ordinary people who, by God’s grace, can also be used to bring God’s love to the world.

Mutual Encouragement Suffering can make us feel like we have nothing to offer. It can also make us feel awkward about asking for help—again. Neither feeling reflects God’s view of us. No matter what our circumstance, we all have spiritual gifts to offer, and we should recognize that in others, too. We can experience mutual encouragement when we are willing to open ourselves up to one another. Even Paul expects that he will receive spiritual benefit from the gifts of the believers in Rome, whom he had not yet met. Surely the same is true of each of us—we have something to offer to other believers as well as something to learn from them.

Mutual Respect Playing favorites divides a group and belittles both the favorites and non-favorites. The favorites are belittled by the assumption that they need an advantage over others, and the non-favorites are belittled by the assumption that they are somehow less valuable than those who receive preferential treatment. Making accommodations for people with disabilities who live in a world designed for those without disabilities is not showing favoritism—it is simply providing access to the same privileges other people already enjoy. When we treat those with and without disabilities fairly, we show respect and dignity to everyone, acknowledging the humanity that reflects God’s image in each of us.

Sin: The Great Equalizer “Everyone has sinned.” This truth might make us think that we are exempt and somehow justified to sit in judgment over some people who we believe are suffering because they have sinned in some way. Yet the simple statement “everyone has sinned” undermines any such condescension we could feel toward others. We are no different than the people around us—we all have sinned. Recognizing we are all on common ground, we can find helpful ways to engage in each other’s suffering, whether the suffering was caused by sin or not.

Aging Age brings many beautiful things: wisdom, perspective, friends, and a host of memories. Age can also bring disability to the body, the mind, or both. Yet our faith can remain strong even as our bodies weaken, as Abraham exemplified. In our weakened state, we learn to stop relying on our own strength of mind or body and increasingly shift our reliance to the Creator. God’s strength becomes more evident in our weakness.

Endurance Builds Character Perhaps you have heard that in order to build muscle you must first break it down or have experienced the truth of that in the painful process of physical therapy or recovery from a strenuous workout. Here, Paul is giving us a workout regimen for building character, and it begins by enduring problems and trials. Paul tells us that our character is strengthened when we faithfully endure painful, difficult times. As we persevere through trials, we are better able to understand that God is with us and that he can be trusted.

Keeping Perspective It may feel like an impossible task to keep perspective in the midst of trials. It is far too easy to allow ourselves to make poor choices that promise relief or distraction from difficult days. God knows this temptation and reminds us that we were created for better than that. Our bodies are instruments for worship and bear God’s image. Sin is not our master, even when we suffer.

Hope in Christ The wrestling we see in this passage between good desires and sinful decisions is a common confession. This does not relate only to “big” sins but to “everyday” ones as well—the ways in which I wallow in self-pity or envy those who have what I lack. Fortunately, this is not the end of the story. There is hope in Jesus Christ who frees us from this life dominated by sin and death ().

Prescription for Fear Fear is a common theme for those who suffer. Even in the midst of the most painful days, there is a fear that it can always get worse. Fear does not need to be our master. In fact, our suffering now can serve as a reminder that our spirits are joined with the Spirit of God. And when we lean into him, trusting that God is with us, fear shrinks back in his presence.

Becoming like the Son It can be hard to believe that God is working everything “together for the good of those who love God” in the midst of pain, sickness, heartache, or financial uncertainty. How can such trials be for our benefit? How can this verse bring comfort, even though it sometimes feels like a trite platitude? We must look to the full counsel of Romans, where Paul also teaches that problems and trials help refine our character (). And when our character better reflects Christ, more people are able to see what God is doing in our lives, and they are drawn to him.

God Stays! Trouble does not come because God has abandoned us. Christ’s love is not withdrawn because of disability, struggle, financial ruin, lies, or depression. God is present with us in both good and bad. The Holy Spirit cries out on our behalf when we are unable to find the words (). Suffering is not a sign that God has left you. It never has been, and it never will be.

No Disgrace Those who experience suffering, whether caused by a disability or not, often feel as if they are filled with shame and disgrace. The world has reinforced these mistaken self-perceptions. Yet Paul assures us that those who trust in God will never be disgraced. The key is to keep our eyes on God: “Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces” ().

Fighting Isolation Can you relate to Elijah’s feeling that he was the last person trying to be faithful? There are times when we isolate ourselves, forgetting that we are not the only person on earth enduring hard times, nor are we the only person seeking God. We must fight the temptation to withdraw from others, which can lead to depression and wallowing in self-pity, and instead join with others who will encourage us to love and serve God better, even as we do the same for them.

A New Narrative In some ways, the secular world has led the way in positive societal changes that affect persons with disabilities. Christians could move society even further ahead if we understood and practiced the biblical perspective on suffering and disability. Instead of conforming, we must become transformers that help both the church and society include and reach out to all people.

Being the Body Have you ever put a puzzle together, methodically turning each piece to find just the right fit, only to realize in the end that there’s a piece missing? The picture can’t be completed even with one missing piece. So it is with the body of Christ. We each have a place and a purpose to fulfill that is uniquely our own. We may not know how we can contribute or even recognize our gifts at first, but each one of us plays an essential role in the body of Christ.

Support One Another We are all called to encourage each other. It is far too easy to look down on those who seem to have it all together and therefore don’t know what it is like to suffer. We assume they have no struggles and can’t relate to our suffering. Yet, unless we are open to others, and they choose to share with us, we don’t know their sufferings and struggles. Consider how much better the body of Christ would be if we could trade condemnation and judgment for openness and encouragement so we could come alongside and help one another.

Ask for Prayer Have you ever grown weary of asking others to pray for you? Paul was never shy about discussing his struggles in life with those he ministered to and asking them to intercede for his needs. Even though he was a leader, he knew he could not be effective for Christ on his own. Asking for prayer is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom.

God Chooses the Weak Our definition of and attitudes toward weakness are shaped by our worldview. Here, Paul gives us a biblical worldview on weakness. God chooses the weak to shame the strong. He intentionally calls those whom the world sees as insignificant, viewing them as worthy of an invitation to his table (). Weakness is God’s theater for displaying his strength.

Have the Mind of Christ Paul references : “Who can know the LORD’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” (). To have “the mind of Christ” means that we share in his redemptive purposes, seeing others as he sees them. Through the Holy Spirit, God gives us wisdom and understanding as he uses “the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths” (). To see with God’s wisdom is to see with compassion, mercy, and grace.

Love Is Most Important Throughout his writings, Paul asserts that love is foundational for Christians. God’s love for each person is unconditional, not dependent on our merit or abilities. Likewise, our ability to love God does not depend on our intellectual capacities or accomplishments. In fact, Paul notes that knowledge can lead to arrogance and pride, which can hinder the church. As we interact with others, we should make sure our actions and words are always given in love.

A Way Out When facing difficult circumstances, it is tempting, and perhaps even understandable from the world’s perspective, to give in to despair. Paul reminds us that the temptations we face each day are common to everyone, and yet God remains faithful. When trials and temptations come, we can ask God to show us a way out so that we can endure.

Though We Are Many In Christ we are one body. As we partake of Communion, we are reminded through visible, tangible means that we are one with each other and with Christ. The church in Corinth was a diverse group—Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor—yet through Christ they were united. Only through Christ can we be united as one—all ages, all abilities, all socioeconomic statuses, and from every tongue and nation.

, No Asterisk The Holy Spirit gives gifts to each believer for the common good. None of his gifts are followed by an asterisk explaining that these particular gifts do not apply to people with disabilities. These gifts are not given based on our ability; we cannot earn them, and we certainly don’t deserve them. His gifts will achieve his eternal purposes, and he alone supernaturally enables recipients to use them in doing his work and edifying the church.

Indispensable Ones According to Paul, the seemingly weakest and least important parts of the body—the church—are actually some of the most necessary. But is this how we see them? Do we recognize a weaker person’s gifts as essential in our families and communities? If we do, we must facilitate the expressions of their gifts instead of allowing them to languish in isolation. Our failure to honor these most necessary parts is a reflection of our sinful condition. But by fully including them in Christian fellowship and worship, we can show that we no longer allow sin to rule over us.

