Moody Media Latest Blog Entries

Paradise Express

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness. Romans 4:5

D.L. MOODY
The thief had nails through both hands, so he could not work; and a nail through each foot, so he could not run errands for the Lord. He could not lift a hand or a foot toward his salvation, and yet Christ offered him the gift of God, and he took it. He threw him a passport, and took him with Him into paradise.

ERWIN LUTZER
Look again at this remarkable conversion story—the thief on the cross. One of the criminals who hung there, hurled insults at Jesus. “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us.” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly for weare getting what our deeds deserve, but this man has done nothing wrong” (see Luke 23:39–41). It’s no accident Jesus hung on the middle cross between two thieves.

He hung there as a dividing symbol of the whole human race between those who believe and those who mock. The thief who believed was probably as wicked as the thief who did not, but that was not important in his dying moment. The issue was which one looked to Christ as Savior. Can you imagine this thief arriving in heaven to dine with Christ that very evening! If he is asked how he got there, all he can say is, “The man on the cross gave me permission to come.” As Moody said, Jesus threw him a passport and took him with Him to Paradise! And that is all that we can say when we arrive at heaven’s doorstep: The man on the cross gave us permission to enter the divine sanctuary of eternity. What a Savior!

PRAYER
Father, I thank you for the gift of saving faith. I thank you that this thief, in his dying moments, looked to Christ as King, and though his faith was meager, it was sufficient. Grant me such a gift of faith that I, too, might be welcomed into your presence.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What does the story of the thief on the cross tell us about the nature of the Gospel?

Read Ephesians 2:8-10. What do you contribute to your salvation, and what is the result of our salvation?

Heaven, The Choir Room Of God

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ… because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Colossians 1:3, 5

D.L. MOODY
A great many persons imagine that anything said about heaven is only a matter of speculation. They talk about heaven much as theywould about the air. Now there would not have been so much in Scripture on this subject if God had wanted to leave the humanrace in darkness about it. “All scripture,” we are told, “is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2Timothy 3:16–17). What the Bible says about heaven is just as true as what it says about everything else. The Bible is inspired. What we are taught about heaven could not have come to us in any other way than by inspiration. No one knew anything about it but God,and so if we want to find out anything about it we have to turn to His Word.

ERWIN LUTZER

There is much we could say about heaven, but I will focus on one aspect: In heaven, the worship of God will be ongoing. We can prepare for heaven while on Earth by worshiping the Lord. “Ascribe to the LORD the glory duehis name” (1 Chronicles 16:29). Just read the book of Revelation and you will find praise and worship directed toGod sung by angels and yes, sung by us. So, prepare for heaven now by worshiping God today. If you are looking for help, just read Revelation 5:9–14.

Let me repeat: The best preparation for heaven is to worship God well on Earth.

PRAYER
Father, may I praise and glorify your name through my submission and my worship.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Why do you think we will be worshiping God nonstop in the eternal state?

In what area of your life can you proclaim God’s worth more intentionally?

Runaway Fear

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Those who look to him are radiant. Psalm 34:5

D.L. MOODY

If you want to scatter your doubts, look at the blood; and if you want to increase your doubts, look at yourself. You will get doubts enough for years by being occupied with yourself only a few days.

ERWIN LUTZER
Conflict with doubt. Have you ever noticed how easy it is for us to slide into despair? And when we’re indespair, it’s very easy for us to make a mistake or a wrong decision in a panic. In the Old Testament, David is painted very realistically. In fact, there are lessons we have to learn from his life because of his failures and his backslidings.

Visualize this: David is on the run from Saul when he comes to Ahimelech the priest and lies to get some food (1 Samuel 21). He told Ahimelech that he was on assignment for the king. He then asks for a weapon that he might do the king’s will. The priest believes the lie and then David acts on that lie. He actually takes up residence in the territory of the Philistines! Think of it: Here is David, the man who killed Goliath, choosing to make his bed in enemy territory. Fear made him backslide.

The point: Discouragement and fear can weigh us down and destroy our faith. We risk the danger of ending up in enemy territory if we look around us rather than look upward to God. Giant slayers have fallen into sin because they stopped trusting and started running in the wrong direction.

PRAYER
Father, keep my eyes focused on you.

Let my faith in you cast out fear as I meditate on your promises.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How can you recognize when fear is driving you towards "enemy spaces"?

Read Matthew 6:25-34. Why can you look up to God in trust?

