As the rain and snow

“God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:26-27

“Each one who crosses over to those already counted is to give a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs… an offering to the Lord. All… are to give… The rich are not to give more than a half shekel and the poor are not to give less when you make the offering to the Lord to atone for your lives. Receive the atonement money… and use it for the service of the tent of meeting. It will be a memorial before the Lord, making atonement for your lives.” Exodus 30:13-16

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6

“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect… as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life.” 1 Peter 3:7

Much of the talk about equality today revolves around exemplifying differences. It seems an inverted way of defining. The Scriptures embody equality by stating what is the same in every person. As the crowning glory of all God made, humans were fashioned as the only creatures made in God’s image and commanded to exercise dominion over all creation. He made us able to live in relationship with Him, with eternity in our hearts and a unique will. He designed us male and female, our bodies corresponding to each other to be fruitful and multiply, our souls to be suitable helpers to one another. (Genesis 2:7-9,15-24; Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Throughout the Scriptures, He does not distinguish in any prejudicial way between varying nationalities or abilities or hierarchies or social strata, except to differentiate between those who would seek after Him and receive His gift of eternal life, and those who would reject Him, follow after other gods, and live estranged from Him. He makes reference to our equality time and again: He came for all, He breaks down barriers between factions and makes enemies friends, and there is to be no favoritism. (John 3:16; Romans 2:11; 5:10; James 2:1-4)

When we take our eyes off what the Lord made us all to be, our call to glorify Him and serve His purposes, we can easily get tangled in messages and circumstances that knock us off kilter. When we turn from His voice, and let feelings rule our faith, we confuse the simplicity and beauty of the distinctiveness we each bring to the Body. We look different, sound different, and offer different gifts, but each is equal in standing, value, importance, and inheritance. (Isaiah 43:7; 1 Corinthians 12:4-27)

Am I secure in my identity in Christ? How does the equality God has assigned to every person shape my perception of others?

Creator God, help me do what I can to promote, with grace and Christ-like love, the reality of Your unity in my world.

“Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent. Then Moses told [him] all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had come upon them in the way, and how the Lord had delivered them. And Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the Lord had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians. Jethro said, ‘Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you…  Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods…’

“The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and they stood around Moses from morning till evening. When [Jethro] saw all that he was doing.., he said, ‘What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?’ Moses said, ‘Because the people come to me to inquire of God; when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide…’ [Jethro] said, ‘What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone… I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, and you shall warn them about the statutes.., and make them know… what they must do. Moreover, look for able men who fear God, who are trustworthy.., and place [them] over the people as chiefs…  Let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So they will bear the burden with you.  If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people will go to their place in peace.’

“So Moses listened to [Jethro] and did all he said. Moses chose able men and made them heads over the people… Any hard case they brought to Moses, but any small matter they decided themselves. Then [Jethro] went away to his own country.” Exodus 18:7-11,13-27

When Jethro visited Moses, his intention was to return his wife and sons. But God made the short visit count for much good in Moses’s and others’ lives. Once Jethro had heard all God has done, he realized how mightily God was using his son-in-law as Israel’s leader. He listened, he watched, and the Lord directed his objective observation into wise counsel for His man. The advice he gave enabled Moses to thrive in his strengths, and other leaders to develop theirs. (Exodus 18:1-6)

Are we prone to haste? How often do we jump right into a circumstance laden with ideas, opinions, and advice without first seeking God’s wisdom, or considering the big picture and specific needs of those we are ‘helping’? Do we esteem our own experiences above the ones of those we serve, or our smarts more than omniscient God’s? What difference would it make for individuals in our community, or under our care or supervision, if we watched, waited on the Lord, and consider all aspects of a situation before acting?

Father, help me be measured and discerning as I observe and advise. Grant me spiritual insight, wisdom, and graciousness for every situation and friend.