, The Greatest Gift of All God’s love is complete, unconditional, eternal, and personal. Paul painted a picture of God’s love and called the church in Corinth to love one another as God loved them. In all our relationships—whether with our parents, siblings, spouse, children, coworkers, or brothers and sisters in the Lord—we are to live out God’s love by bearing one another’s burdens, keeping no record of wrongs, and enduring through every circumstance.

Faulty Vision Our perceptions now are cloudy, even childish at times. We do not always see ourselves and others as God sees us: wonderfully complex (). When we see Christ at last, we will see more clearly that we are all disabled by sin. Until that time, we take great comfort in knowing that our heavenly Father knows each one of us completely and yet, astonishingly, still loves us.

Raised in Glory There will come a day when our bodies that were once buried in weakness will be raised to live in strength. What a glorious truth that brings encouragement to our souls! It was good news to the believers in Corinth, and it is good news to us today. This is our hope! This is our life! This is our Christ!

Christ Is the Victor In his death and resurrection, Christ has conquered sin and death. Knowing that Christ has achieved the ultimate victory changes how we respond to our present circumstances. Paul writes in present tense when he tells us that God “gives us victory . . . through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Victory in Christ is ongoing, for which Paul says, “thank God!” When Christ returns, the world will at last witness the truth for which we have labored and suffered as foreigners and temporary residents in this life. Thanks be to God, indeed!

Be Strong and Immovable Paul challenges the church in Corinth to hold on to their faith. Even in the midst of a pagan culture, they should not waver but be steadfast and immovable in the sure hope of eternity with Christ. Whether working as a parent, a caregiver, a person with a disability, a student, or an elder saint, we can live out this Scripture in the knowledge that our work in the Lord is not in vain—even if it feels insignificant or unnoticed.

The Blessings of Community Paul names several individuals who have helped in his ministry. In so doing, he is acknowledging his need for co-laborers and recognizing the blessings of being in community. No one person can minister alone. Each of us needs others to help meet not only our spiritual and ministerial needs but also our physical needs. Paul is calling for a mutual submission to and respect for each other within the body of Christ.

The God of All Comfort As believers, we partake in the sufferings of Christ. We also receive God’s comfort and can share that comfort with others. Sharing God’s comfort is one way in which God uses our suffering to minister to others.

We Are the Aroma of Christ We are called to share the good news of the gospel through both our words and the way we live our lives. When we live our lives in dependence on Christ, even in the midst of suffering, it is a sweet fragrance rising up to God, like a pleasing sacrifice. But as the people around us observe our lives, they will perceive us differently, depending on their response to Jesus and the gospel. For some it will be a “life-giving perfume”; for others it will be a “dreadful smell of death and doom.”

Evidence of Changed Lives Paul didn’t need “letters of recommendation” to prove that his efforts were admirable. Neither do we. The testimony of God’s presence in our lives will be evident by the results—the changed hearts of those we have shared the love of Christ with and have cared for. Paul says the Spirit will testify on our behalf by writing the story of the impact our ministry had in the hearts of the people we have touched.

Our Qualification Comes from God The ability to be a minister of the new covenant does not come from a person’s cognitive development or physical abilities but from God. The Spirit gives life and ministers to others through each of us.

The Veil Is Removed Paul is referring to , where Moses removed his veil when he entered the Lord’s presence. Similarly when we turn to Jesus, he removes the veil from our hearts and we find freedom. All believers—Jews and Gentiles, able-bodied and persons with disabilities alike—can reflect his glory.

Fragile Jars of Clay Our bodies, as fragile as they are, house a great treasure—the power of God dwelling in us. As the glory of God shines in our own hearts, we must reflect that light to others so they will see it and be able to recognize and praise the true source of light, God Almighty.

Never Give Up We can be encouraged by remembering that our troubles are temporary. God renews our spirits each day with fresh mercies (). Our troubles are opportunities for God to reveal his glory. Keeping our eyes focused on things that are eternal can help us live more fruitfully with pain and suffering. We can be strengthened by the power of the resurrection living within us.

This World Is Not My Home Paul was confident that even if his sufferings led to death, something far greater was in store. He begins with the words “For we know,” reminding his readers of the truth of the Resurrection. Our earthly bodies grow weary, and we all long for the day when Christ gives us heavenly bodies to put on. With this eternal perspective, we can live for Christ as we await our re-creation.

Our New Identity In Christ, we are a new creation. We are free from the disability of sin and are controlled instead by the love of Christ. We have died to our old self; we no longer live for ourselves but instead live to serve others. Christ changes each of us not only in how we view ourselves but also in how we view others. And God calls us to strengthen the church by seeing all believers as new creations.

God’s Reverse Kingdom Paul and his companions endured much suffering. Yet out of their sufferings, others were given spiritual riches. God’s power works in unexpected ways; his is a Kingdom of reversals (). We often see evidence of this in the lives of people with disabilities. Though their bodies may ache, they have joy in Christ and are a source of great spiritual riches.

Serving in the Second Chair It can be difficult to work behind the scenes and do so much for so little recognition. Titus was not as well-known as Paul. Whereas Paul was the up-front speaker and teacher, Titus was clearly working behind the scenes in service to the church. But Titus embraced his opportunity to serve and was eager to do what was asked of him for God’s Kingdom (). Serving God with joy, knowing that we are pleasing God and not caring who else notices, is an essential part of building God’s Kingdom. We may even receive unsolicited praise like Titus did when Paul told the Corinthians that God had given Titus the same heart as Paul (). Serving in the second chair gives us the opportunity to exercise humility, and when others notice that, it brings even more glory to God.

The Experience of Disability Clearly this passage indicates that Paul understood the experience of disability. Three times he “begged the Lord to take it away” (). God said no, and instead called Paul to rely on his grace. God’s grace didn’t prevent the social consequences of his “thorn” () from affecting Paul’s life. As if weaknesses were not enough, Paul also faced insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles—all suffered for Christ. What he learned, and what we must also understand, is “when I am weak, then I am strong” ().

Love Above All Paul’s closing words to the church in Corinth are still relevant to the church today: Continue putting love above all. When believers live in harmony with one another, God blesses them with his love and peace. Divisions and problems are never going to completely go away, even within the church. But as we face those issues in our own lives, we should remember Paul’s words here and handle everything with love and encouragement so that the body of Christ is strengthened and lives in harmony.

The Father’s Plan The redemption of mankind came at a cost, which Christ himself willingly paid through his death. He rescued us from the evil of this world. All this came about through the Father’s plan. What comfort it brings us to know that we have a heavenly Father who is intentional about our well-being and lavishes us with grace and mercy. We can’t help but give all glory to God!

By Faith Alone Receiving a gift is a humbling experience. It is human nature to want to take credit for earning, or at least in some way deserving, what is given to us. Salvation has been earned—but not by us. It is the work of Christ alone and is given as a gift to us. We cannot add to or take away from it by our actions. Any good flowing from the Christian life is an expression of our gratitude for this salvation.

Christ Lives in Us For Christians, the ultimate joy of living is our union with Christ. He dwells in us by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. We can now say with Paul that we have died to ourselves and Christ lives in us. In this reality, our bodies are vessels for God’s glory—regardless of appearance, ability, or weakness. Paul exemplified this in his own suffering and weakness, which prepared his heart to allow God to do his best work in him.

No Curses Since Christ’s death and resurrection, human beings are no longer under the law and subject to the curse of the law. Therefore, it is a mistake to assume that disability is the direct result or consequence of one’s personal or family sin or that it is a curse. Though sinful actions can hurt and damage people, resulting in disability, God often allows disability to enter our lives for reasons unrelated to our or another person’s sin in order to accomplish his good and sovereign purposes ().

Suffering for the Good News The Galatians embraced the good news of the gospel. As a result, they suffered derision and persecution. Like many Christians who experience hardships around the world today, they were tested in their faith and perseverance. When suffering comes, do not throw away your faith; rather, stand firm, knowing that you will be named among those who are the true children of God.

Faith Expressed in Love Much of the message of Galatians is expressed in this one verse—namely, that true faith in God expresses itself in true love for others. Performance is of no value because God does not count works as righteousness—nothing we do can make us right with God, and even trying to earn salvation through following the rules takes us further from God (). Those keeping score of talents and abilities are wasting their time—faith is not measured in abilities but in expressions of love.

Love Fulfills the Law In addressing the internal conflict in the Galatian church, Paul reminded them of Jesus’ words about love—truths that remain powerfully relevant to the church today. If we focus on placing others first and serving each other, then disputes and arguments often take care of themselves. Love levels the playing field so that everyone is viewed as a fellow child of God and therefore equally deserving of our care.

Fruit of the Spirit As believers, we pray for the fruit of the Spirit to be evident in our lives. But are we willing to submit to his pruning work? We pray for patience, but do we serve the elderly man with Alzheimer’s disease rather than getting upset with him for his lack of speed? We pray for kindness, but then judge the mom of the child with autism rather than asking how we can help her. Let’s allow the Spirit to produce his fruit in us!

Avoid Burnout Being a caregiver for a person can be difficult work. More than half of those who consider themselves caregivers have reported signs of burnout: sleeplessness, depression, mood swings, exhaustion. Many say their own health has suffered due to the fact that they simply don’t have time to take care of themselves. While this passage might seem to be saying that caregivers should simply soldier on without relief, that would be a misunderstanding of how God calls us to persevere. Jesus often took time for rest and prayer (; ; ; ; ). Taking time to step back is not giving up; it actually strengthens us for greater ministry and blessings.

Without Fault Blameless and perfect! Is it possible? Paul reveals God’s plan that we are to become holy in Christ Jesus. In God’s economy, neither abilities nor limitations have any bearing on perfection. Only Christ counts. You were known and chosen by God—even before he created the world—to be faultless in Christ.

A Holy Purpose One of the most commonly asked questions is, “What is my purpose?” Here, Paul sets the foundation for every believer—our purpose is to praise and glorify God. Whatever our circumstances, suffering, or disability, as we seek to glorify God we will fulfill our ultimate purpose and live out God’s plan for us.

His Body Paul uses the body as a metaphor for the life of the church. As the human body is infused with the human spirit, so Christ’s body—the church—is filled with his presence. As a complete and mature body, every member of the church should be treated with respect, dignity, and the opportunity to use their gifts in accordance with God’s plan for them ().

Made Alive with Christ These verses remind us of the control that Satan once held over our lives. Only through God’s mercy and Christ’s sacrifice do we now enjoy freedom from the power of sin and death. Our spiritual lives are so linked with Christ that we were in fact raised from the dead with Christ. He alone has given us life!

His Masterpiece Every artist strives to create what can be called their “masterpiece”—their best work by which others will know them. In Christ Jesus, you are God’s masterpiece. Not a mistake, not an accident. God takes you as you are—broken, disabled, or just a plain mess—and refines and chisels away until the person he created you to be—his masterpiece—is revealed. But unlike a gilded statue or a painting hung only for admiration, God fashions us to be useful in his Kingdom and to accomplish the work he planned for us from the beginning of time.

A Holy Temple The typical Jewish reader would have been familiar with the idea of God’s presence filling the Temple (; ; ). Paul expresses the reality that now all who believe in Jesus become the new temple where God dwells. His Spirit fills us personally and corporately; God’s presence is manifest in our love, unity, and fellowship in Christ.

Revealing God’s Plan God chose Paul and gave him special favor and power in order to communicate God’s plan of salvation to the Gentiles. Like Paul, we are all chosen to participate in sharing the Good News. God’s favor rests on you for your unique role in reaching out to those you can influence. The key to Paul’s success was his attitude of complete dependence on God and recognition of God’s grace. Like Paul, will you surrender your successes, failures, strengths, and limitations to be fully used by God?

Beyond Our Imagination Paul uses strong, descriptive words to communicate just how empowering the Holy Spirit is in our lives: “unlimited resources . . . inner strength” (), “power to understand” (), “mighty power” (). Don’t miss Paul’s emphasis on how limitless God’s love for us is and how he wants to work through us. No suffering, disability, or life circumstance can short-circuit this power in your life as long as you stay connected to the source: the Holy Spirit.

, One Body, Many Parts Paul reveals that the church is God’s plan for the unity of Christian believers. True maturity, Paul writes, is a unified body of believers who recognize there is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism and that each member has a special gift for ministry to the body. We are to be welcoming and discerning of how God wants to use each member, including those with mild to severe disabilities. They have a “special work” () in the church even as able-bodied members do.

Embracing Our New Nature Those who are in Christ receive a new nature—a spiritual desire and ability to live a godly life through the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul speaks of practically living the Christian life by replacing the former ways of life and sin with Christlike behavior. The old nature will not go away easily; this is a daily battle of dying to self and living for Christ. The end result is glory for the Father.

Filled with the Spirit Paul exhorts the church to not waste time through foolish living; rather, we should “make the most of every opportunity.” He uses the intoxicating power of wine as an example of what to avoid. Rather than allowing alcohol to control us, we should be filled with the Holy Spirit. When faced with chronic pain, sorrow, or disability, the quick route to relief may appear to come through drugs, alcohol, or other vices. Paul warns that this is a waste of time and can ultimately ruin our lives.

God-honoring Marriages Marriage can be both blissful and challenging for even the most loving of couples. When a crisis such as death, bankruptcy, disability, or infidelity enters the picture, it can push the covenant keepers to the limit. Paul explains that the key is mutual submission to one another out of reverence for Christ. Serving one another, along with submission and respect, can help sustain and strengthen the ties of love so that couples can work through life’s most tragic circumstances.

Parenting 101 Paul provides solid and universal principles for parenting: Children are to honor and obey their parents; parents are to be patient and kind, providing godly discipline and instruction. This requires love and relationship, which in turn requires time. Parenting a child with special needs may demand an even greater investment of time than usual. If we find ourselves overwhelmed or frustrated, we must remember our children “belong to the Lord,” and seek his wisdom and patience.

The Armor of God Although we face a real enemy who is out to destroy our souls, the good news is that God has given us everything we need to be victorious in the fight. Our “armor” consists of truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit. So don’t get caught in enemy territory unprepared—put on the armor of God each and every day!

Partnership The apostle Paul relied on fellow believers to help him communicate the gospel and accomplish his mission. Ministry to and with people with disabilities is no different. For our service to be effective, it must be relational. There are no lone rangers in disability ministry, and we can learn a lot from community organizations who love and serve families affected by disabilities.

Living with Suffering Prolonged suffering has the power to bring us face to face with Paul’s dilemma here. Is being with Christ now better than living a life of pain? It’s a familiar question for people with severe disabilities. While Paul repeatedly faced death, he sought to preserve his life with the goal of using every breath to glorify God and with the understanding that once his time on earth was done, he would be with Christ. In light of that hope, God preserved Paul’s life again and again so that he could continue to serve and bless others.

Christian Life Following Christ inevitably involves suffering. It is one of the means of grace by which we are molded into the perfect likeness of him who suffered in our place.

Fellowship Paul’s letters to the churches admonished them to build one another up and also commune with one another and with God. Church was never meant to be merely a building where people visit for worship but rather a community of friends who share in one another’s joys and burdens.

Focus on Others The problem with disabling conditions is that they naturally force people to think of their own needs first. Some people need help to get up in the morning and to get into bed at night. Others may need assistance in areas most people take for granted such as transportation, shopping, or even toileting routines. But self-centeredness is a huge barrier to developing healthy relationships. It takes an exceptionally mature person to look beyond their own needs and willingly focus on the needs of others. Taking an interest in others’ needs exhibits a Christlike attitude.

Brokenness Brokenness is a prerequisite for following Christ. Jesus is the ultimate example of brokenness because he denied himself and submitted to suffering and death on a cruel cross. Jesus said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (). Notice that our surrender is “daily” rather than a one-time experience.

Living with Suffering When people with disabilities trust God, he is revealed as a God of supreme worth who is deserving of our love and obedience despite the pain we face. As suffering bonds Christians to the “man of sorrows” (), we have something eternally precious in common with Christ—our afflictions. Our scars, anguish, rejection, and pain give us a small taste of what our Savior endured to purchase our redemption.