Joyful Harvest

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:3

D.L. MOODY
There is more than one kind of joy; there is the joy of one’s own salvation. I thought, when I first tasted that, it was the most delicious joy I had ever known and that I could never get beyond it. But I found, afterward, there was something more joyful than that: the joy of the salvation of others. Oh, the privilege, the blessed privilege, to be used of God to win a soul to Christ, and to see a man or woman being led out of bondage by the gospel we shared. To think that God should condescend to allow us to be coworkers with Him! It is the highest honor we can have. It surpasses the joy of our own salvation, this joy of seeing others saved, and walking in the truth.

ERWIN LUTZER
As a pastor, I have heard reports from people who have gone into a neighborhood to share the gospel. When they return, they excitedly tell of how they led someone to Christ. Even though they’ve had a busy day, their countenance reflects their joy. They themselves are so thrilled when they realize that God used them to share a message of transformation with a needy sinner. One of the blessings I had as a pastor was to baptize others. I was exhilarated when I saw new converts weep with joy, hugging one another and sharing their newfound sense of belonging in the family of God.
Moody often spoke of the joy he experienced when he saw sinners converted. These new converts renewed his determination to preach only the gospel. What a blessing it is to be used by God to bring others to Him.

PRAYER
Father, I make myself available for you to use to advance the gospel. I long for the special joy of leading others to faith in Christ.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Why do you think believers experience joy when they are used by God to bring others to faith?

Why do you think God allows us to partner with Him in ministering to others?

From First Best to Second Best

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief. Hebrews 3:19

D.L. MOODY
When the Israelites first came out of Egypt, God would have led them right up into the land of Canaan if it had not been for their accursed unbelief. But they desired something besides God’s Word, so they were turned back and had to wander in the desert for forty years. I believe there are thousands of God’s children wandering in the wilderness still. The Lord has delivered them from the hand of the Egyptian and would, at once, take them through the wilderness right into the Promised Land if they were only willing to follow Christ. Christ has been down here and has made the rough places smooth and the dark places light and the crooked places straight. If we will only be led by Him right into the land of promise, all will be peace and joy and rest.

ERWIN LUTZER
When the Israelites refused to obey God and were condemned to wander in the wilderness, they later regretted their decision. They experienced what we could call the “second best.” Does this mean God forsook them and said, “Well, you know, you made your own bed, you have to lie in it”? No, God blessed them even while they were being disciplined in the desert. God still gave them guidance through the cloud and the pillar of fire. He also gave them manna every morning.
Have you made a bad decision in the past and still experience the painful consequences? God is able to meet us in our wilderness, in the midst of a waisted life, or a life that has been ruined by others. God comes to help, to encourage, and to forgive.
Cry up to God in your wilderness; call upon Him, for He is near. He does not forsake us in the desert, but provides an oasis, a place of rest and blessing. You can’t redo the past, but your future can still be blessed. God is the God of second chances.

PRAYER
Father, help me in my unbelief; graciously provide an oasis in the desert of my experience.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
When has unbelief stopped you from following God’s will. Why did you not trust God in that moment?

How have you seen God use the second best that you chose to still bless you and others?

No One More Trustworthy

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

D.L. MOODY
This is the biblical definition of faith. The best definition I ever saw outside the Bible is: Dependence on the veracity of another. In other words, Faith says Amen to everything that God says. Faith takes God without any “If’s.” If God says it, Faith says, “I believe it;” Faith says Amen to it.

ERWIN LUTZER
Virtually every test we encounter in the Christian life comes down to two questions. First: “Is God trustworthy?” The second question is: “Will I sincerely trust Him?” Our temptation is to trust ourselves rather than God. We tell ourselves that sinning is preferable to obedience; we tell ourselves that God will not help us so we have to bear our own burdens. Everything comes down to a matter of trust. Let’s face it: There are very few events we are able to control. God has our future in His hands, we don’t. Can we trust Him?
Abraham was told by God that he would not only receive the land, it would be his and his offspring’s forever. Abraham and Sarah were already beyond the point to bear a child and so they were driven by this question: “How is God going to do it?” Abraham wavers; he can’t wait for the child of promise. So, he has a child by their Egyptian servant named Hagar—which had devastating consequences for 4,000 years (Genesis 16:1–6). Yet despite those lapses in faith, we read that Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3). Ultimately, Abraham was absolutely convinced that whatever God said, God could perform. Sometimes we have to believe even though we don’t know how God is going to do it.

