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It is SO great to know Jesus—to be a Christian, don’t you think? We use words like joy, hope, blessing, and those are GREAT words. God has filled our lives with wonderful surprises. Plus, we get to live forever with Jesus in Heaven. I mean, this is a pretty sweet relationship! Of course, there are some surprises that aren’t so hot.
Probably the biggest disappointment for Jesus-followers is the reality that life still has challenges. It seems logical that if we choose to set our lives after Christ, we would end up with a “get out of trouble free” card, but no such luck. Friends still hurt our feelings. Family members get mad at us. Our dreams get crushed. Money gets tight. Loved ones die. Can you think of some struggles you or your family have gone through? Share some thoughts with each other for a few minutes.
Jesus was right when He said, “In this world you (us) will have troubles.” (John 16:33) But WHY? If I’m doing what God wants, if I’m loving him and loving others, why does my life have to be so difficult sometimes?
READ
This week we start our new series reading a very short book in the Old Testament: Habakkuk. Habakkuk was a prophet, which means most of his time was spent telling others what God had to say. But in this book we get to hear a conversation between the prophet and God himself. Habakkuk is struggling with these same questions, and he asks God some great big, “WHY’s?” When he’s all done, though—when he’s heard what God has to say—this is Habakkuk’s response: “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord…I will rejoice the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (3:2,18)
THINK
As we explore this conversation, we’re going to discover the same thing Habakkuk did. All of our struggles, all of our difficulties, all of our challenges and sufferings have a purpose. They are opportunities to reveal God’s glory. They have the chance to become giant spotlights shining on a loving and merciful God. When a friend hurts our feelings, we shine the light of Jesus when we choose not to be mean back. In those seasons when finances are scary, we get to see God provide for our family in absolutely amazing ways. God’s glory revealed!
APPLY
Think about those struggles you mentioned a minute ago. How was God’s glory revealed in those circumstances? Or how could his glory shine? Share your ideas with each other and talk about what you can do to help shine the spotlight on God.
PRAY
Heavenly Father, thank you for always being there in our life. Even in the tough times, we remember that you are holding onto all of us, keeping us close to you when we feel the most scared. In those times, show us your glory, help us stand in awe like Habakkuk. And lead us, Holy Spirit, in sharing that glory with others. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
REPLY
Did you and your family enjoy this devotional blog? We'd love to know about it! Our hope is to continue providing this weekly opportunity for families to do a devotion together. If your family did this devotion, please shoot us an email, text or just post a comment to this blog.
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