TUESDAY, May 5

We pray (in the modern version of the Lord's Prayer) that God will "save us from the time of trial," but we do not pray to be spared the time of trial. This passage even suggests that God brings trials upon us, puts us to the fire. I wouldn't go so far as to say God sends afflictions to specific people ("Hazel, your baby will be born sick, and you, Harry, will be injured in a car crash this afternoon") because as God has set up the world, there is room for unpredictable, random events. But it is clear that every life includes hardship. Some people have less of it than others, but no one is exempt. Why do you suppose God made the world like that?

I'm guessing it's because character is built when people encounter hardship. Generosity, selflessness, fortitude, courage, patience, gentleness, self-control--in short, godliness--is only cultivated in the crucible. We draw strength from the words of the old hymn: "When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply; the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine."

PRAY for the Diocese of Ysabel, Solomon Islands  (Melanesia)

Ps 45 * 47, 48; Colossians 1:15-23; Luke 6:12-26

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.