I am usually a sound sleeper. Recently, however, I woke throughout the night thinking about different types of people and how they react to different situations in life.
Some people, in times of pain, sorrow and loss turn to God. While others in those situations, turn away from him.
On the other hand, during times of joy and prosperity, some turn to God because of those blessings while others convince themselves that they don’t need him any longer.
Now, those who have given themselves to God see things differently as well. Everything in life, whether positive or negative, is to help bring them close to God. It is certainly true that people handle difficulties as well as successes quite differently.
After the death of Moses, God commissioned Jacob to lead the people into the Promised Land. He would give them victory over all those nations that inhabited the land. They soon realized what a frightening thing that could be!
Moses' words gave hope. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!" Those words give us hope as well – even over 3,000 years later.
My prayer for you is that everything in life, good, bad or indifferent, draw you close to God. As local churches, we can help you in that direction. God bless you on this journey we call life.
Bruce Henderson is the pastor of Airport Road Church of Christ in Carson City.