Daylight Always Comes 

God on Monday
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We boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts (Romans 5:3-5).

Reflection

Have you ever spent the night in a freezing cold cave in the middle of winter? I have. It was supposed to be a romantic way to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Just me and my husband in the wilderness, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with a warm fire, evocative surroundings, and cozy feelings.

How wrong I was! The pouring rain, biting wind, and rocky terrain meant it took us five hours to climb the mountain. It was pitch dark by the time we reached our destination. I was hungry, wet through, freezing cold, and utterly exhausted. When four other random strangers came to join us in the small cave (along with two wet dogs), I thought it could not get any worse until I remembered that there was no toilet!

Nothing about this experience was as I had hoped it would be. I was frustrated, disappointed, miserable, and desperate for it all to be over.

Have you ever had similarly tough experiences, whether in unusual circumstances or ordinary everyday life? Disappointment, discomfort, darkness - wishing it could all be over, feeling trapped in a situation you cannot change? If so, let me share with you the God whisper I heard in the darkest hour of the night: ’Don’t let what you’re looking out on affect your outlook’.

The difficult situation you are in is temporary. The night will end. Light and warmth will return. What you look out on need not affect your outlook. Endure, take courage, and remind yourself who God is and who you are in God’s eyes. Repeat to yourself the verses from Romans cited above.

That night in the cave felt like it would last forever. But when I saw the first few rays of glorious sunlight push back what had seemed impenetrable darkness only moments before, hope was awakened within me, and I smiled.

Response

Whatever difficult situation you may find yourself in right now, take a moment to remind yourself that suffering is temporary, whereas God’s love is eternal. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for being with us when life feels dark and cold. May your joy bring strength, your love bring comfort, and your grace in our struggles bring hope. Amen.

Next Steps

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God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the coming Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up to Faith in Business here to receive each God on Monday instalment.

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