Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, published in “Mornings & Evenings,” entry for May 2nd, AM.
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2011.

“I pray not that Thou shouldst take them out of the world.” John 17:15

It is a sweet and blessed event which will occur to all believers in God’s own time: Going home to be with Jesus. In a few more years the Lord’s soldiers, who are now fighting “the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) will be done with conflict, and will enter into the joy of their Lord.

But although Christ prays that His people will eventually be with Him where He is, He does not ask that they may be taken at once away from this world to heaven. He wishes them to stay here. Yet how frequently does the wearied pilgrim put up the prayer, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away and be at rest.” But Christ does not pray like that. He leaves us in His Father’s hands until, like corn fully ripe, we shall each be gathered into our Master’s presence.

Jesus does not plead for our instant removal by death. Our abiding in the flesh is needed for others if not profitable for ourselves. He asks that we be kept from evil, but He never asks for us to be admitted to the inheritance in glory until we are of full readiness.

Christians often want to die when they have any trouble. Ask them why, and they tell you, “Because we would be with the Lord.” I fear it is not so much because they are longing to be with the Lord, as because they desire to get rid of their troubles. If it were so, they would feel the same wish to die at other times when not under the pressure of trial. They want to go home, not so much for the Savior’s company, as to be at rest. Now it is quite right to desire to depart if we can do it in the same spirit that Paul did, because to be with Christ is far better, but the wish to escape from trouble is a selfish one. (Philippians 1:21-26)

Let your desire be to glorify God by your life here as long as He pleases, even though it is in the midst of toil, conflict, and suffering, leave Him to say when “it is enough.”

Question: How do you pray in times of toil, conflict, and suffering?

Suffering is something we all experience at some point in our lives. We can suffer in many different ways. Our pain can be primarily physical, or we can suffer in mental or emotional ways.  Suffering can be temporary, but it may still be very painful. We always feel very relieved when it comes to an end. Then there’s the severe, constant, unending physical suffering that goes on day after day, year after year. There may not be any hope that our circumstances will improve while on this earth.

At times like this we might ask, “Does God care that I’m suffering?” “Are all His decisions loving and fair?” “Is God in control?” “Do I trust Him?” If we believe the Bible which says, God is in control of all things, He is loving and wise, perfect and just, then the answer to these questions is a definite “Yes!” We may not understand why we are suffering, but we can trust God, confident in knowing He will work all things out for our good.

We may wonder, “Is anything being accomplished by this suffering?” “Why is God allowing it to happen?” There is purpose in suffering. Circumstances in our lives can be consequences of our own sin and the poor choices we make. But, sometimes we suffer when we haven’t done anything wrong. God wants us to use these adversities to refine, mature, complete and perfect us. If we’re wise, we will not waste this opportunity. The Bible says when suffering comes “count it all joy.”

I know that in my suffering, it gives me great joy and hope to know that because my sins are forgiven, not only will I see Jesus in Heaven, but I have Him with me now to comfort, encourage and guide me. Have you ever confessed your sins to God and committed your life to Him? Would you like to know you are forgiven and going to Heaven some day? If so, you can say a prayer like the one below:

Dear Jesus,
I know I have sinned. Thank you for dying on the cross to take the punishment for my sins. I ask for your forgiveness, and I surrender my life to you Amen.

Question: What can you be sure of, despite the pain of suffering?

Do you struggle with the darkness of depression and find yourself without hope? We are here. Talk to us.

“Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1)

On a whim, I stopped at a fast food restaurant to get a cold drink while dashing about with my to-do list of errands. The line of cars at the drive-through was six deep, so I parked to go inside instead.  I saw a dear friend of mine through the glass. She was bent over her computer, holding her right hand to her mouth, worry lines exaggerated on her forehead.  I waved to get her attention but she was too busy concentrating on what was on the screen to look up.

I leaned over the small landscaped shrubs and tapped the glass. No response. I went inside and stood in front of her, ready to say something jovial. Then I saw a tear run down her cheek, so I slid into the booth and placed my hand over her left one as it crunched a napkin. She jumped, then relief filled her face and she hugged me. “How did God know I’d need a good friend right now?” she whispered. On the screen was an email from her son with disturbing news.

In Psalm 10 David asked why God seemed so far away in times of trouble. I think if we are honest, that same question has crossed out thoughts as well. Why does God seem so far away? Back in the day, there used to be a bumper sticker that read something to the effect of “If you can’t feel God in your life, guess who moved?”

