I was watching the news coverage on the recent Los Angeles wildfires
and I saw a mom tearing up with her young family. Their whole house
burned to the ground. She was telling the TV reporter “what would I
give to wash dishes in my kitchen today?” She then went on saying we
really should not take things for granted. Moms who suddenly fall sick
share the same sentiment. What would we really give to get the chance
to raise our children?
While we can never prevent hardships and difficulties in life, we can
always look up to the one who has the best plans for us — our
Heavenly Father. And while He allows us to experience life
difficulties from time to time, we all know that it is for a reason.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every
branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear
fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1-2
And so as we go through a “pruning season,” let us keep in mind that
for our Heavenly Father, no season is wasted.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who
love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
And indeed, going through hardships elicits best in us. In the New
Testament, both the Apostle Paul and Jesus’ brother, James, mentioned
that trials are meant to hone our character, and concretize further
our hope in Jesus Christ.
Here’s a snippet of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans:
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that
suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and
character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because
God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who
has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5
And here is what the Apostle James wrote in his letter to the early believers:
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect
and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4
So what would we give to raise our children and be with our families?
What would we give to joyfully live our lives we have been blessed
with and have come to appreciate?
Well, we give it all we got. We enjoy what’s in front of us, and live
intentionally. We do not waste the chance God has given us to enjoy
the life He has allowed us to live. As the author of the Book of
Ecclesiastes says:
“I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful
and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and
drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.”
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
Knowing this, we then set our sights on what’s eternal like God’s word
and our precious souls. We live a life of worship and endeavor to go
through everyday intentionally by enjoying the abundant life God is
offering us. A life filled with things that money cannot buy, and the
world cannot take away: God’s peace, His guidance and presence, and
meaningful moments and memories with the ones we hold dear.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that
they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
So while we can, let us appreciate God’s gift of now, and not waste
our lives watching others live their days. Let us anchor ourselves to
the one true God, and build our life on the foundation of His words so
that when the inevitable comes we will not be shaken.
“Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions land power
to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is
the gift of God. 20 For he will not much remember the days of his life
because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.” Ecclesiastes
5:19-20
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on Romans 5:1-5 and Ecclesiastes 2:24–26 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Are you going through a pruning season today? How
might God’s word, and knowing that hardships are meant to improve our
character help you endure more?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me
to live out your plans for my life. Please give me the grace to anchor
my soul on you, so that as I go through my earthly journey, my soul
will be steady in you. Amen.
