Trusting Jesus. Day 5.

Trusting God's Perfecting Love

Today's Scripture Reading is from Proverbs 3:11-12 and Romans 5:1-5

Proverbs 3:11-12

11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,

Nor detest His correction;

12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects,

Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

Romans 5:1-5

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

We often picture God's love as a shield against all pain. While comfort is part of His love, it's deeper – a perfecting love that shapes us into His image. The story of Lazarus in John 11 illustrates this. Mary and Martha expected Jesus to heal their brother immediately, but He allowed Lazarus to die. This delay, though painful, led to a greater miracle: resurrection. God's purpose isn't always comfort, but our transformation. Trusting this perfecting love requires us to resist the urge to find comfort solely in worldly pleasures or fleeting distractions. Instead, we must turn to God, seeking solace in His presence and trusting His promises. When challenges arise, we must choose to see them as opportunities for growth, not as obstacles to overcome. By embracing these trials, we allow God to refine our character, deepen our faith, and cultivate within us qualities like resilience, patience, and humility. Proverbs 3:11-12 reminds us that God disciplines those He loves. Just as a sculptor refines a masterpiece, God uses trials to refine our character, building resilience and deepening our faith. These trials aren't meant to crush us, but to cultivate a deeper trust in Him. Even in suffering, God is with us, offering purpose and reason that becomes that catalyst to understanding and trusting his love.

Reflection.

What current challenge are you facing?

How can you trust God is working through this situation?

How can you choose to embrace this challenge and allow God to use it for your growth?

May you find comfort and strength in knowing that God's love, though sometimes mysterious, is always perfect and for your good.