God’s love is constant, but our anger, our grief, and our doubts can push Him away from our thoughts. The negatives crowd out that small voice we know is not from our own brain waves.  Despair robs us of the closeness we once felt. Yet the Bible tells us God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

God is always there. Sometimes we just need to look up from our troubles to see Him. Maybe it will be in the form of a friend, a rainbow on a stormy day, the words to a hymn, or a passage of scripture.  Perhaps it will be a sudden calm that coats us like a protective shell. David learned that. His faith helped him to see God through his despair. He says later on in Psalm 10 -

“O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear” (vs. 17).

God is a gentleman. He waits to be asked before entering into our situations. He also knows our hearts, and when we just may need someone we know to pull into a fast food restaurant on a whim and see us, unaware that she is about to become His instrument of peace.

Questions: If you looked up from your troubles right now, who would you see? Have you asked your Lord to come into your situation to comfort you and give you strength?

We all experience cravings of meaning, destiny, or intimacy. What are you craving?

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places . . . ” (Ephesians 1:3).

We have already been blessed with every spiritual blessing. Can you wrap your mind around that statement?

When my husband passed away, I was given a certain amount of money from his life insurance policy. Since our insurance company has their own bank, I was also given a book of checks I could use so I could dip into that money reserve in case of need.  It is a comfort to know I have a bit of financial security just in case the need arises. Though I can never receive any more money from the life insurance, I know what I have is there whenever I need it. Of course, prudence dictates I can’t spend it all in one whim. I must budget it out.

How much better is my account with God who knows all and sees all? To Him, today and twenty years from now are all in view. He knows what my needs are right now and every day for the rest of my life. God has placed every blessing He will bestow on me in my lifetime into a special reserve. My heavenly bank account is set up for me to withdraw each blessing as needed. It has my name on it. Christ supplied the checkbook through His sacrifice on the cross. Those checks are called “thy will be done” vouchers. We have our own spiritual FDIC—Faith Defined in Christ—which has secured the deposit of lifetime blessings will always be there. All I must do to withdraw a blessing is sign on the dotted line and hand one of those checks to Him. That means acknowledging I need God’s help.

How often do we ignore the blessings God so willing has for us because we are too busy trying to solve our own issues instead of turning to Him? Perhaps we just can’t see the blessings He is offering because of our negativity and lack of faith. We doubt anyone can help us out of the situation in which we find ourselves. Maybe we don’t think we deserve the blessing, or are fearful to withdraw it thinking that might be all God will give us. But, help is there—waiting.

To take it to the bank, I must abandon the “I can do it myself” attitude and look to the Source who will better provide for me. It also means trusting what is provided is exactly what I need right then and there. Scripture says His mercies are new every morning. So are His blessings. How many have I missed because, in my despair, I forgot I had that holy checkbook?

Questions: How many blessings will you withdraw today?

Please open your Bible and read John 20:1-10

What do you say we have a chat about graveclothes? Sound like fun? Sound like a cheery topic? Hardly. Make a list of depressing subjects, and burial garments is somewhere between IRS audits and long-term dental care.

No one likes graveclothes. No one discusses graveclothes. Have you ever spiced up dinner-table chat with the question, “What are you planning to wear in your casket?”

Most folks don’t discuss graveclothes.

The apostle John, however, was an exception. Ask him, and he’ll tell you how he came to see burial garments as a symbol of triumph. He didn’t always see them that way. A tangible reminder of the death of his best friend, Jesus, they used to seem like a symbol of tragedy. But on the first Easter Sunday, God took clothing of death and made it a symbol of life.

Could he do the same for you?

Could he take what today is a token of tragedy and turn it into a symbol of triumph?

We all face tragedy. What’s more, we’ve all received the symbols of tragedy. Yours might be a telegram from the war department, an ID bracelet from the hospital, a scar, or a court subpoena. We don’t like these symbols, nor do we want these symbols. Like wrecked cars in a junkyard, they clutter up our hearts with memories of bad days.

But could God use such things for something good? How far can we go with verses like Romans 8:28 that says, “In everything God works for the good of those who love him”? Does “everything” include tumors and tests and tempers and terminations? John would answer yes. John would tell you that God can turn any tragedy into a triumph, if only you will wait and watch.

Could I challenge you with a little exercise? Remove the word everything from Romans 8:28 and replace it with the symbol of your own tragedy. For the apostle John, the verse would read: “In burial clothing God works for the good of those who love him.” How would Romans 8:28 read in your life?

