Why is it that we so often question God’s love and care for us? Especially when we’re in the midst of suffering or the minuses of our day outweigh the pluses.

I remember when my children were little and were learning to ride their bikes.  Like most parents, I was there to give them a basic tutorial on how to balance, steer, and brake.  I helped them onto the seat, grabbed hold of the bike with both of my hands, and ran beside them as they first learned to pedal and balance.

Then, there came a moment when I would let go.  I didn’t leave them.  I was right there continually watching and ready to help if they needed it.  But, in order for them to learn, it was necessary that I let go.

Were there minor crashes? Yes. 

Did they get hurt? Only mildly and momentarily.

Did they question my love and care throughout the ups and downs of the process? Not once.

As adults, though, navigating the crashes and falls of life, we tend to work ourselves into a spiritual frenzy thinking God has abandoned us or doesn’t care about us because we’re experiencing pain (sometimes self-inflicted; sometimes not).

According to the Bible, that’s the furthest thing from the truth.

Romans 8:31-38 is a passage that perfectly details how nothing can separate us from God’s love, even in the midst of our deepest seasons of suffering.

God knows, as any good parent does, that in order for His kids to grow and learn, they need some space.  Sometimes, that space includes the freedom to make mistakes, to fall, and even choose paths that potentially lead to seasons of suffering. 

God is in the business of lovingly guiding and helping not controlling.

Can you relate today? Do you feel like God’s left you? Doesn’t care? Is distant or silent to your pain?

Even Jesus, God’s only Son, learned obedience from the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8).

Whether it’s a broken relationship, a dismal medical report, an empty bank account, or anxieties and perplexities that feel suffocating, God is right there.

The pain you’re navigating isn’t proof that He’s abdicated His parental oversight.  Quite the contrary.  He’s inviting you to learn, encouraging you to grow, and cheering you on as you mature in your faith. All the while, He’s there – very present to rescue you, if need be.

God let us know ahead of time that we’d experience troubles (sufferings) in this world (John 16:33), but He also promised to never leave us (Hebrews 13:5).  That, my friends, is a promise made by Someone who loves us deeply and cares for us without fail.

Whether it’s learning to ride a bike or learning to navigate the periodic hardships and sufferings of this life, the principle is the same and God’s got this. 

More importantly, He’s got you.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!