For us here in Vancouver, the day began with beautiful sunshine which always lifts our spirits. But with nowhere to go for many people; i.e. no work, no school, no shopping outside of government permitted essentials, even the sunshine has limited effect.

As God’s children through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have a greater Light to encourage our souls. Not only our Saviour–Who is the Light of the world, but also His Word–a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path. Here is a great text through which we can find hope in our difficult days and nights.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.–Romans 5:1-5 

Hope is a necessary element for surviving the tests and trials of life, and God promises hope because He loves us and is at work in us even through the tribulations of life. Andrew Murray, a pastor from some years ago wrote the following in commenting on this passage. I was blessed by it and would like to share it with you:

First, He brought me here, it is by His will I am in this strait place; in that fact I will rejoice. Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace as His child. Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends for me to learn, and working in me the grace He meant to bestow. Last, in His good time He can bring me out again–how and when, He knows. Thus: I am (1) here by God’s appointment, (2) in His keeping, (3) under His training, and (4) for His time.

These truths, of course, can help us in whatever trial the Lord allows through life, but I was reminded that even though we are all going through the stresses and burdens of COVID-19, our God has a personal purpose for each one of us to learn of Him and grow in His grace and hope. What personal lessons are you learning? Let’s be alert to the Holy Spirit’s school for our soul and let God make us more like Him in these days of trial.