Joy in Suffering Suffering is the great equalizer. Whether emotional, physical, social, or spiritual, suffering brings us together in God’s purpose. With Paul, we can affirm that nothing eradicates our sinful, selfish desires and transforms us into the image of Christ quite like pain and suffering. We may differ in the degree and duration of our suffering, as people with disabilities may undergo deeper levels and longer periods of suffering than those without disabilities. Yet through it all, we share Paul’s deepest desire—to know Jesus in his death that we might also experience the joy of his resurrection.

Anxiety It is natural to feel anxious when we are in pain or to feel helpless while a loved one struggles. So what can we do about our anxiety and worry? Paul understood the human tendency to let our thoughts spiral downward as we focus on the negative. He urges us to focus our minds on things with eternal value and release our worry through prayer, which leads us into deeper spiritual territory where God can transform us.

Reflecting His Image Jesus Christ shows us what God looks like in a concrete, personal way. Those who have become God’s children by faith in Christ are daily being made more like him (). The presence of disability does nothing to negate this reality; all human beings bear the image of God () and are capable of entering into a relationship with him.

Christ Is the Head The church is the focus of Christ’s activity on earth. We are his body, and although there are many parts, we work in unison: “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it” (). Just as a human body only functions when it is connected to the brain as the control center of the body, we function properly when we respond in obedience to Christ’s supremacy as the head of his body.

He Uses Our Suffering Apart from God, suffering is meaningless; but in God’s hands, suffering can bring others to faith in Jesus Christ. God has a way of using suffering for his glory and purpose. People in the world can’t see the grace Jesus endured suffering with, but they can see us. When we surrender ourselves—especially our weaknesses—to God, he completes those things we are lacking, making our lives “a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God” ().

Available to All The goal of teaching people about Christ is to see them grow into a mature relationship with him. And from the very first days of the church, this opportunity was made available to all: Paul and the other apostles taught and discipled “everyone” who would listen, without regard to distinctions of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, or other human differences. In Christ, anyone can come to the Father—and they can come just as they are.

Complete in Christ In the Incarnation, the Timeless One—the eternal God himself—became fully human while also retaining full divinity in the person of Jesus Christ (; see also ). When we struggle with pain, disease, illness, or disability, we can find comfort in knowing that our Lord took on this frail human condition and conquered all that now ails us. In him, we are complete and whole.

From the Top Down All members of the body of Christ need to be in constant communication with the head, Jesus Christ. A breakdown in the lines of communication between the head and the rest of the physical body can result in certain parts of that body being ignored or neglected. If that happens, vitally important parts of the body can be overlooked and experience atrophy. Within the body of Christ, sometimes vital parts of our  body—such as people with disabilities—are overlooked. This doesn’t just harm those who are overlooked—the whole body suffers. Be careful not to neglect communicating with Jesus or with the vital parts of his body, including people with disabilities.

United We Stand, Divided We Fall Having peace in the body of Christ isn’t just about avoiding conflicts and arguments. Paul repeatedly emphasizes the interdependence of the body and the value of all its parts (; ; ). Unfortunately, people with disabilities often find themselves either outside the body of Christ entirely or on the fringes of congregational life. When the body of Christ attempts to operate without all of its members, it actually becomes disabled itself and is not “at peace.”

, Giving Care as unto the Lord Being a caregiver for extended periods of time can become wearisome. But these verses remind us that no matter how difficult or demanding our daily routines might be, when we serve one another, we are ultimately serving our Savior. If we faithfully keep our commitment to meet the needs of those who have been entrusted to our care, we can be sure that a rich reward awaits us in heaven ().

, Remember My Chains In the midst of hardship and struggles it can be difficult to heed advice from someone who has not walked the path of suffering. Reminders to endure and persevere often ring hollow without such a common bond. Perhaps Paul reminded his fellow sojourners of his chains because it gave him greater authenticity. He was living out what he wrote to the church in Corinth: “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others” (). Even if our suffering doesn’t include physical chains, we should remember Paul’s attitude and lean on God for support so we can support others in turn.

Prayer Warriors Though Paul was separated geographically from these new believers in Thessalonica, he assured them that he was constantly praying for them. If we find ourselves homebound for a season of healing or even longer, we can be tempted to think God can’t use us. But this is not true. We can always pray. Prayer is the most powerful weapon against the enemy, and it does not require that we even leave our beds.

A Witness to Others When we remain faithful in the face of trials and persecution, others take notice. The Thessalonian believers served as an inspiration for others throughout their region because they had joy even as they endured suffering. The power of the Holy Spirit could be seen in their lives as they anticipated Christ’s return. What a great hope these Christians had to share with the world!

Courageous Suffering It takes courage to do what is right when it means we’ll experience pain and suffering. Paul and his companions were given courage to continue preaching and teaching in spite of great opposition. We have the same Holy Spirit that enables us to do the right thing, even when the cost is great.

Proper Motivation Reflecting back on his time in Thessalonica, Paul reminds them that he always prioritized pleasing God above pleasing people. We may be able to fool people for a season—and those with disabilities can be especially vulnerable—but ultimately, God sees our true motivation. Jesus also cautioned us about doing our good deeds to seek human praise ().

No Obstacles to the Gospel Each Jewish boy in the first century learned a trade, and Paul’s was making tents (). Paul needed to support himself as he moved around preaching the gospel. To do otherwise could have been an obstacle to the gospel, making Paul appear lazy and entitled. We also need to carefully consider what we do and say so that it doesn’t become an obstacle for those we seek to save.

You Are Our Joy! The rewards of faithfully serving Jesus are found in the people to whom we minister. Paul couldn’t help himself as he expressed pride and joy over the faithfulness of these persecuted followers who would one day stand with him before the throne. Who do you take pride and joy in knowing and mentoring? Take time today to let them know how much they mean to you.

Standing Firm In spite of much suffering and persecution, these young believers stood firm in their faith. Paul and his companions were also enduring hardships, but the good report from Timothy buoyed their spirits and strengthened their resolve to stand strong. When we suffer in such a way that our lives honor God, others are encouraged and inspired.

Fallen Asleep In these verses, when Paul talks about people who have died, but he uses the euphemistic phrase “fallen asleep” (see the NLT footnote). Paul used this phrase to emphasize the temporary nature of death for those who believe. As Jesus said, “The time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son, and they will rise again” ().

Honor Your Leaders Spiritual leaders have a critical role in the well-being of the local church, especially in today’s culture. They face many difficult situations and are expected to have all the right answers. It may be easy for a spiritual giant like Paul to receive support, but what about leaders who don’t get the encouragement they need and deserve? Paul reminded believers to show honor and respect to those in their midst who faithfully serve day in and day out.

Take Care of the Weak We are called to minister to others, especially those who are considered weak. Paul admonishes us to encourage those who are timid and to be tender with those who are weak. We cannot ignore the needs of others; we must help them carry their spiritual and physical burdens.

Always Be Joyful What a command! Paul understood the suffering of the Thessalonians, yet he commanded them to always be joyful. Whether we face persecution, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, or quadriplegia, we can still choose to be joyful. This is not a giddy, giggly joy that is based on our circumstances but a deep joy that comes only through the power of the Holy Spirit.

God’s Will It’s easy to be thankful and submit to God’s will when things are going smoothly. It’s quite different when we face trials, illness, or pain. We must understand that God is working out his purpose in each of our lives, and that purpose often includes suffering. We can thank him even in the worst of times because we believe that God has specifically designed our unique path and that nothing comes into our life that has not been filtered through his hands.

Boasting about Perseverance We don’t know how long the Thessalonians experienced persecution, but Paul boasted about their endurance. When we are in the throes of suffering, time seems to stop—each day is like an eternity. We are tempted to give up. Even if we falter or have a bad day, we must continue to trust God’s plan and purpose. He cares, and he uses hardships to purify us and strengthen our faith, making us worthy of the glorious future that is promised.

God’s Time Frame One of the current ministries of the Holy Spirit is to hold back evil. It is stunning to think how much more suffering, pain, and persecution there would be if the Holy Spirit were not at work. But sometime in the future, all restraint will be removed and the “man of lawlessness” () will wreak havoc on the world.

Chosen by God Paul addresses the believers at Thessalonica as “brothers and sisters loved by the Lord,” pointing out that God chose them from the beginning. “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us” (). God’s plan is to save and then sanctify each of us.

