Dealing with change

 

The Bible often describes crisis moments that required God's people to choose bold, new ways of living or even worshipping. Ruth and Orpah (Ruth 1) face this kind of decision when their husbands die and their mother-in-law decides to leave the country. While facing change is trying and frightening, God's people have always relied on Him to help them navigate the changes and still remain faithful to His word.

Sitting quietly with those who suffer

 After suffering great loss and physical pain, Job was unrecognizable to his friends (Job2). Job's  sorrow and pain was so pronounced that his friends simply sat with him for an entire week. This is the time that their friendship shone brightest. At the end of the week they began to 'counsel' Job and simply brought him more pain. Can you sit quietly with other's pain?

My pain is greater than your pain

 

We all suffer different kinds of pain, and sometimes it might be tempting to dismiss someone's pain, because we feel it's not like our pain. Satan argued with God that physical suffering was more distressing than emotional or financial loss (Job 2).  Can you find a way to let others share their pain without judging them or minimizing their suffering?

Pushing through to Jesus

A desperate woman pressed through the ever-present crowd surrounding the Lord Jesus Christ and touched his clothing (Mark 5). This act of faith drew Jesus away from his urgent mission of saving a child's life, long enough to commend the woman for her faith and to give her comfort. Can you be comforted to know that Jesus is never too busy to stop for you?

 

Do you know where you hurt?

 Richard Rohr Quote: “Pain that is not transformed is transmitted.” We see this thought acted out in the story of Hannah (1 Sam 1). When the high priest heard Hannah praying he accused her of being drunk. Instead of becoming angry, Hannah spills her greatest weakness and pain out to her accuser and is granted a great blessing from God. Are you able to face your own weaknesses?

Pressed together to see Jesus

 The early church was an odd mixture of wealthy and poor, men and women, Jewish, Roman, and immigrants. When pressed together, they might not look like they really belonged together, but their love for Christ was more important to them than their political affiliations or social status. Are you able to set aside your personal preferences to embrace the body of Christ? Gal 3:28-29

Are you stepping away from God's love?

 When Christians talk about remaining, or continuing in the "Love of God", it often sounds like a mental exercise in remembering to love God. In the gospel of John (Jn 15:9-17), the phrase seems more related to loving God by loving others. Maybe the best way to remain in love with God, is by showing His love to others. How can you love others this week?