A few months ago, I was whining and complaining about sitting on a hot tractor baling round bales of hay. Monday, I was whining and complaining about sitting on a cold tractor putting out round bales for the cows. It’s now official. I am a whiner and complainer. Nothing’s ever good enough. But is that how it’s supposed to be?
I am a Christian, which means God is supposed to iron out all the bumps of life, right? I should always have more money in the bank account that I can spend. My doctor will never have to say words like tests, cancer, or lose weight. Shannon will always treat me with the respect I feel I should be accustomed to. Also, because I am a Christian, every one of my sermons will be absolute masterpieces that are so good they make the angels cry for joy.
If you believe any of that, I’ve got a cabin way up in the mountains of Louisiana that I’d like to sell you.
Giving your life to Jesus does not mean that God will take away all the challenges, trials, and heartaches that come with the human experience. No one gets through life without scars. It’s not always fun.
Don’t get me wrong. I truly believe the best way to live life is to give yourself to Jesus, but that does not mean it will always go your way. And even though there are some preachers who have grown rich peddling that garbage, it is nothing more than a lie they tell to line their pockets.
When we give ourselves to Jesus, we accept the grace that saves our souls, gives life a legitimate holy purpose, and enables us to weather any storm that comes our way.
In Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth, he complained about what he called a “Thorn in the flesh.” We do not know if this was an illness or physical disability, but whatever it was, he was suffering.
Paul said, “Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)
I hope you are in a very good place in life, but if you aren’t, know God loves you, Jesus has saved you, and one day, you will go home. God’s grace is sufficient.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me always remember that you are an active presence in my life. Guide me as I live in response to your wonderful love. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Always remember, God is so good and powerful that he can take the worst things in life and somehow bring good. So if you are at a bad place, know that God is right there with you. He loves you too much to let you do it alone.
Also, I don’t care what other people may say. All of my sermons are absolute masterpieces that are so good they make the angels cry for joy. Trust me.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 