PRAYER
Father, thank you that you keep your covenants and are faithful when I am not. When my faith wavers, uphold me.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Does the story of Abraham comfort you when you reflect on what it means to have faith and trust in God? Explain your answer.

Has God ever shown Himself to not be trustworthy in your life?

The Old Is Passed, The New Has Come

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable. 1 Peter 1:23

D.L. MOODY
God has not only adopted us, but we are His by birth: we have been born into His kingdom. My boy was as much mine when he was a day old as now that he is fourteen. He was my son; although it did not appear what he would be when he attained manhood. He is mine; although he may have to undergo testing under tutors and governors. The children of God are not perfect; but we are perfectly His children.

ERWIN LUTZER
The topic of God’s special relationship to you is the best news you will ever hear. Since all who trust Christ belong to God, there are many promises we can claim. Just as Moody mentioned, we belong to God because we are born again. Let’s take just one promise given to us as His child and consider what it means for us.
You’ve read it before, but reread it, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Read the verses that follow and you will discover that we are a part of God’s eternal purposes. Paul says God foreknew us, He calls and justifies us, and in His mind, we are already glorified! (see Romans 8:28–30). God says, “It’s a finished process.” In the meantime, He is conforming us to the image of Christ.
There are times when we need to put away all distractions and quietly concentrate on who we are in Christ. We don’t have to understand all of God’s ways in order to know that we belong to Him, and anything He ordains for us is just and good. To be a son or daughter of God is the highest privilege; it is to join a family on Earth that will be glorified in heaven.

PRAYER
Father, thank you for remembering me; you know my name. Thank you for adopting me into your family.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How does thinking about God’s love for you since before the creation of the world make you want to act?

What can you do to remind yourself of yourself of this truth when you doubt your salvation?

The Greatest in Heaven

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Do good…expecting nothing in return. Luke 6:35

D.L. MOODY
Love never looks to see what it is going to get in return. I have generally found that those workers who are looking to see how much they are going to get from the Lord are never satisfied. But love does its work and makes no bargain.

ERWIN LUTZER
All of us have aspired to greatness. We would like to be remembered for doing something significant. That desire for significance is actually God-given because God put eternity in our hearts. In our fallenness, we look for significance in all the wrong places—and that’s a problem.
Mark records, “James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.’” “And they said to him, ‘Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory’” (Mark 10:35, 37).
It’s very interesting to notice that, when the other ten disciples heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. Jesus called His disciples to Him and reminded them that greatness in the kingdom of heaven is measured by service. To be first in God’s kingdom is to be last. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
Let’s admit that, like James and John, we find it difficult to rejoice over those who seemingly have been blessed more than we have. From my heart to yours, let us rejoice for any part we have been given in the vineyard of the Lord, however small it might be; and if others receive greater rewards, let us rejoice as if their reward is our own. Let us serve with joy, not for what we shall receive in return but for the privilege of serving the One we love.

PRAYER
Father, grant me opportunities to serve others in humility and love, and to rejoice for victories achieved by others.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How often do you put yourself in a position where you are able to serve others?

Why do you think those who serve will be first in the kingdom of heaven?

Built on Peace

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. Isaiah 57:20

D.L. MOODY
The only thing that can keep us from peace is sin. God turns the way of the wicked upside down. “There is no peace unto the wicked,” says God (Isaiah 48:22). They are like the troubled sea that cannot rest, casting up filth and mire all the while; but peace with God by faith in Jesus Christ, peace through the knowledge of forgiven sin is like a rock—the waters go dashing and surging past, but peace remains.

ERWIN LUTZER
Everybody wants peace, but there are certain thieves that rob us of our peace. I’m talking about guilt, self-hatred, anger, and jealousy; those inner sins of the spirit steal our peace. Then there are outward things like financial struggles and conflict with people that also rob us; perhaps you even have a person in mind right now who has robbed you of peace. Bitterness robs us of peace.
We need to renew our faith in the gospel of peace. “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:13–14). It’s not just that He brings peace. He is peace. You see, the good news of the gospel is, “since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Jesus brings peace because He is peace; He is also the only one who can bring peace between you and God. Moody frequently returned to the topic of peace, and for a good reason: We need to be reminded that peace is available to those who come to God. Our burdens must be transferred from our shoulders to Christ who cares for us.

PRAYER
Father, may I be given grace to cast my burdens unto your shoulders and receive the gift of peace.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Is anything stopping you from living in the peace of the Gospel?

What are the results of living in God’s peace?

