When life gets squirrelly, it’s easy to see the first or flashiest source of hope as our safeguard, but just as a human is no home for a baby squirrel, there is no replacement for Jesus in our lives.
Sometimes it can be hard to look at what God is doing as a blessing, but He also uses unique challenges to make radical differences in the lives of his followers and those around them. Boasting in weakness seems backwards, but it shows God’s strength. Think of the powerful impact you might have if you shared your weaknesses with those around you.
Hope is a gift from God (and what a precious gift it is!), but the biggest gift of all will be the day when we no longer need for it. We will leave hope behind and move forward into eternity to recognize the glorious fulfillment of all our earthly hopes — and no suffering here can compare to the glory that will be revealed in us.
Do you fight an inward battle between feeling betrayed by the Lord and feeling guilty about asking him to take the thorn away? He is big enough to meet you in the middle of your pain. It might not feel like he responds right away, but I promise you, He is listening.