Faith in Action Lazy, entitled people can potentially become obstacles to the gospel. Paul advised believers to stay away from those who were idle. Followers of Jesus are to work hard within their abilities without making excuses. Paul’s main concern was for those who were capable but had chosen to no longer work to provide for themselves. There are, of course, others who cannot care for themselves; the Scriptures make it clear that these are the ones who we should actively seek to serve and offer aid.

Loving Confrontation When someone within the body of Christ refuses to live according to the Word, they are to be lovingly confronted with their sin. Their response will reveal their heart and the next steps that should be taken for the community of believers (). We must be diligent to keep our hearts open to correction and not remain obstinate.

The Peace of God Paul ends his letter with a blessing of peace. Despite the circumstances or the trials we face, God’s peace is available for his people. Jesus himself said that we should expect persecution but keep our hope in him: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” ().

The Goal Is Love True apostolic teaching contrasts with the false teaching Paul confronted because the goal of true teaching is love. This love was based not on emotion but rather on “a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” False teaching is often characterized by vain discussion, lack of true understanding, and a dogmatic forcefulness.

Pray for Everyone No one is above the need for God’s help in carrying out their responsibilities. So in his instructions for worship, Paul encouraged Timothy to “pray for all people.” He went on to specifically note the need to pray for government officials and those in authority because it allows Christians to “live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” Rather than simply complaining about policy changes or worrying about funding cuts in health care or benefits, let us first pray for those in authority.

First Things First The home should be seen as the proving ground for any potential church leader. Our families must be our primary ministry, even before other important ministries. If you serve as a caregiver for a loved one, this may limit your opportunities to serve in other capacities, but God will honor your faithfulness.

God’s Creation Is Good Various teachings in Paul’s day and in our own times teach that piety is observed through various types of self-denial. God created the world and the legitimate pleasures in it for the benefit of humans. We are to give thanks and enjoy wisely.

No Excuses Timothy was encouraged to live in such a manner that others would not be able to use his youth and inexperience against him. When godly character is developed and lived out, it precludes ageism and any other excuse for dismissing the call to live for Christ and serve him in a leadership role. Each of us, regardless of our abilities, can live so that others are drawn to our Savior.

Widows in Need The early church provided the example of caring for widows who were truly in need. Today, there are social programs that help support many widows and others in need, but the church must still be on the lookout for those who are vulnerable. When God’s people meet the needs of those who have no one else to help, God is glorified.

, Godliness Begins at Home While the church is to help those in need, Paul makes it clear that the family is the primary institution responsible for the care and protection of family members. Believers need wisdom in seeking external support for family members. Such support is important; however, one must be careful never to abandon loved ones to paid support providers.

Healing Properties in Creation God can work in various ways, and believers should never insist that he only heals through supernatural methods. Paul encouraged Timothy to “drink a little wine” because its healing properties would help alleviate Timothy’s illnesses. God had worked through Paul to heal many people miraculously, yet here Paul reveals that God also uses the benefits of his created world to alleviate illnesses. Notice that Paul is not saying to abuse the treatment, as that would go against other statements he had made (; ). With wise discernment, we can explore the wide variety of healing methods God has made available to us in his creation.

Good Deeds Our ministry to others should never be done for personal attention or accolades. We should always check to ensure our motives are right. We serve out of love for people and for the glory of our Lord. Jesus cautioned against doing good deeds to receive the admiration of others (). Paul teaches that everyone’s deeds—whether good or bad—will be revealed at the proper time.

True Contentment Contentment in our relationship with the Lord is of tremendous value. Far too often, our contentment is based on our circumstances, including financial security or physical health. But contentment with “true godliness” is a good and holy life of deep reverence for God and isn’t dependent on our circumstances.

Blessed to Be a Blessing God provides some believers with money beyond what is required to meet their needs and financial obligations in life. These followers of Christ are encouraged to be generous and help meet the needs of others. Each of us must understand that our blessings come from the hand of God, and we are to be good stewards of what he has entrusted to us.

Tears and Joy In the realities of this life, tears are shed as we part from loved ones, especially if we are unsure of when we will be reunited. We look forward to the day when sad good-byes will be replaced with the joy of eternal life and fellowship with our Creator.

Enduring Suffering Paul encouraged Timothy to be prepared to endure hardship and suffering like a soldier, willing to put his very life on the line. Soldiers don’t expect ease and comfort—they train for indescribable trials and suffering. They seek to please their superior officers and accomplish the mission. Are we prepared to answer this same battle cry from our Commander?

Anything for Jesus Paul’s passion to save the lost was so strong that he was willing to endure anything—including being chained like a criminal—so that unbelievers might hear the Good News. He trusted that his patience in suffering would bring glory to God.

Handle with Care When it comes to the Word, believers need to develop the habits of a skilled craftsman, handling it carefully and accurately. A craftsman is not ashamed of his work when he has taken the time and care to produce an excellent product. We should also make the effort to diligently study God’s Word so we can apply it to our lives and live in a manner worthy of our calling from God.

Kindness Can Win the Day It can be hard to communicate with quarrelsome people because their hearts can be hard, defiant, and closed. But Timothy is encouraged to be kind, patient, and gentle with these people in the hopes that “God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.” Pain, loss, and tough circumstances can leave people embittered. Difficult people need the Lord too, and they often find him through kindhearted servants who are willing to persevere with them.

Anticipate Persecution Jesus warned his disciples, “Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you” (). Persecution is not contradictory to a godly life. Throughout his writings, Paul assures us that we should expect to face persecution on behalf of Jesus. Paul even quotes from , describing Christians as “being slaughtered like sheep” (). When we face persecution, we follow in the footsteps of the Lamb of God.

The Crucible of Scripture The Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword (). Why? The Word of Truth will cut out what doesn’t belong. God wants to rid believers of anything that doesn’t align with his will, and then he can use the Scriptures to “equip his people to do every good work” (). And not just some of his people but every one of us!

A Promise Kept The return of the Lord Jesus Christ is not only a motivation to live differently in this ungodly world but is also a truth that should be eagerly longed for in this life. Jesus’ return will be glorious, and those who look for it will be rewarded because they believed the words of Jesus when he said that he would return for his own ().

Come before Winter While believers live with heaven in mind, we are also called to live each day wisely. Paul urged Timothy to get to him before winter not only because he yearned for companionship (and a coat!) but also because he knew travel would be more difficult in the cold months. God is concerned about not only our spiritual health but also the practical details of our daily lives. We need to act according to what makes sense, and we must not be so heavenly minded that we are of no earthly good!

Difficult Assignment Crete is a tropical island in the Mediterranean Sea. In Paul’s day, the people there were known for being lazy, gluttons, and liars (). Titus was to appoint leaders from among these crude people—no easy task! When God gives us difficult assignments, it’s easy for us to ask, “Why me?” But we should remember Titus’s example. Though his task was difficult, and he may have even asked that same question, Titus ultimately obeyed.

False Teaching The Cretans were vulnerable to false teaching. Part of Titus’s task was to confront these false teachers and protect the families who were victimized by these charlatans. Church leaders have the critical task of protecting those who are vulnerable.

Wholesome Teaching Titus was to train these house churches in how to conduct themselves. Their actions were to reflect wholesome teaching and correct theology. What we believe (theology) should dictate our conduct. Biblical truth gives us clear principles for dealing with every issue in life—even suffering and hardship.

The Wisdom of Older Women Writers and thinkers in Paul’s time often mocked older women as foolish and ridiculous. Paul sought to correct these images and told Titus to instruct women to be reverent and sober. Older women were to mentor younger women in how to be good wives and mothers. Women who have walked the path of suffering for years have much to offer others who struggle with diverse afflictions.

Submit to Government Some ancient writings indicate that the Cretans were fretting and fuming under Roman rule. Perhaps this is why Titus was to teach them to submit to their government. The same applies to all of us today. Laws affecting those with disabilities are not always kind, and we should certainly work peacefully to improve them. But simply complaining or outright disobedience are not biblical options.

Remember Our Past It is easy to get discouraged and start to lose hope when life keeps throwing more pain our way. But reflecting on our past helps us to see how much worse it would be without Christ leading us. It is good to reflect on our former condition, when we were without Christ, because we can empathize with those who may be in that condition now and need someone to treat them with the gentleness and humility of Christ.

