ALL MUST BE WELL
Noelle McDermott
Today's Scripture: “But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone.” Jonah 2:9, NLT
Theme: No matter how frustrated, apathetic, or disappointed I feel, I can praise God and stay faithful. He will be faithful to deliver me.
SACRIFICES AND “SAYING NO”
As a college student, my life has been shaped by the semester schedule. I’ve recently seen God’s blessings tremendously in Jesus-centered community on campus and in new academic opportunities I could have only imagined. At the same time, I’ve had to turn down many great opportunities. I was disappointed that I couldn’t move onto campus. I had to say no when I wanted to attend countless events and retreats. I had to refuse opportunities that were inherently good for reasons outside of my control.
I tell you this abbreviated story because I profoundly struggled with these “no’s.” Wise counselors told me all the cliché right things: “God will use this.” “He’s put you here for a reason.” “Trust Him with it.” I didn’t want to listen to any of it. I wanted my situation to change so that I could say “yes” -- but it didn’t. The Lord taught me something in this difficult season, and I pray He will show you something as well.
STEADFAST THROUGH THE SPIRIT’S GUIDING
One morning after a particularly painful night, I turned to Hebrews 12. The Lord’s discipline has not always been my favorite topic; however, three takeaways from this passage have been helpful as I wrestle with my own discontent.
HE GETS US
First, Jesus shares in our suffering. Verse 3 encourages us to “consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted” (Hebrews 12:3, ESV). If we believe that no one understands our sacrifices, we forget that Jesus suffered crucifixion and separation from the Father. Jesus meets us in our pain and knows intense suffering better than any other could.
HE LOVES US LIKE A GOOD FATHER
Second, God’s discipline reflects His love for us as His children. Hebrews 12:6 (ESV) says, “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.” Saying “no” to a child who wants chocolate instead of dinner makes sense to us. Loving parents give children what they need, not what they want. In our own lives, that spiritual concept is hard to apply. But what would happen if we chose to believe that God truly loves us? That because of His love, He allows us to remain in these circumstances?
IT YIELDS FRUIT
Third, discipline produces spiritual fruit in our lives. Verse 11 says, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11, ESV). The hope which we have in Jesus does not fully erase our frustrations or pain. It’s okay if it doesn’t make our sacrifices instantly disappear, but we do have something to look forward to: His sanctification of us.
EVERY NEED (BUT NOT EVERY WANT)
Sometimes God does not grant us the things we want. Sometimes He says no to the things our heart desires. Sometimes we can’t comprehend why He would withhold things from us. At our most painful and most broken, we may see Him more closely. He is glorified when we surrender our brokenness. He restores us, He knows what’s best, and He is always faithful. Even when “nothing can change,” God is faithful. Think of how much more intimately we will know Jesus through this suffering.
Make It Personal: Take a moment to read (or re-read) Hebrews 12:1-13 and highlight or annotate what stands out to you.
Consider the following questions about God we wrestle with as we face difficult circumstances. Like me, you might like to write them in a journal. Do I trust Him? Do I trust that He’s working? Do I trust that He’s in control? Do I trust that He’s enough? Do I trust where He’s placed me? Do I trust God?
Pray: God, I have grown so tired. I long for the day when this will be over. But until then, remind me that You are sovereign in my life. You are the One in control. No matter what someone says or how things change, You still orchestrate every detail—and for my good. Though I don’t understand it now, I pray that You will draw me closer to You through this suffering.
Read: Hebrews 12:1-13; Romans 8:18-37
Weekly Memory Verse:
“Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always.” Psalm 105:4, NIV