"Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job...This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner." (from 1 Peter 4:12, Peterson's The Message)
When you're going through tough times, do you ever wonder if God is there with you? If faith is actually practical? If so you're not alone. The things we feel - the questions we ask - all have been experienced before. And Peter offers some very practical guidance that is just as true today as it was 2000 years ago: - Don't be discouraged in hard times. Life is like a refiners fire - at times painful, but able to shape us to be our best selves, the people we were created to be. And God is with us in it every step of the way.
- Be content with who you are, and be humble about it. Understand that God's idea of success is very different than the world's. There's no need to show off. "Success is simply finding and doing the will of God." (George W. Truett)
- Be alert and be wise: take seriously that there is evil in the world, and have no part of it.
- Know that you're not alone, and that the challenges are only temporary. And your faith community is there to support you and help through the tough times. We are all in this together.
Even in the worst of times, there is real reason for hope.
The message for June 5th is now ready for download. | 
