A friend of mine is in the tourism industry. Covid forced his business to a standstill. I’m amazed how he allowed himself to be shaped through this time. He writes:

In this very difficult time, I quickly had to make sure that my anchors in life are strong so that the storm wouldn’t overcome me. I had to make sure that my house is built on the rock.

Suddenly, everything I relied upon was gone and I realised the only way I could walk through this fire without being burned would be if God walked with me.

I had to learn and believe that God would care for me (us). He will give me everything I need. I can give all my problems to God and forget about them. He will deal with it. He will ensure that everything works out well, as it should. The only condition is that I have to believe in God, that I will do His will by being good to other people, treat them with love and respect, and show and witness God’s love and care for me by the way I live. And that I will give my finances/time/talents to be used to tell more people about God and His love for us.

I got to know God much better by spending time with Him, and by using the online studies we watched to study His Word, and by doing that, to hear what God wanted to say to me.

Think about these things:

• • • You always have something to be grateful for.
    • Never give up. Never lose hope.
    • Live in the moment.
    • Satan is the cause of fear in us.
    • God is a God of love. He only wants the best for us, but then we have to make an effort to spend time with Him.
    • As our faith grows, the less we fear.

God will protect us. He sends His angels to surround us wherever we go. When things are hard, fall back and rest in God’s arms. He is always there and He loves us very much.

My friend wasn’t filled with self-pity and he didn’t despair. He used the season to strengthen his relationship with God. It is indeed in this intimate relationship with God that he gains an understanding of his circumstances and experiences God as his Father. He knows God cares very much for him, because he is God’s child.

My friend understands this verse very well: ⁷God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children.

Scripture
Hebrews 12:4-11

Reflection
What do your circumstances look like?
What is God doing?
What do you have to do differently?

Prayer
Father, thank you that I can be Your child. I know You work through my circumstances, but sometimes it’s really hard. Please give me the strength to understand and to learn. In Jesus’ Name, amen.