Transformed by Grace The fact that we are saved by grace from the old horrible life and now live in Christ should motivate us to do everything we can to see that grace is extended to those around us. Regardless of our suffering, this is Good News that has no equal!

Remember the Mission Our task on earth is to make disciples of all the nations (). We are to actively pursue the kind of character that Paul describes in this letter so that others may see Jesus in us. Our godly conduct will bring light to a very dark world.

, From Useless to Useful In Roman society, slavery was legal and widely practiced. As property of their owners, a slave’s sole value was wrapped up in his or her productivity. Thus, a runaway slave was literally useless to his master. This is why Paul placed an emphasis on Onesimus now being useful. In the family of God, no one is useless—no matter his past or present, limitations or weaknesses, or future prospects for “productivity” in human terms. In the Kingdom of God, worth and value are measured in terms of what God has done for us in Christ—not what we have done or ever can do.

, The Sure Path to Freedom Obedience to Paul—and, ultimately, to God—meant that Onesimus had to embrace his past, not run from it. In doing so, he was forced to rely on the only One who could ultimately protect and save him from all harm: his Lord Jesus Christ. Similarly, Philemon needed to listen carefully to Paul’s words and accept Onesimus back as a beloved brother in Christ—quite a change from the way he would naturally have treated a runaway slave. When we are tempted to run from the pain of our past mistakes or present circumstances, our best response is to double down on our dependence on Jesus. In the end, he is our only sure path to freedom.

No Substitute for Jesus Long ago God spoke through the prophets, but now he has spoken through Jesus, the final authoritative prophet. Though angels have served God’s people, even they worship the Son of God (). No earthly substitute can ever compare to the One who sits at the right hand of God (). Your material goods will disappear, but Jesus will remain forever. Trust in him today.

We Are Family Jesus is truly and fully God, but he is also a human being who suffered and died for all who believe. Because he condescended to take on flesh, he calls us his brothers and sisters. Through his suffering, our perfect leader cleared the path of salvation.

Jesus Knows We are reminded yet again that Jesus suffered and was tested just like us. Why? So he can sympathize with us in our weaknesses. Do you feel like your life is dominated by fear ()? Jesus knows our situation and desires to help us stand strong when we are tested.

Stand Firm Do you sometimes feel like giving up? It is natural to feel this way in the midst of life’s struggles, but we cannot allow ourselves to stay there. We need encouragement! We need to be reminded that as we hold on to our confidence in him, we will “share in all that belongs to Christ.” Do you know someone who might need this encouragement?

Come Boldly Have you ever felt as if you’ve disappointed God one too many times? We find ourselves mired in weakness and sin, wondering if our perfect God will lose patience with us, or even worse, that he has already lost patience with us. In these verses, we are assured that we can come confidently to God’s throne, where Jesus understands our weakness and waits to pour out his grace and mercy.

Priceless Lessons Suffering and tears teach us priceless lessons we could never learn from pleasure and comfort. We all wish it were not so, but experience tells us otherwise. Even Jesus, in his humanity, shed tears wrought from pain and loss. And in an even deeper mystery, in his humanity our Lord “learned obedience from the things he suffered.” May you likewise learn from your suffering.

The Anchor Holds Christian hope is not wishing on a star or reciting a prayer a certain number of times. Our hope rests on the promises of God. Hope is depicted as an immovable anchor because God swore with an oath—putting his own good name on the line. This hope allows us to enter into the very presence of God through faith in our eternal High Priest!

Eager Anticipation Think back to a time when you eagerly waited for something wonderful that you knew was coming. Waiting was possible only because you knew it was coming and would be worth the wait. Jesus has removed our sin, so now we can live in joyful anticipation of the day when he will remove all pain and suffering and our salvation will be complete.

, Balm for the Hurting Soul When life gets tough, we need a support network. We need to help others and be willing to receive help from others. A true fellowship of believers, where there is an equal exchange of love and encouragement, can be a balm to the hurting soul. Don’t let Satan isolate you or someone else you know! Who could you reach out to today?

Our Weakness, His Strength We may be enduring trials and hardships today, but it’s doubtful we face a den of lions or a vast army. But what we face doesn’t matter; it’s where we place our hope that counts. As we trust in God, our weakness is “turned to strength” (). These heroes of the faith are listed to remind us to hold on to God’s promises and let him be our source of strength.

Run the Race with Joy Some people see life as a rat race—constant movement with no point and no good end. But as believers in Christ, we can run our race with our eyes on the finish line, where Jesus waits to embrace us. He is your champion. Untold thousands in heaven are cheering for you today! Ask God for his joy as you run your race so that those around you will be drawn to your life of faith.

The Value of Discipline Too often we see discipline as a negative thing. Discipline can be a consequence for wrongdoing, but it can also be part of God’s instruction. It may be hard at times, but the results are good. Do you view your suffering as part of God’s discipline and character development in your life? Trust that your heavenly Father administers all discipline with our best in mind. “For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights” ().

Jesus, Our Leader Do you need encouragement today in your struggle? This verse reminds us to think of our leaders who have shown endurance and provided a faithful example. Then go further and think of Jesus, our ultimate example. Even the best earthly leaders will disappoint, but Jesus never changes and will never fail us.

Perseverance Is Hard When we face trials and hardships, our instinct may be either to take control and solve the problem or to run away from it. James says such trials help us develop maturity and perseverance. The key is to endure suffering faithfully, remaining focused on the final goal: to become more and more like our Savior.

Our Faithful Father God’s goodness is revealed in his creation—from the stars that glimmer on clear, cloudless nights to roses that sprout colorful new blooms in season. But while the stars eventually burn out and roses must be handled with care, we can trust completely in God’s goodness and the fact that he will never change. As his prized possession, we must never let the evil one or difficult circumstances convince us otherwise.

Do Not Be Deceived Our words matter, but our actions matter more. James cautions believers about reading the Word but failing to live according to its precepts, especially when it comes to caring for the vulnerable. We can deceive ourselves and continue to live as slaves to sin, or we can find freedom in living according to Scripture.

True Worship The book of James highlights works that accompany faith. He even goes so far as to say that true worship is about what you do for people whose lives are hard. Are we practicing true worship in our inclusion of and involvement in the lives of persons with disabilities?

Showing Favoritism Christians must fight the human tendency toward reciprocity and only showing favor to those who can respond in kind. The church should be a kingdom of reversals, where the first are last and the last are first () and where all are welcome regardless of their appearance, abilities, or financial status. However, this is not simply about people’s abilities; it’s about the church’s response to all people.

Godly Wisdom James contrasts God’s humble, peace-loving wisdom with selfish, worldly wisdom. Worldly wisdom leads to jealousy and strife. Earlier in his letter, James advised us to ask God for wisdom (), and here he shows what godly wisdom looks like in the life of a believer: sincerity, mercifulness, purity, peacefulness, and righteousness.

His Plans Prosper Scripture makes it clear that God has a divine plan and purpose for each of our lives (; ; ). Our self-confidence and boasting about going here or there is meaningless without considering God’s will. After all, we are not promised tomorrow. Families living with disability and suffering understand this, because their lives are often filled with challenges that help them learn to seek God’s will and his goodness.

Trusting in His Mercy Just as we cannot control the weather, we cannot control the circumstances of our lives—but we can control how we respond. James was writing to people who were accustomed to waiting patiently, trusting God for the rains before the harvest. Sometimes the rains never came; sometimes there was blight. Would they continue to trust and serve God? James notes the suffering prophets and Job as pictures of those who faithfully endured and saw God’s mercy in the end.

God’s Choice In a world that values physical perfection and intellectual superiority, a disability can make us feel like outcasts. It is a welcome reminder to hear that we are God’s chosen people. God knew you, including your abilities and your disabilities, long ago. He decided to handpick you as a chosen and precious member of his family without regard for any worldly standard.

More Precious than Gold Our earthly bodies change and decay, but we can still look forward to a priceless inheritance. In heaven, we will be free from disease and the deterioration of age—free from limitations placed on us by our earthly bodies. In the meantime, living in a godly manner despite our suffering showcases genuine faith. Disability is a hard thing, but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It can be the very thing that refines our faith and attracts others to the family of God.