‘Now I have come out to meet you,
    to seek you eagerly, and I have found you…’

And now, O sons, listen to me,
    and be attentive to the words of my mouth.
Let not your heart turn aside to her ways;
    do not stray into her paths.” Proverbs 7:1-5,15,24-25

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
    but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20

“How much better to get wisdom than gold!
    To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.” Proverbs 16:16

“Iron sharpens iron,
    and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

Wise King Solomon had wise words for his sons. He knew the importance and impression of companions, that their character and charms influenced both attitude and action. The best friend he commended was wisdom herself. She was to be valued, she would warn and make wise, her companionship would sharpen heart and mindset toward the fear of God. (Proverbs 9:10)

At the ancient library in Ephesus, Turkey, Lady Wisdom stands tall alongside Virtue, Knowledge, and Intelligence. Certainly all are worthy companions, but it is she alone the Lord says will bring proper reverence for God and understanding of His ways. Without spiritual wisdom, the others cannot contribute, or effectuate, their beauty and benefit.

Friendship with wisdom brings a humble chiding and careful correction, like stone tumbling with stone to soften rough edges and strengthen our core. Friendship with the wise is mutually encouraging in spiritual growth, maturity in godliness, perseverance in ministry. Developing good friendships with the wise results in good relationships, endeavors, marriages, movements. It draws each in the relationship to deeper understanding, broader love, and higher worship. (Galatians 6:1-3; Hebrews 10:24-25)

Who are our favorite friends, and why do we seek their camaraderie and confidence? Those we walk alongside, and in whom we invest our energy, attention, and affection, will help determine our course of life. If we choose ambition, a never ending push to get and gain, we will expend ourselves for treasure that in the end comes up empty. If we choose to surround ourselves with people who flatter us, but fail to point us to Jesus, we will have an inflated view of ourselves that time will pop and deflate. But friendship with the wise makes for meaningful, fruitful living, and benefits us, our allies, and all those we serve. (Isaiah 55:2-3)

“Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word;
I ever with thee, and thou with me, Lord.
Born of thy love, thy child may I be,  
thou in me dwelling and I one with thee.” ~St. Dallán Forgaill (530-598)

Father, may I treasure Your wisdom above all companions, for in it I learn to fear and praise You aright. And of that You are supremely worthy.

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.

“Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:1-10

We do not, and cannot, live the Christian life alone. There is a rich and lustrous giving and taking as we are conformed to the image of Christ and built up as His church. As brothers, we keep watch on ourselves with a check of the Spirit, and watch on each other to admonish and help. There are times we are weak and our brother is strong, and times we lean on each other to work out our struggles. By taking responsibility we assist others with theirs, with the goal of mutual encouragement and progress. The good we contribute will return in good measure as we grow together in faith. (1 Peter 2:5)

Are we doing our part both to give and to take? Are we willing to go deep, to take our responsibility in the Body of Christ seriously, or do we allow busyness and ease to keep our interactions superficial? Do we value fulfilling the law of Christ more than fulfilling our human desires?

When is the last time we were bold, gentle, and selfless enough to point out the sin and invest in the restoration of a fellow believer? How receptive and grateful are we to receive their admonition for the same? Are we eager to carry our part of a shared load, or do we stubbornly prefer the simplicity and autonomy of doing it all ourselves? Do we take time to encourage our teachers with appreciation, applications, or insight?

Does our zeal in service wane after a set amount of time or effort, do we fall to flagging energy, or will we trust the Lord for strength to do all the good He sets before us? How available are we for His spontaneous opportunities to build up, bear up, and bless? (Romans 12:10-13; Philippians 4:19)

“Blest be the tie that binds 
our hearts in Christian love; 
the fellowship of kindred minds 
is like to that above.

We share our mutual woes, 
our mutual burdens bear, 
and often for each other flows 
the sympathizing tear.

From sorrow, toil, and pain, 
and sin, we shall be free; 
and perfect love and friendship reign 
through all eternity.” ~John Fawcett (1782)

Father, may I strengthen the bonds of Christian brotherhood with humility and vitality, for others’ good and Your glory.