The Gospel Through You

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Take away the stone. John 11:39

D.L. MOODY
Before the act of raising Lazarus could be performed, the disciples had their part to do. Christ could have removed the stone with a word. It would have been very easy for Him to have commanded it to roll away, and it would have obeyed His voice, as the dead Lazarus did when He called him back to life. But the Lord would have His children learn this lesson: that they have something to do toward raising the spiritually dead. The disciples had not only to take away the stone, but after Christ had raised Lazarus, they had to “loose and let him go.”

ERWIN LUTZER
When Jesus was in the world, He was the one who exposed people’s sin and their need for God’s righteousness. It is impossible for people to come to saving faith in Christ unless they are drawn by the Holy Spirit. In fact, Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” (John 6:44). That’s why He says, “It is to your advantage that I go away” (John 16:7). The Spirit is going to convict the world (John 16:8). But let’s remember that we have a part to play in God’s plan of redemption; we are commanded to share the gospel. To use Moody’s analogy: we are to take away the stone. Jesus said He will send the Holy Spirit to believers (John 16:13–16). And when the Spirit is sent to us, it is through us that the world is convicted of its sin. The Holy Spirit does not work in a vacuum. The Spirit uses our obedience to share the gospel, showing the world its need for God.
What stones do we need to remove for someone to believe the gospel? The answer might be different for each person, but we can direct all the people we meet to Christ who can raise them to spiritual life.

PRAYER
Father, because I love you, may I play my part in the lives of others so that they might believe and be saved.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

Do you live as though having the Holy Spirit inside you is superior to having Jesus walk beside you?

What intellectual or relational barrier can you help remove for an unbeliever this week?

Paid at the Cross

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

That though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

D.L. MOODY
This poor world is groaning and sighing for sympathy—human sympathy. I am quite sure it was that in Christ’s life which touched the hearts of the common people. He made Himself one with them. He who was rich for our sakes became poor. He was born in the manger so that He might put Himself on a level with the lowest of the low.

ERWIN LUTZER
Jesus became poor and became the victim of dishonor. In heaven, everyone knew who He was. On Earth, He was no longer honored—He was shouted at, spat upon, viciously attacked, and falsely accused. He did not believe that being equal with God meant He had to insist on keeping His high position; He took on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5–8). He still retained God’s attributes. He was God in the flesh, but He gave up the use of those attributes and depended totally on the Father. That’s why He spent so much time in prayer.
No illustration is sufficient to illustrate the mystery of the Incarnation, but think of it this way: If someone were a millionaire and still worked and lived with the poorest of the poor, if he could live in a palace but chooses a hut—that choice helps us understand a little bit about the Incarnation and the tremendous price Jesus paid to redeem us. He humbled Himself and became a servant. Nobody has ever been that high who has willingly stooped that low. But through His poverty, we have become rich. Are we willing to accept poverty that God be glorified?

PRAYER
Father, break me of my selfishness and stinginess and make me giving and generous for your honor and glory.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Like a millionaire choosing a hut, what does it practically look like for you to intentionally "step down" to serve someone who can offer you nothing in return?

What specific comfort, position, or security are you most afraid of losing for the sake of Christ?

Borrowed Light

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

I am the light of the world. John 8:12

D.L. MOODY
I heard of an unbeliever once who said, “Look at your convert; it is all moonshine [total lies].” The young convert replied to him, “I thank you for the compliment. We are perfectly willing to be called that. The moon borrows the light from the sun, and so we borrow ours from Christ.”

ERWIN LUTZER
Again, we are reminded that the moon has no light of its own, it only reflects the light of the sun. Just so, we have no spiritual light apart from our dependence on Christ. The moon is 400 times smaller than the sun. but it appears to us as just as big as the sun because it is also 400 times closer to Earth. My point: When there is an eclipse of the sun, it’s because the moon blocks the light of the sun, but the sun itself isn’t affected—it’s just as powerful as ever. Just so, when we experience spiritual darkness, God is unaffected; He remains powerful and remains the God of light.
Moody’s point emphasizes that we do indeed receive our light from God even as the moon receives its light from the sun. We read, “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). Jesus talked about the unbelieving world walking in darkness, and here Paul talks about believers walking in the light.
We walk in the light because of what we know and have experienced. We walk in the light by what we think and say. In context, Paul tells us to not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouth. And of course, we have to abstain from sensuality and anger so that we don’t grieve the Holy Spirit (see Ephesians 4:17–31).
Do you feel weary today? Tired because of the demands of life? Tell the Lord how you feel; remind yourself that your light comes from Him. And give God praise that He be glorified.

