Devotions By Jan

Category Archives: Suffering and Trials


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Peek-A-Boo Canyon

Scripture for Today: I Corinthians 13:12 Colossians 3:1-2 “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your heart on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

The Peek-A-Boo slot canyon in Zion National Park ushers the hiker into another world!  The trail twists and turns, narrows and then widens.  It is eerily quiet and the temperature drops.  Some parts are dark with overhanging rock.  But in other places one can see orange, warm red and rustic brown on the curving sandstone walls.  Some walls soar up to 100 feet and the narrowest part is only 16 inches wide!  It is like a glimpse into another dimension.

Today’s verse gives us a small glimpse of Heaven.  Paul tells believers to set their minds on what is found there.  Christ is on His throne and He sits at the right hand of God the Father.  Our minds and our hearts are to be changed by this eternal perspective.  What we see on earth does not match up with spiritual realities.  What we see, touch and feel around us can be breathtaking, but it is not eternal.  God’s incredible creation is real but it will not last.

When I set my mind and heart on the realities of Heaven, it changes how I view that awful situation.  It affects how I see my problems.  What can loom so large for me is in fact only, “light and momentary trouble.” (II Cor. 4:17)  All the hard things in this life are, “achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”  When I think of Heaven, my heart fills with hope.  And I need that hope to get me through.

Lord, help me see even a glimpse of what is to come!


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Cocoon

Scripture for Today: Scripture for Today: II Corinthians 3:18  “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord who is Spirit.”

I wonder if this caterpillar knows what is happening to him?   His little life was perfect, happily munching leaves in the sun. But before long he finds himself in the dark and hanging on for dear life!  He only did what was natural, making a silk mat and spinning the silk to attach himself to a branch.  But now, everything seems to have stopped and all that is familiar has disappeared.  Life has not only spun out of control, but he himself is hanging upside down.  Now he waits.

Today’s verse speaks of another transformation.  It is one that is just as spectacular as a caterpillar changing into a butterfly.  We, as believers, are slowly being transformed into the image of the Lord.  Each stage of this process brings ever increasing glory, not to ourselves but to Him.  The glory and beauty come from becoming more like our Creator!  It happens on the inside as a work of His Spirit.  We do not know exactly what we will be, except that we will be like Him as His children. (I John 3:2)

In the meantime it can feel a bit dark and confusing.  This cocoon stage seems to last a lifetime and the waiting all by itself can feel exhausting.  I know He is at work in me, but it is dark and I do not always understand what He is doing and why.  But I do know that He is good and the outcome will be beautiful.  His promises are the branch to which I cling!

Lord, help me be patient for what is to come!!

 

 

 


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Bow and Arrow

Scripture for Today:  Romans 3:23-24 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came through Christ Jesus.”

As a skinny-armed adolescent my archery experience was short lived at camp.  It just hurt my arms too much to pull back that bow.  Living in Europe so long I have had more opportunity than most to see archery competitions and shows.  These expositions seemed to always be a part of local village fairs.  And I have seen some impressive displays of strength and precision.  It is beautiful to watch, as long as the target was not something living!

Today’s verse describes missing the target of God’s glory.  This word for “sin” denotes falling short of the intended goal.  Some may get closer than others but all of us fall short of God’s absolute perfection.  We can strive an entire lifetime to live up to God’s standard, but we do not have the momentum to get there without His grace.  In the Archer’s hands we are stretched with His power and pointed in the right direction.  Believers are declared righteous because of Christ reaching that goal of perfection for us.

Although I am redeemed through Christ’s sacrifice, the Archer still pulls back on my bow.  I know that He uses my problems and difficulties to stretch me.  He uses the tension to mature me in my faith.  The goal is to make me more and more like His Son.  There is no pain that is wasted.  He uses it all for His plan and His glory.  I may not understand it all but I know I can trust His strong capable hands.  He knows what He is doing.

Thank you Lord, for slowly transforming me.


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Counting Stars

Scripture for Today: Philippians 2:14-15 “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”

It seems an impossible task, to count the stars.  But who among us has not at least tried as a child?  I was surprised to learn that there is an answer!  9,096 stars are visible to the naked eye if one could see both hemispheres at once!  So of course, we have to divide that number in half.  Maybe the number 4,548 seems underwhelming but in fact that number becomes even less impressive with poor visibility or in lighter skies over cities.  However, with only a three-inch telescope that number jumps to about 5 million!

Today’s verse describes those who do not grumble or argue as shining stars in the sky.  Perhaps it would not be so difficult to count these stars!  Someone who does not grumble and argue stands in stark contrast to everyone else.  And the light from even just one of these stars pierces the spiritual darkness around it.  People notice when there is a sweet uncomplaining spirit in the face of adversity.  I know because my Mother was one of these stars.  Even though at 95 she had to depend on others, lose her mobility, and suffer all kinds of indignities, she did not grumble or complain.

I often wonder how best to “let the light shine” (Matt  5:16) so that people see and God is glorified.  This answer seems too simple.  But I find it is one of the hardest to live out.  Thankfully, it is God who works in me to bring about what is not natural! (verse 13)

Lord, make me a star!  Keep me sweet and uncomplaining today.


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Claim to Fame!

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:17 “Now if we are His children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.” 

It was completely unexpected to casually run into Marine Le Pen!  Whether we agreed with her politics of not, we grabbed this photo opportunity as she was such a prominent controversial figure.  Perhaps we felt we had a small claim to fame by association!  As with anyone standing in the lime light, we ordinary people can hope that a bit of that shine will rub off on us if we stand close enough!

Today’s verse tells us that those who belong to God are His heirs along with His Son, Christ.  As believers, we are His children and have been graciously given the right of inheritance.  It is a heady thought.  Believers belong to the most important being in the universe and we are privileged to share in His glory.  However, sharing in His glory means there will be suffering.  If people persecuted our Master then believers, as His servants, can expect persecution as well (John 15:20).  But whatever it is we are suffering now cannot even be compared with the glory ahead of us! (Rom.8:18)

I love thinking about the glory that is my future but who wants to go through suffering?  In this fallen world I am not exempt from pain, disappointment, or heartbreak.  But there can be joy in the morning after a night of weeping.  He is faithful to bring me through the most awful circumstances.  I know this because He has!  And even now, He rewards me by sharing even a small glimpse His glory.

Thank you Lord that, “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!”