1 Peter 1:3-6 NLT
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by His great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, [4] and we have a priceless inheritance-an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. [5] And through your faith, God is protecting you by His power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. [6] So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.
Christians are not exempt from pain and sorrow - indeed, we may have to endure a lot of both during our lives.
Two incidents hit me hard this week.
The first was a client and friend who has to retire early due to Parkinson's disease. She's constantly in pain and has trouble walking and the prognosis is grim.
Second was on my visit to the dental hygienist. The receptionist told me through her COVID mask that the hygenist had just heard that her father had died suddenly. She was determined to carry on working through her tears. I hugged her and insisted that she stop work immediately and go to comfort her mum.
Both cases reminded me that, without Jesus, life is a dead end.
Believers in Jesus may have it rough, but the uplook is glorious and full of wonderful promise.
During my own sleepless night, I thought of these two people and prayed that they would discover the comfort of faith in Jesus.
In the midst of our pains and trials He is with us - giving strength in our weaknesses.
Holy Spirit please open those two precious lives up to the closeness of the Lord Jesus to help them through.
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