March 24, 2021

“Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline?… No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:7, 11

This week is Spring Break for my five kids. As always, we had some fun things planned. However, things have not gone according to plan. It has been raining or snowing every day my wife and I have been off work and available to go on outings with our family. In Southern Colorado we really need the moisture. We have been dealing with drought for quite some time. But this moisture is really inconvenient! This rain and snow is not working around my schedule!

This is a great parallel to our relationship with God. We know that we must have some storms in our life. There must be some trials, some disappointments, and some suffering if we are going to grow into who he desires us to be. But these storms are so inconvenient! I wish the difficult times would work around my schedule. I know, however, that God’s schedule is not my schedule. I know that, no matter how much I don’t want the storms right now, they are necessary to avoid spiritual drought in my life. So, I want to encourage you, next time your plans get rained out, try to appreciate the life-giving moisture.

Father, thank You for watering our faith, even if it comes in times and ways that are not what we expected or preferred. Help us to see Your hand working in every trial and disappointment. We know that You will never waste the suffering in our lives.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon