by Elizabeth Haarberg

Faith, hope, and love guide us through difficult circumstances.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

When we feel consumed by our circumstances it can feel like we will be eaten alive. It feels as if hope, and trust, have deserted us, and we’re left in a heap.

The fire of the world can consume us. Or can it? Could it be that the fire is a refining flame? One that draws us closer to God?

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28

At times the fires of life have felt as if they were going to kill me. Broken heart, circumstances that changed in an instant, death, and disappointment…while I responded to some well, others left me crumpled on the floor for a while.

If you get knocked down the most important thing to do is not stay there. You can walk through stagnant water, but don’t stay there. Standing in contaminated water too long will make you sick. Keep moving toward God.

The reality of our situations can bring us to a halt. Realizing and dealing with the emotions is important. Having a community for support is also key. Ultimately, taking it to God and letting Him sort it out is best. He knows how it will end up, and how to proceed. The Bible is full of instructions on how He led people through really hard circumstances. He has the road map.

A Catholic priest, that is a precious friend, likes to remind me, “Liz, you’re human.” (Insert eye roll and laugh from me.) He reminds me that I’m going to have hard days, and it’s okay if I don’t have it together all the time.

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13

God loves us so much. He has given us some amazing gifts, but the most precious are faith, hope, and love. If we lose hope he understands. He will hold us and fill us with His love until we can get our feet underneath us again. He never leaves us, even when we crash. 

When we’re down, and can’t get up, just reach up. Look up. He’s watching, and waiting, for us to surrender and fall in His arms.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado