A Life in Which Troubles Are Faced…
Patsy Clairmont, the author of the book God Uses Cracked Pots, tells a story about her youngest son Jason. One bright fall day the boy was sent out to catch the bus. However, just a few moments later there was a knock on the door. When Patsy opened the door, sure enough there stood Jason, looking up at her with his backpack and lunch box dragging the ground.
Pasty demanded, “What are you doing back here?” The boy bravely responded, “I’ve quit school.” “Quit school?” she asked.
As she stared at her child in disbelief, she tried hard to recall some motherly wisdom. But all that came to mind at the time was “A stitch in time saves nine,” and “Starve a cold and feed a fever.” They didn’t seem to fit the occasion so she asked, “Why have you quit school?” Without hesitation, Jason said, “It’s too long, it’s too hard, and it’s too boring.” This time she was equal to the task. She shot back, “You have just described life. Get on the bus!”
Indeed sometimes life is hard. Sometimes it feels boring or long. And sometimes we do need to just tough it out. As Christians, we are not promised that God will take away the hardship and suffering of life. However, neither are we left alone. Nor are we without resources. God has promised to be with us and to strengthen us. And God calls us into a community of faith where others surround us with their love and care.
Scholar and minister William Barclay once wrote,
“Christianity was never meant to withdraw a man from life; it was meant to equip him better for life… Christianity does not offer us a life in which troubles are escaped and evaded; it offers us a life in which troubles are faced…”
No matter how challenging life seems to get, may you always know that you do not have to walk alone.
Let us pray: Loving God, we thank you for your abiding presence with us – even through the darkest valleys of life. Help us to connect deeply with other people of faith – people who will love us, challenge us, and walk with us. Grant us your strength and courage; we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