In hospital stays God works for the good.

In divorce papers God works for the good.

In a prison term God works for the good.

If God can change John’s life through a tragedy, could it be he will use a tragedy to change yours?

From He Chose the Nails
Copyright 2000, Max Lucado
Used by permission

Question: Has God ever used a tragedy to change your life before?

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

The cleaning product Formula 409 didn’t get its name from the area code where it was developed. And it’s not the birth date of the creator’s daughter. Formula 409 got its name from perseverance. The two persistent scientists didn’t get the formula right on the 101st, or even the 401st try. Only when they created the 409th formula were they satisfied that they’d created the ultimate cleaner. Perseverance pays off in life.

What does the Bible say about perseverance? The Bible teaches that we must trust God and persevere in difficult times. God is faithful He will never leave us or forsake us. The Bible offers comfort and hope when we go through hardships and trials. We must remain in Christ stand firm and continue to do the work that God has called us to do. God loves us and He will always be with us. Continue to trust in God and in His will for your life.

The writer of Hebrews tells us (12:1-2) to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” Life is more like a long run than a short sprint. Christians can run the race of life well only by laying aside any impediment that hinders one from putting forward their best effort.

People who persevere undertake their tasks in spite of difficulty and refusing to give up or give in.

Think about what aspects of life do you persevere in? Lowering your handicap? Increasing your income? Winning an election?

What about perseverance in your spiritual life? Do you press on for spiritual growth and maturity with the same zeal as you pursue the secular goals and focus of your life? Only when we keep persevering in our quest to be closer to God do we really come to understand that He is faithful to deliver on all of His promises.

As you run the race of life, remember to persevere and never give up or give in.

Question: Is there someone in your life who needs encouragement today to persevere? Can you pray for them, and contact them if appropriate?

About the Author: John Grant

Please open your Bible and read Romans 8:26-30

There are numerous situations where we are overwhelmed by feelings of hopelessness and despair. We find ourselves beset by unmanageable circumstances that are totally beyond our control. In our weakness and dismay, we become so fretful and fearful that we even lose sight of the promises of God. We cry to Him for help and cling to the hope that He will change our outward circumstances. Even in our groaning and supplications, we hardly know what to request because our vision is so limited.

In times like this, it is a great comfort to remember that we have a Guide, a Governor, a Caretaker who sees what we really need. His timely interventions are usually inward instead of outward. That is, while we want to see circumstances change, He wants us to change. In our weakness, we cry out for relief, while the Holy Spirit is sifting our groanings through the will of God. As our advocate, He is committed to interceding with the Father on our behalf. And His petitions are always heard because they perfectly fit with God’s great purposes for our lives.

That is why the apostle Paul was so certain about all things working together for good to those who love God. He said, “we know,” not “we hope.” He spoke with assurance, not in terms like “maybe,” “if,” or “but.” Moreover, this certainty takes in “all things,” not just some things. What confidence we should all have! Our heavenly Father, the sovereign God of this universe, is exercising supervisory control over every single affair in our life.

Question: Do you need prayer? Contact us and we will pray with you.

About the Author: Charles Stanley

Are you hurting from the pain of having lost someone ? We want to pray for you.

“Encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13). “Provoke one another to good works” (Hebrews 10:24).

In our busy, often harried 21st century lives, we desperately need encouragement. We are constantly told to work harder, achieve more, study more diligently, drive a newer car or own a bigger home. Life’s circumstances and our own failures can quickly drag us into dark holes of discouragement and even despair. The writer of Hebrews says “encourage one another daily…so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

But just a bit later that same writer gives us words that seem not so comforting, so soothing, so uplifting:  “let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Another translation says to “provoke one another to good works.” Spurs have sharp edges and provoking—even from good friends with kind motivation—can easily aggravate.

Author M. Robert Mulholland writes, “The often disturbing, upsetting intrusions of others enable them to become agents of God’s troubling grace in our pilgrimage.” Both encouragement and stirring up are necessary for our pilgrimage. Without the first we can sink into despair. Without the latter we easily become satisfied with living within the confines of our comfort zones. True Christian community involves both.

Questions: Can you think of someone that you speak an encouraging word to?  What causes you to become discouraged? Tell us about a time when someone spoke an encouraging word to you just at a critical time in your life.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP: The power of encouragement

About the Author Marilyn J. Ehle

Do you feel isolated? Talk to us.

“Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure” (Ephesians 1:4 & 5, Life Application Study Bible).

Why am I here? What is my purpose? Self-help books suggest that people should look at their own desires and dreams and there they will find their purpose.  But from experience I know this leads to hopelessness and despair. The starting place must be our Creator and His eternal purposes for each life.

I was born of German parents in Ukraine which was then part of Russia. During the second World War we fled from our country always just ahead of the Russian front. We lived in refugee camps across Europe. As displaced persons we refugee kids were made to feel that we were not as good as children born in the country. Later, when we immigrated to Canada, I became an immigrant girl who never fit in with her teen crowd. I didn’t speak English; I couldn’t relate to the culture, I was hopeless at sports. I was a misfit.

Even at home, I couldn’t please. My Mother would ask “Why can’t you be like other girls?” The edge in her voice made me feel that she was disappointed with me.

The voices outside myself–and the voice within me–told me that I don’t have what it takes. I carried this mind-set well into adulthood. When I first heard that Jesus loved me enough to die for me (not just for the whole wide world, but for me!), I could hardly believe it. But there was more: He wanted to adopt me into His family. This would happen through Jesus Christ. If I would receive Him as my Savior and Lord, I would become a child of God. He would take me just as I am. One day, I asked Him to come into my life. And He did!

Slowly it began to dawn on me that because Jesus lives within me, I have what it takes to live a joyous, productive life. In the grand scheme of things, I have a place. I have a destiny. I have an inheritance that is eternal. I felt like celebrating my new identity. After careful thought, I gave myself the name Grace. Every time I write my name, I’m celebrating the fact that I belong to the best family in the world: God’s family. And all because of Grace:

Great
Riches
At
Christ’s
Expense.

Where are you in this faith journey? Has life dealt you some cruel blows? Do you feel excluded from the in-crowd? These hurtful things don’t have to define you. The real truth about you is found in Ephesians 1:3-14. Put your name where it says “we” or “us”. Say the verses out loud to yourself, adding, “this is who I really am.”

Father, I pray that all who read these words will know the hope to which you have called us. May they experience the power of the risen Christ within and walk with dignity and joy. Amen.

Questions: Where are you in your faith journey? Do you feel excluded from the crowd? What defines who you are?

About the Author Helen Grace Lescheid

Feeling lonely and unloved? We’re here. Talk to us.

Cancer: it was the word of the day yesterday. My 74 year-old grandmother was admitted to the hospital with back pain.  Now she was being discharged with orders to see an oncologist. They found a tumor. “We believe its cancer. There’s a chance that it isn’t, but it doesn’t look good!”

My active grandma went from happy and healthy to full despair in just a few short days. Plagued with the thoughts of what our new journey would entail, tears filled our eyes, hopelessness filled our hearts, and our minds couldn’t bear to take in the pain she may endure in her last days.

As my mom cried out to me with the despondent news, I replied with a sigh. Searching for hope and truth I said, “Well, mom the pain won’t last forever!”

Where was my compassion? Did I acknowledge the fear, the pain, the emptiness that filled our hearts and minds? How cliche! What I said was true, but it wasn’t compassionate. By saying what I said I showed complete disregard for how my family was feeling at that very moment. When my mom pointed it out to me, I was convicted.

In my struggle with infertility remarks such as: “It will happen when it’s time!” open the floodgates of negative emotions including loneliness, anger, and a feeling that says, “No one gets this! No one really cares to try to understand!” It certainly is not received as compassion- a word defined as “a tender feeling.”

I’m frustrated with the Christian clichés. “There’s a reason for everything!” “It will happen when it’s time!” “He’s in a better place now!”

These sayings are cliché and people know it! And quite frankly, they’re lacking compassion. I believe as Christians we need to start showing the love and compassion of Christ. Start saying things like, “I know it must really hurt”,” I know this is scary”, “I know you miss your loved one!” “I can’t pretend to understand your pain, but can I pray for you!?” “What can I do to help?” OR we could just listen, and pray.

Dear Jesus, help us to be compassionate. Help us not to forget that you give us hope, but you also taught us to be compassionate. Help us not to be so focused on the future, that we forget to meet people where they’re at- where they’re hurting. We thank you that you are a compassionate God who loves us! Make us more like you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Questions: Why do we as Christians so often not know how to show compassion?

About the Author Dawn Kurtz