Do We Have A Choice?

Believers really only have two choices amid seasons of trials and sorrows:

1. Become ever more reliant on and obedient to God. Or,

2. Become even more burdened and turn from God.

One of the most difficult seasons of my life followed after my wife was diagnosed with cancer. She was in and out of hospitals for years, many visits lasting months at a time. While struggling to juggle single parenting to my 2-year-old and caring for my sick wife, I remember asking God: “What else could go wrong?”

One morning, at my wife's hospital bedside, I got a call from my mother sharing my father had died of a heart attack earlier that morning. I had my answer. 

Looking back, it’s easy to see how the Lord was preparing me for His good work. The burdens I carried made me stronger, made me appreciate what I had more, and ultimately drew me closer to the Lord. However, it’s much harder to see those things in the midst of the storm. 

These trials could have tempted me to walk away from my faith. We hear these comments all the time: "Why does God let bad things happen to good people?" or "How could God do this to me?" But the Lord’s answer was clear: “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” (John 16:33).

Take heart because Jesus has already overcome. And you can find peace in Him! What an amazing promise. We will not find lasting peace, happiness, joy, or even a good life here on earth. But we will find all those things and more through faith in Jesus Christ, who promises them for eternity. He will be our protector and place of refuge when difficult seasons come. He will watch over his children so that nothing separates us from Him.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). The Lord’s yoke is light, and He will never give you more than you can carry. When faced with seasons of trials and sorrows let us always remember to make the first and best choice, to turn to the Lord so that we may be healed.

Lord, help me to remember all the amazing promises You have made to me as Your child. Let my trials and sorrows here on earth draw me even closer to You, always straightening my faith and obedience toward You in all the seasons of my life. Amen.

This devotion provided by Wes Dean of Compassion International, Senior Network Systems Administrator and Child Advocate