PRAYER
Father, today, I confess that I have no light of my own. I trust you to be light and life in me.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What helps you reflect Christ’s light?

What hinders you from reflecting Christ?

Our Example

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you. Matthew 5:11

D.L. MOODY
Listen to Paul in the jail at Philippi. “If God wants me to go to heaven by way of this prison,” he says, “it is all the same to me; rejoice and be exceeding glad, Silas. I thank God that I am accounted worthy to suffer for Jesus’ sake.” And as they sang their praises to God, the other prisoners heard them; but, what was far more important, the Lord heard them, and the old prison shook. Talk about Alexander the Great making the world tremble with his armies, here is a little tentmaker who makes the world tremble without any army!

ERWIN LUTZER
The better the world understands Christ, the more they will come to hate Him. Paul and Silas were not in prison for doing evil, but for doing good. The authorities rejected the gospel, the one message that could show them their sin and the way of forgiveness. The gospel is so contrary to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life that its message can only be accepted by the convicting work of the Spirit.
Jesus told His disciples, “‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Jesus tells us to expect hatred from the world. That is why Paul and Silas could sing in prison: they knew they were there by divine appointment.
We think we are suffering for Christ when someone cancels us on social media. But historically, the church has often experienced horrendous personal, physical, and emotional suffering for the gospel. Blessed are those who can sing in the midst of such trials.

PRAYER
Father, teach me to sing your praises today, no matter how my day goes.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Why might God allow you to go through suffering and trials?

Read 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. Why can you trust in God through difficulties?

Against the Current

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Faith apart from works is useless. James 2:20

D.L. MOODY
You may very often see dead fish floating with the stream, but you never saw dead fish swimming against it. Well, such a fish is a false believer. Profession is just floating down the stream, but confession is swimming against it, no matter how strong the tide.

ERWIN LUTZER
I like Moody’s phrase, “profession is floating down the stream, confession is swimming against it.” Confessing Christ as Lord brings with it a transformation of the heart, a transformation of values. We begin to hate what we once loved and love what we once hated.
Yet the cultural currents are swirling around us. Solzhenitsyn recounts a chilling tale from Russia: A deputy’s fervent praise of Stalin led to a standing ovation that went on for minutes without end. After a factory director dared to sit after eleven long minutes, he was imprisoned for a decade. Solzhenitsyn’s point? Freedom dies with “thunderous applause.”
We cannot go along with the cultural currents that conflict with our Christian convictions—especially if evil is accepted and applauded. We need heroes who are willing to stand against the culture. Just because you are under pressure does not mean you should ever violate your conscience. The Bible says, “Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23).
Churches need to stand against the current of society, even if we become known as counter-cultural for what we stand for.
Let us be faithful to our conscience and to the Word of God, swimming against the stream of the sins and confusion of our culture.

PRAYER
Father, I seek not just profession but confession, with my faith firmly rooted in you.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How do we practically discern the line between an inconvenient cultural compromise and a genuine violation of Christian conscience?

What does a church look like that successfully stands against societal sins without losing its gospel witness and love for the lost?

Temporary Suffering, Eternal Victory

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer (media@moodychurch.org) — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500

For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

D.L. MOODY
The heir to some great estate, while a child, thinks more of a dollar in his pocket than all his coming inheritance. Just so, even some professing Christians are more elated by a passing pleasure than they are by their title to eternal glory.

ERWIN LUTZER
A mark of maturity, we are told, is delayed gratification. Some people live for the pleasures of this fleeting world without much thought about their eternal existence. And when suffering comes, they find themselves unable to look beyond it to God.
Satan’s intention is to use our suffering to distract us and make us so miserable and cynical that we no longer trust God. So, Satan wins temporary victories in our lives. I say “temporary” because the Christian’s future is secure, however, the enemy can still win in this life by making us forget about our life to come. God’s own purpose for suffering is very different. It is to break us, to humble us, and to develop our relationship with Him. We should see suffering as a divine gift, coming from God’s hand for God’s purposes. To put it clearly, suffering is actually God putting His arms around us.
Remember what Paul endured: a thorn in the flesh, people trying to undermine him, he was beaten, stoned, and left for dead. Yet despite all of that and more, he said, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
The key to life is not to be absorbed by the things that are seen but rather the things unseen.

PRAYER
Father, show me your grace even in my affliction; help me to focus on eternity and not just time.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Why is it hard for us to see God in our suffering?

How have you seen God grow you through trials and persecution?