I think that sometimes, difficult things happen to people because God is trying to get their attention and draw them to him. He gives them things that are too big to handle on their own, as motivation to turn to him.

Revelation 3:19-20 says, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

God’s “rebuke and discipline,” which we may experience as struggles in our lives, are examples of him knocking at the door. When we let him in, he will help us through these trials.

Dear Lord, We know you want us to include you in our daily lives. Help us see our struggles as you knocking at our door to join us and help us through and overcome. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Have you had the opportunity to work closely with a team to accomplish a common objective. It could have been with a sports team, an informal team of people at work, a startup team for a new business, a band, a military unit, or overcoming a challenging time with your family as a team. There is something particularly fulfilling, hopeful and uniting in these occasions. Often, the more difficult the challenge, the more powerful the experience is for us.

Paul writes about this to the Church in Philippi, in Philippians 2:1-2, saying ” Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.”

It is that working together with “one mind and purpose” that makes all the difference. How much more fulfilling it will be for us when that purpose is God’s work, in our family, church, community, or friendships.

Dear Lord you made us and you put this trait into each of us, that when we join together in a team with trust and respect for each other and take on a challenge, your love is shown through us and builds bonds between us, making us even more capable of doing your will. Give us all the opportunity to experience this, and use it in your work. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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One of the significant things about God coming to earth as a man in Jesus Christ, is that he experienced all the same temptations we face as people on earth. As a result, we can know that he understands what we are experiencing when we try to overcome the temptations of life. Jesus was tempted to take the easy way rather than the right way, just like we are.

Paul writes in Hebrews 4:15,16, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Because Jesus experienced the same temptations we do, he knows what we need to overcome. Paul tells us to ask with confidence for the strength and tools to overcome these temptations.

Dear Lord, Just one of the amazing facets of your plan we see in Jesus’ ability to empathize with our struggles on earth. Help us remember to come confidently to you for help in staying on the narrow path that leads to salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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In order to purify gold; to take it from ore found in the ground to high enough quality for use for jewelry, electronics, and other things, it is heated to melting. When this is done, the impurities and other metals separate and the pure gold can be removed.

Peter uses this illustration in 1 Peter 1:6-7, he says “although you may have to suffer for a short time in various trials. Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold – gold tested by fire. ”

God lets us experience trials, setbacks, disappointments, to develop us and make us better. Our job is to stay in faith and use these trials to refine our faith and character, so we come out of it stronger and more capable.

Dear Lord help us remember that you are there to help us through our trials, and You are refining us so we can be a better Christian person. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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I think we all have seen the adventure films where the hero is racing through some foreign city trying to reach the US Embassy before being captured, or the pictures of people surrounding a free country’s embassy trying to find refuge as revolutionaries are taking over the country.

Envision that scenario as you read Psalm 91:9-10 which says, “If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.”

God is our refuge, where we can find safety and security. The classic words of Psalm 23 should always be in our minds when we are afraid, (I remember the King James version) Psalm 23:4, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

Dear Lord, We thank you that though we may go through frightening and difficult times in our lives, you are our refuge. Help us remember to come to you for refuge and comfort. We know you will not disappoint us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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