“Jesus told them plainly, ‘Lazarus has died. Let us go to him…’ Now when Mary came to Jesus, she fell at his feet, saying, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’ When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, come and see.’  Jesus wept. So the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’” John 11:14-15,32-36

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” Luke 13:34

“Satan entered into Judas, who was [one] of the twelve. ⁴ He went away and conferred with the chief priests how he might betray [Jesus] to them. ⁵ They were glad, and agreed to give him money. ⁶ So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him… There came a crowd, and Judas was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?'” Luke 22:3-4,47-48

There is something wonderfully poignant, and mysteriously comforting, about the agonies of Jesus. Throat-closing sorrow over loss of a beloved friend, agonizing longing, painful betrayal, regretted denial, excruciating pain. As a man, He bore them all. (Matthew 27:26-50; Luke 22:54-62)

When the worst of the worst is the script of the day, or theme of the season, we do not know where to turn, and often freeze. Life’s worst can loom insurmountable, life blows can pummel us to the point of paralysis, or onto the downward spiral to despair. But when we suffer, the Lord Jesus who has been there walks each vale with us in full understanding and sympathy. He is before, beside, and behind us, our constant good companion and perfect friend. In His economy, no agony is wasted, but integral to our sanctification and the working out of His holy purposes. (Psalm 23:4; James 1:2-4)

In the cold haze of heartbreaking deaths of companionship, dreams, trust, and intimacy, Jesus promises resurrection. In every brokenness He offers redemption; in every grief, comfort; every pain, balm; every deception and betrayal, unending faithfulness and steadfast love. What to us may seem a forever death impossible to overcome, the Lord of Life offers as an opportunity for new spiritual vitality, hope, awareness, and even ministry. Our dead ends are His new roads, pathways to knowing better His grace and sufficiency, and transformation from glory to glory. (2 Corinthians 3:18; 12:7-10)

What worst are we facing or contending with today? Maybe a death that came sooner than expected, or a decision out of our control that was never expected? With every stab of grief, every sting of being mocked, every lash of hard cultural wind, every biting word of reproach, we must remember our suffering Savior. He bore our sorrows so we would not, so His will for us could prosper, so we could live with Him abundantly forever. Would we present our worst for His beautifying and redemption? (Isaiah 53:3-12; John 10:10)

Great Lord, let me not waste one ounce of the worst You ordain. Draw me closer and deeper, and teach me the power of your resurrection so I can share the fellowship of Your suffering with victory and gladness. (Philippians 3:10)

“The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?’ This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, ‘Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.’ And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him…

“Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ They answered him, ‘We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, “You will become free”?’ Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin…’

“The Jews [said], ‘Are we not right in saying that you… have a demon?’ Jesus answered, ‘I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge. Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death…’ So they picked up stones to throw at him.” John 8:3-9,31-34,48-51,59

The sin of pride puts a twitch in our fingers. Self-righteousness hates the disgusting sin of others, and the raw exposing of our own. The Pharisees had it out for anyone who was not as well-behaved as they, and the gentle but penetrating castigation from this Teacher really made them itchy to condemn. Who was He anyway to intrude upon their thoughts and intentions? Who was He to upend their legalistic morality and pronounce them slaves?

The wall we fabricate around our legalism can constrict our perception of the freedom Jesus came to give. We get hung up in a tit-for-tat, when Jesus holds out His nail-scarred hands and says ‘this for that,’ and points to heaven. Think of the energy the Pharisees spent in argument and finger-wagging when they could have laid down their nitpick magnifiers and chosen forgiveness and freedom. Our Savior so wants to remove our blinders and break through our walls!

Instead of casting a stone today, would we take time to let the Holy Spirit cast a light on our hearts, our fiercely held attitudes, our thoughtless habits, our default, uncontrolled, unfiltered responses to things that grate at us? Would we ask Him to light our way with His word, so every choice, every effort, every response is saturated in His love? Would we pause and change ‘how dare You?’ to ‘how dare I?’ and release our stones? (Psalm 119:105; 139:23-24)

Lord Jesus, thank You for taking my punishment in my place. Help me be as grace-filled to others as You are to me, showing forth the freedom of Your forgiveness in all its splendor. (Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13)

“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.  He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God… For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace… Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:9-13,16-17

“For God so loved the world,* that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16-17

*Or: For this is how God loved the world

Isn’t this the aim of the whole Bible, to tell the ‘how’ of Jesus? God so loved us, so He created the most magnificent world we could imagine and then man in His image to enjoy, work, and be fruitful in it. God so loved us He gave us freedom to make choices, and when we sinned, He covered us. God so loved us He called Moses to lead His people out of slavery, displaying supernatural power over the gods of Egypt. God so loved us He kept His promises to His chosen nation, establishing them in the land in spite of all their foibles. Again and again, God so loved that He gave prophets to warn and men to deliver, both consequences and relief, and promise of ultimate renewal. (Genesis 1:27; 3:21; Joshua 24:5-13)

And God so loved us He sent His only Son, whom He loved, to take on flesh and take on the devil as He took on our sins, and win. (Matthew 3:17; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

God so loves us He provides all we need to follow Him and grow to be like Him. His grace is sufficient, His supply inexhaustible, His blessings rich and eternal. He’s given His Spirit to comfort and guide, to inspire and convict, and as a deposit guaranteeing our eternal security. (John 14:16-17; 16:8; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 12:9; Ephesians 1:3; Philippians 4:19)

God so loves us He’s preparing a place for us in heaven. God so loves us He’s coming again, to take us to be with Him forever in glory. (John 14:2-3)

If this is how God so loved, and loves us now, do we not desire above all to love Him back? How are we loving Him with our time, our attention, our material resources? If there is anyone else for whom our affections pulse or our yearnings long, would we repent?

And in light of such love, do we enfold others in such a way that they are drawn to the gospel of Christ’s grace and truth? How do my words, and affections, and interactions show forth how He has loved and saved and transformed me?

Lord Jesus who loves perfectly, keep me marveling at how You love, and teach me how to do the same. Inscribe my heart and mark my days with love like Yours, so You are magnified and adored.

“As Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up and said to him, ‘Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.’ He answered, ‘I also will ask you a question. Tell me, was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?’ And they discussed it with one another, saying, ‘If we say, “From heaven,” he will say, “Why did you not believe him?” But if we say, “From man,” all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.’ So they answered that they did not know where it came from. And Jesus said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things...’

“‘A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed.  He sent another servant. But they also beat and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed.  And he sent yet a third. This one also they wounded and cast out. Then the owner of the vineyard said, “What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.” But when the tenants saw him, they said to themselves, “This is the heir. Let us kill him, so the inheritance may be ours.” And they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.’ When they heard this, they said, ‘Surely not!’ 

“[They] sought to lay hands on him, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said… They asked him, ‘Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?’ But he perceived their craftiness.” Luke 20:1-16,19-23a

When the Pharisees edged close to being exposed, they hastened to cover up. They preferred to keep the pressure on Jesus, this strange purveyor of authority, but grew increasingly uneasy in the effort. He seemed to know them inside out, and that’s not comfortable, so they pressed and plotted, to no avail.

They were masters at finagling answers, figuring on social acceptance, and feigning sincerity, all methods of avoiding the truth that Jesus taught, that Jesus was. They went to great lengths to deflect having to dig deep, relinquish control, and be exposed as frauds.

How are we like the Pharisees? And what keeps us from accepting truth? Is the reality of believing Jesus really more terrifying than living, and dying, without Him? He came to remove all we abhor and to redeem all of which we are ashamed- past transgressions, inner rage, heinous thoughts, greed, lust, envy. If in faith we open our hearts to the loving Savior, He frees us of the exhausting effort of refusing Him, and fill us with new and joyous life. (John 10:10; 1 Corinthians 5:17)

Lord, may I go to every length to know, love, and honor You.

“God said, ‘Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.’ And God made the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. And God called the expanse Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.