The Better Choice Jesus knew suffering like no one else ever has or ever will. His suffering, death, and resurrection made it possible for humankind to become holy. As we follow and imitate Christ, we can choose to allow suffering to usher us into a place of holiness. Instead of choosing between happiness and holiness, we can find both in Christ.

Spiritual Growth People with intellectual disabilities have the same spiritual needs as everyone else. Their learning processes may vary, but they can also “grow into a full experience of salvation.” When we remain dedicated to nurturing all believers as they grow in their faith, the entire body of Christ is able to “taste and see that the LORD is good” ().

, An Urgent Message When we decide to become followers of Christ, we become part of a holy priesthood—representatives of God himself. We are ministers of reconciliation between the Lord and the unbelieving world; we are Christ’s ambassadors charged with spreading the message, “Come back to God!” (). If we retreat to the isolation of our own circumstances and suffering, we miss out on living in community with others who will benefit from our message that God is good.

Good Suffering When we enter into the lives of people dealing with suffering, we wade into their struggles in order to support them. For example, choosing to befriend someone with mental illness is not always easy. However, Scripture tells us to expect suffering even when we are doing good things.

Power Tools Peter shows that Jesus is our ultimate model of how to suffer in a way that will draw others into the Kingdom of God. Jesus, whose suffering on the cross can’t be compared with our own suffering, endured the cross to save us. When we endure suffering patiently, imitating Christ our Lord, that suffering becomes a powerful tool of evangelism in the Lord’s hands.

Clothed in Beauty Disability often disqualifies a person from being considered lovely from a worldly perspective. But the beauty most precious to God is the inner beauty that anyone can cultivate. A “gentle and quiet spirit” grows from within but creates a beauty that lasts long after clear skin and attractive outfits fade.

A Gentle Witness When others watch us persevere in doing good, even in the midst of our suffering, they will wonder how we are able to do so. Their curiosity about what allows us to live in this way provides an open door for us to explain our hope in Christ in a compelling way.

Victorious Living Jesus understands our suffering at its deepest level. When we suffer with the same attitude he had, we identify with him. As he triumphed over sin and suffering in his death and resurrection, he secured the victory for us over our own hardships and sin.

Gifts for Everyone God gives every believer a spiritual gift to be used to serve others. Disability does not negate that truth. Even gifts that seem less noteworthy demonstrate God’s character. The church needs to make a special effort to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to use their gifts and talents. When we do so, God is glorified, and the body of believers is edified.

A Blaze of Glory We often fail to realize that true partnership with Christ includes suffering. We shouldn’t react in shock when troubles knock on our door. Rather, we can welcome a trial as a friend and face the fiery ordeal knowing that as we share in Christ’s suffering, we also share in his glory ().

Stand Firm We can face our trials with confidence knowing two things: We are not alone in our suffering, and what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory God will reveal to us later (). As we remain confident in these two truths, we will be able to stand firm against the devil’s attempts to destroy us.

Everything We Need Our disabilities and weaknesses should not make us feel inferior or ill-equipped to live a godly life in the fullest sense of the word. The ability to share in Christ’s nature is given through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, not through our physical or intellectual aptitude.

No Excuse When we are hurting, it is easy to gravitate toward self-indulgence and the satisfaction of temporal pleasures. We can become controlled by our desire to take the easy way out and justify all kinds of sinful behavior. Don’t let the hardships of your life give you an excuse to reject the command to live a holy life. Determine to lean on Jesus to help you endure.

Making Your Days Count We are familiar with the idea that God sees a thousand years as one day, but what about the other half of the verse? He also sees each day as a thousand years. Every twenty-four hour time period is full of opportunities to invest in a thousand years’ worth of eternity. Each day that God gives us life, he gives us the precious gift of hours to invest in the lives of others—investments which will have eternal repercussions for us and for them.

God’s Plan It is difficult to witness and endure hardship without wondering why God is not responding immediately to alleviate the suffering. It helps to remember that God has a plan and purpose for our suffering that encompasses so much more than what we can see. When we suffer in a godly manner, the people we encounter see and hear us live out our faith, and the Lord uses that to bring the lost into a saving relationship with him.

Our Real Home In heaven, we will see no disease or disability, no suffering or shame. Instead, we will have sturdy legs to run and to dance with the Lord. We will have strong voices to sing his praises. Our minds will be sharp and able to understand quickly, and we will gaze upon his glorious face with crystal-clear vision. As our sufferings pass away, we will confidently declare, “It was worth it all along!”

God’s Children Much of our suffering comes about as the consequence of living in a fallen world; thus, it is no fault of our own. But sometimes suffering is a self-inflicted result of our own sins and failures. In such cases, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s forgiveness is readily available. The price for our sins has been paid on the Cross, and our relationship with God is secure. In Christ, we have become his children, whom “the evil one cannot touch” ().

The End of Suffering Suffering will eventually come to an end. In the meantime, faithfulness to God and his Word are the keys to remaining in fellowship with the Father and the Son. It is in the sweetness of that fellowship that we get a foretaste of the eternal life that we will forever enjoy with him.

Love’s Transforming Power Christ’s sacrificial love transforms our relationships and fills us with a heart of compassion for others—at least it should. When was the last time you looked around, saw someone in need, and took action? Whether in stores, on playgrounds, or in workplaces, people everywhere need the Lord. Opportunities to show godly compassion are everywhere. And our heavenly Father promises that in return he will meet our own needs, too. Say yes to his transforming love—and let it show!

What Love Really Is Jesus’ sacrifice for us models what true love really looks like (). Now, because we know what love is, we are enabled and called to display the same kind of sacrificial love toward one another. Such love is both the fruit and the evidence of the genuineness of our salvation.

The Answer to Fear Suffering, especially when it is acute or prolonged, can make us susceptible to fear. The answer to such fear is to remind ourselves of who we are in Christ: dearly loved children of God. When we are sure of who we are and to whom we belong, we can rest in “God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand” ().

The Testimony of Suffering Jesus’ suffering—the shedding of his blood, through which we were ransomed ()—testified to his identity as God’s Son. Similarly, our own sufferings—especially the way we respond to and endure in the midst of them—testify to our new identities as dearly beloved children of God.

Breaking Relationship Is it possible to break relationship with God? Yes, by wandering away from his teachings. Modern society suggests that people should be free to do and believe whatever they want—to do their own thing. But Christians know, and Scripture affirms, that this can be spiritually deadly. Some beliefs, such as the affirmation that Jesus Christ came in a real body, are essential to enjoying the blessing of a relationship with God. We don’t do anyone a favor—least of all ourselves—when we compromise on key truths.

Discernment Because false teaching can be the cause of such significant suffering, we must take care that we do not inadvertently appear to endorse the messages of false teachers. Loving each other in the body of Christ includes exercising keen discernment in matters of theology and doctrine.

Care for Those Who Serve Believers should take special care of those in their midst who serve, especially when their devoted service takes them away from their homes and families. It’s crucial to remember that we are all partners in the gospel, and each of us has a different role to play. Supporting those who serve is itself a form of service to God. And remember to pray for the multitude of caregivers who daily support families caring for loved ones with disabilities, cancer, injuries, and end-of-life conditions.

The Pain of Rejection Sometimes our most painful suffering comes in the form of rejection or mistreatment from those who are closest to us—friends, family, coworkers, or even fellow believers. But we must not allow such heartaches to derail our faith in God. Instead, we should continue to “do good to everyone” ()—including those who are hurting us—thereby proving that we are children of God.

Seeking Positions of Leadership While all believers should be encouraged to develop their God-given gifts to the fullest, this pursuit must always be done in a spirit of humility. Impatiently grasping the reins of power in a situation can cause serious divisions within the body of Christ. As with all things related to life in the body of Christ, the key is to walk humbly before the Lord, trusting that he will be faithful to lift you up—in his time ().

Reminders Are Important If we want to avoid unnecessary suffering, it’s crucial that we not forget the lessons of the past and learn from those who have gone before us. Throughout Scripture we are called to learn from the past—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Everything in Scripture—even the negative examples of human failure and rebellion against God—was written to teach and encourage us so that, in the end, we might have hope ().

