Fields United Methodist Church

Day 39.  Take Time to Be Holy

May 20, 2020

“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God.”

Romans 8:28

Read: Romans 8:26-30

There is a story about a man who heard from God to move a massive boulder. Day after day he pushed on the rock with absolutely no movement; he was tired, worn out, frustrated, and angry. He turned to God with his frustration and said, “God, you told me to move this rock and all I have experienced is pain and no good has come from this time.” God responded, “my child, look at your back, your legs, your arms; you are far stronger than you ever were before.” God does not cause bad things to happen to us; God does not cause the road we travel to be rough in spots and impassable in others. But God does give us the strength, the wisdom, and the hope to move through challenging times and by faith we are transformed as a result. Faith in Jesus Christ acknowledges that life is not always as we would like it to be but in the midst of life Jesus offers the gifts we need to overcome all that is before us.  This time of pandemic when there is loss, uncertainty and change in life as we once knew it, Jesus is journeying with us; our faith looks beyond what is seen to the reality of the never-ending love of God that continually offers hope for a new day and strength for the present. The promise of God is not a promise of a pain-free existence or the absence of loss or heartbreak. God’s promise simply stated by Jesus is, “I am with you always, even to the end of age.”  Maybe the “good” that comes out of hardship is the affirmation of the presence of God and the fulfillment of God’s promise to us.

Name 3 ways God has worked in your life during a tough time?

How has the witness of somebody else going through hardship offered you strength?

How are you taking time to be holy today?

Prayer: Jesus, I am worn out; I am tired. Offer me your strength, hope, and grace for the day ahead and may my faith in you offer the same to someone else. Amen