“And God said, ‘Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.’ And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:6-10

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
    Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
    Or who stretched the line upon it?
 On what were its bases sunk,
    or who laid its cornerstone,
when the morning stars sang together
    and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

“Or who shut in the sea with doors
    when it burst out from the womb,
when I made clouds its garment
    and thick darkness its swaddling band,
and prescribed limits for it
    and set bars and doors,
and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther,
    and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?” Job 38:4-11

He who holds the immense and rushing waters in their places guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Could there be a more formidable Sentinel? He who determiness and monitors their boundaries does the same with lurking temptation, doubt, and fear. Could there be a stronger Keeper? He who with His breath calms the storm executes ‘Peace be still’ to our quaking souls. Is there a better Champion over any unrest of soul? (Isaiah 26:3; Mark 4:39; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Philippians 4:7)

When we encounter circumstances that threaten to overwhelm, our Savior bears us up. When we suffer grief, or anger, or loss, or physical pain that is too heavy to bear and pulls us under, our Lord lifts our head from drowning. How quickly we can go from sure footing to a slippery slide down into instability, confusion, miscommunication and hurt, from carefree joy to shocked despair. Yet our Lord is always nigh. He in grace appoints boundaries for all that would consume us, and stands as our Rescue and Defender. He lives ready to redeem and to save. (Psalm 3:3; 68:19)

“When through the deep waters I call you to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow,
for I will be with you, your troubles to bless,
and sanctify to you the deepest distress.” ~George Keith (1787)

What crashing downpour has taken our breath away and arrested any step forward? What deep and swirling waters are causing concern, eating away at the edges of our minds? What encroaching tides of darkness in our culture, our families, our imaginations, are eroding our calm? There is none more powerful than our God, no rushing current a match for His divine hand and certain will. The force of God’s love prevails in and over every enemy rush and swell. Would we put our hand in the hand of the One who stills the waters, and trust? (Romans 8:31-39)

Lord, help me marvel at and rest in Your might that knows no limit, Your design that orders every boundary, and Your love that knows no bounds.

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me. And this is the contribution that you shall receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze, blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, goats’ hair, tanned rams’ skins, goatskins, acacia wood, oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, onyx stones, and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece. And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it.'” Exodus 25:1-9

God’s instructions for contribution and the construction of the ark and tabernacle were undergirded by His supply for everything. The only way the slaves-turned-nomads had all this bounty to give is that, after much struggle, they had come out of Egypt. It was the Lord who had engineered the plagues, and the final decision of an angry pharaoh, in order to have the Israelites released with great plunder. This new nation, who had grown from 37 people in Egypt to hundreds of thousands, carried out with them great and varied riches. (Genesis 46:26-27; Exodus 3:19-22; 12:33-37)

Bounty doesn’t show up on its own. We would have no eternal life, no indwelling Spirit or unlimited spiritual riches, if not for Jesus’s struggle and victory at the cross. Love is deeper when pursued and fought for, and wisdom is sweeter when mined from the depths of the Bible. Forgiveness is won only through the excruciating death of our Savior, and extended by oft-painful release of anger or resentment. (John 16:7; Ephesians 1:3-10; 4:32)

In what are we struggling today, and how might the Lord be developing or uncovering His riches in the midst? It may be a disappointment or grief, where He can shower His compassion, comfort, and sufficiency. It might be a weakness in proclivity to complaint and despair, where He will supply hope, contentment, and gratitude. We may be struggling for answers, and He is bidding us come for instruction and power and to understand that His ways are far higher than ours. We might be riled by a strained relationship, where He can enable understanding, the ability to communicate, and love that transcends differences. (Jeremiah 33:3; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 4:1-3,15-16; 1 Peter 4:8)

Would we welcome the struggle for the spiritual and character and wisdom muscles that are exercised and built there? Would we learn to look beyond our difficulties to desire the rewards they win? And when our gracious God brings us through with bounty, are we ready and eager to return it with gratitude to Him, the giver of every good and perfect gift? (James 1:17)

Jesus promises His children peace in every struggle, and the knowledge that He is working all for our good and His glory. And because Jesus lives victorious over sin and the grave, He imparts to us victory for every struggle here below. (John 16:33; Romans 8:28-30; 1 Corinthians 15:54-58; 2 Corinthians 2:14)

Lord Jesus, help me triumph in every difficulty, and so show forth Your infinite wealth and worth. May my life show the other side to a world struggling with pain and disbelief, and flagging in hope.