, The Power of the Spirit One of the things that distinguishes human beings from animals is that we are able to think about our actions rather than merely acting out of instinct. Sadly, we all too often allow ourselves to be driven along by our instincts instead of submitting our thoughts, actions, and motives to the guidance of the Holy Spirit who indwells believers. Given that nothing less than destruction is on the line, why wouldn’t we want his protective power in our lives?

False Teachers and Healers False teachers can shipwreck people’s faith. Similarly, false healers can lead vulnerable individuals down a path of disillusionment, cynicism, or even despair. Both must be resisted through teaching, prayer, and when needed, merciful intervention. Scripture is serious when it pictures the spiritual life as a battle; but “in the care of Jesus Christ” (), we are assured of protection and ultimate victory ().

A Beloved Benediction The beautiful blessing in this prayer might sound familiar even to people who have never read the book of Jude because it is often used as a benediction at the end of church services. If you struggle with knowing how to pray, especially in public, memorize this prayer and use it to speak a blessing over those you love. As you do, you’ll be agreeing with God and giving him authority to do his work in your own life.

Called to Speak John was commissioned to faithfully report his vision for the sake of the church and to uphold the faithful ones in the midst of persecution. He refers to his message as “the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.” He used the same phrase in to describe why he was exiled to Patmos. Faithful preaching can come with painful consequences, but prophets are simply called to speak—the reception of the message is not within their control.

Touched by the Lord’s Right Hand Overcome by his vision of the resurrected Christ, John fell at Jesus’ feet, frightened nearly to death. The Lord took his right hand—the hand still holding the seven stars (he doesn’t let them go or set them down)—and gently bends down to touch and comfort John. Just as he did with John, our Savior stoops low to comfort us at our deepest moment of need.

The Angels of the Churches In Scripture, the number seven symbolizes completion or perfection. Jesus addressed seven specific churches, but his words apply to the entire church throughout history. He spoke to the angels of the church (not just individuals). This might mean that each church has a guardian angel but more likely refers to what we might call the personality or “spirit” of a church, which needs both encouragement and correction.

Ephesus Each of the seven letters followed the same format. First, John mentions one aspect of his earlier vision of Jesus, and then Jesus speaks encouragingly and correctively, closing with a promise and a warning to all readers. In Ephesus, the angel’s faithful and patient suffering for Jesus is praised, but mere endurance is insufficient. Jesus warns them not to let the great love they once had for Jesus and one another die away. The same applies to us today. Don’t lose your great love for God and for others.

Smyrna In the face of poverty, impending imprisonment, and persecution for Jesus’ sake, the angel of this church is reminded that Jesus died but is now alive. There is no need to fear even suffering to the point of physical death. The crown of life awaits those who remain faithful.

Pergamum The city of Pergamum was dedicated to Roman emperor worship. The angel of the church had successfully resisted (unto death!) this temptation, but had tolerated heretical teaching within the church. The sharp two-edged sword of Jesus’ mouth represents gospel truth (). Jesus is not satisfied with just one aspect of faithfulness in the Christian life. He wants all of our beliefs and behaviors, not compartmentalized obedience.

Thyatira In a culture that values tolerance as an ultimate virtue, this message seems incredibly offensive. But the Son of God is telling us that some sins rot the body from within. Christian teaching comes with great and terrible responsibility, and leading the children of God astray results in the worst punishment (). But even here, suffering can still lead to repentance.

Sardis We often judge on the basis of external appearances, but God is not fooled. This call to the angel of the wealthy and respected church in Sardis is a warning to wake up before it is too late. Returning to the truth of the gospel is the recipe for revival, not following formulas designed to generate popularity.

Philadelphia In contrast to Sardis, the church in Philadelphia was poor and seemed weak. Jesus holds the key that opens all doors, and he has nothing but encouraging words for the apparently weakened angel of a church that has simply been faithful to persevere. For these believers who look like the least, Jesus promises protection from the great time of testing that will engulf the world.

Laodicea Forebodingly, there is nothing positive in this last letter, where the church is so wretched it has become useless, like lukewarm water. The contrast is to the extremely useful water supplies of two nearby cities: Hierapolis’s famous hot springs and Colosse’s refreshingly cool river. But Jesus disciplines out of relentless love in order to bring his children back to right relationship with God.

The Martyrs After four global horrors, the crucified Lamb breaks the fifth seal, and we hear the voice of the martyrs pleading with God and asking when he will come. The resurrected Jesus tells them to rest a little longer, until the full complement of future martyrs joins them. We too cry, “How long, Lord?” But our mission is not yet complete.

No More Tears This beautiful image combines multiple Old Testament passages: The Lamb is also the Shepherd of ; and in fulfillment of the promise in , God will gently wipe away the streaming tears of the faithful witnesses who endured persecution unto death. No more pain, suffering, hunger, or thirst—they (and we!) will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Powerful Prayers Nestled in the quiet space just before an overwhelming vision of angels and judgment, John relays a remarkable reminder of the precious value and power of the people of God. Before the terrifying trumpets sound, our prayers are mixed with incense by an angel and offered directly to the sovereign Lord of the universe, who cares about our concerns and acts on our prayers.

Refusal to Repent Many readers are so preoccupied with deciphering the horrifying details of these judgments that they miss the comparatively restrained purpose statements. Repentance seems to be a possibility, even in the midst of such awful plagues, which remind us of what happened to the hard heart of Pharaoh in Egypt (). A merciful God still seeks to call lost people back to himself, even through agonizing punishment.

Heavenly Secrets Even in Revelation, there are parts of John’s vision which remain secret. Amid unrolling scrolls, John has to seal up his scroll in order to keep secret what the seven thunders said. Similarly, we are not granted total comprehension of our own circumstances. In the face of each uncertainty, we are called to trust God no matter how difficult it may be.

Sweet and Sour The Old Testament depiction of God’s Word being sweet as honey in the prophet’s mouth (; see also ; ) takes a vivid turn here, turning sour in John’s stomach. In Revelation, preaching the Word comes with personal cost: The real blessing of prophecy is intrinsically linked with a painful experience of delivering the message. Hardship is part of the price of participating in God’s redemptive plan.

Judgment and Reward The 24 elders symbolize the whole people of God. They serve as a chorus that provides worshipful dialogue, clarifying the dramatic action throughout Revelation. Thanking God for his judgment might sound vindictive, but it is truly a plea for justice to be enacted. The destroyers must be destroyed; evil must come to an end.

A Parody of the Trinity The dragon, the beast of the sea, and the beast of the earth are three mysterious figures in . They are an anti-Trinity, a parody of the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Their precise identities are unclear, but John inserts a clear interpretation of what this all means for the saints, who oppose evil masquerading as God: “God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful” ().

Endure Persecution Patiently John’s recurring admonition in the book of Revelation is to patiently endure persecution. It runs throughout these wild visions of angels skimming the sky while shouting judgment and blessing. The very vividness of the images is counterbalanced by John’s plain and apparently mundane advice: Do not be distracted by what is swirling around you—keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

God Has a Plan Much of the angel’s interpretation of John’s vision is as strange as the original, but God’s sovereignty in the midst of appalling wickedness and conspiracy is crystal clear. As Joseph said to his brothers () and Peter described about the plot to crucify Jesus (), God’s plan is mysteriously fulfilled despite—and even through—evil intentions.

Worship Only God Angels are awesome in the old sense of the word: awe-inspiring, fearfully wonderful. John has to be reminded multiple times by various angels that they are servants of God just like John is. We often judge the greatness of others by their appearance, but the true test of faithfulness is the clarity of our witness to Jesus.

Everything New The vision of our promised redemption takes our breath away—a new heaven and a new earth without death, pain, suffering, or sadness where God dwells with his people. How will our new bodies work? We are not given many details. But John is clear that the crucified and risen Lamb, the Beginning and the End, is the one making all things new. We should put our trust in him.

No Temple Humanity began in a garden with God (). Sin brought separation, suffering, and death. But in the end, a new city without a temple will descend, and God will dwell directly with his people. All the nations will walk in the light of God’s glory, where the gates are always open because evil has been destroyed and peace has come.

Trees of Life The trees of life that grow in the new Jerusalem provide twelve kinds of fruit that are used to heal the nations. Beyond simply reversing the fall of Adam and Eve, who ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, we catch a glimpse of the true life that Adam and Eve were unable to taste (). God’s redemption is always more than we can imagine.

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