by Leigh Ann Dilley on October 02, 2023
During a recent reflective conversation with a senior gentleman, he expressed confusion about why his life had been so blessed. He honestly felt he did not deserve the blessings he had received in his lifetime. That's not to say everything came easily. There were difficult experiences along the way but in the end, he still felt overly blessed. This seems to be common for many people. It leaves some confused as to why God has been so good to them. God is a good father. Will we ever understand the deep love God has for us? He loves us so much and wants to provide us with good things like any good father would. Scripture supports this, even in some tough passages. God's "tough love" is undeniable. Let's look at a few of them.
In Luke 11:5-13, Jesus teaches about prayer. A friend knocks on another friend's door at midnight and asks for bread. The man inside says, "Don't bother me. The door is locked and everyone is sleeping. I can't get you any bread." But because the knocking friend is persistent in asking for bread, he ultimately receives it. Jesus teaches his disciples the point of this parable is to ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Jesus is encouraging them — and us — to be bold and persistent in prayer with our Father. God's love for us is deeper than any sleepy friend. Jesus wraps up this parable by saying, "Which of you fathers, if your song asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"
Similarly, Jesus uses the persistent widow parable in Luke 18:1-8. She was granted justice against her adversary from a corrupt judge because she persistently wore the judge out! God loves us far more than an unjust judge, and He is never worn out! If we can see God's love for us through these tough lessons, shouldn't we learn to trust His love for us when we suffer?
When our sufferings are too heavy, God promises in Isaiah 40: 28-29, "He never grows weak or weary...He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless." In Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. What child hesitates to let their father carry something too heavy for them?
No sorry or suffering is ever wasted. God promises in Romans 5:3:
We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us.
As seen in Romans 8:28, "All things work for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." If you are in the middle of a trial, please consider the hope promised from Christ that will come soon.
Prayerfully consider the suffering you have been through. What did you learn about God's love? Where was He present? Can you see the silver lining somewhere? If not, be assured it will come in God's timing because He is a good, good Father.
