Loving Father

A statement was made in a video devotional I watched today. The speaker was giving an example of a friend who was not obeying God or trying to put God first. This individual was suffering from one trial after another. The speaker told their friend that they needed to return to church and God so that they would be under the protection of God. He gave the example of the Israelites and how they were under the protection of God. Their needs were being met, including clothes that never wore out.

I started thinking about my own situation and how we are coming upon a trial with my possible loss of income. It seems those closest to Jesus actually endure more tests than the ones that aren't. I realize that though I am going through trials and a big one is coming up, the closer I am to Christ, the less anxious and worried I am.

I asked my pastor for clarification on the difference in trials Christians go through and the trials those that don't know Christ go through. He gave an analogy of orphans and children who are under the roof of loving fathers. Christians being the ones with a loving father, of course.

As I think about that, there's 2 scenarios that come to mind. The first is the orphan that lives in an orphanage. While the needs are being met, the part that is missing is love. The orphanage is tasked with meeting the needs of the child, where a loving Father is also concerned with the essentials but is also concerned about his child's wants. The loving Father wants to provide more than just essentials. The second scenario is the orphan living on the street with no one to provide for him or love him. This child is unprotected from the elements and struggles to fulfill his needs. He may even result to means that will jeopardize his freedom. There is much more chance of the trial this orphan faces of getting worse or lasting longer. If one knows Jesus, then there is hope the difficulties will subside and end up growing us instead of harming us.

My pastor asked me if I felt more protected by God in my trials than someone who doesn't know Christ. My answer, of course, is yes. I know I am stronger and more capable of facing the difficulties with Christ by my side than trying to go it alone. I believe this because of God's promise to us in the Holy Bible. We, as Christians, have a loving Father to go to when we are scared or anxious. Those who do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ do not. Therefore, Christians are more protected during trials than non-Christians.

For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. (Jeremiah 29:11-12)