Finding Hope in a Challenging SeasonНамуна

As we come to the final day of this Bible reading plan, it seems appropriate to finish by shifting our gaze from earth to heaven!

Two of the fundamental questions that impact how we respond to the challenges we’re facing as Christians today are who we believe God is and what we believe he is doing now.

Is he now as he appeared at Mt Sinai in the Old Testament, accompanied by terrible signs and wonders that made even one as great as Moses tremble in fear?

Or is he now in Mt Zion, the heavenly city, accompanied by angels in joyful song, and with the resurrected Jesus… and his church… living in perfect union?

Let me put it another way. Do you believe that when we turn to God in our time of need, we should do so fearfully, as if we have some reason to doubt his will or love for us? Or should we do so joyfully, assured of his love and expectant of his goodwill for us?

The writer of Hebrews assures us of the latter: that no matter what trial we face, we can come to God with thankfulness and worship him acceptably, with reverence and awe. We should never lose our joy as Christians! No matter what trials or hardships we experience on earth, “we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken”, and so we rejoice.

We should also heed the warning contained in this passage: “See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks” (v25). God is speaking to us. He is speaking to his church. God’s discipline is on us because he loves us. However unpleasant our experience may be, or however overwhelming our challenges may seem, we must not refuse him.

Instead, let’s pray the words our Lord has given us to pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Amen!

[This Bible Reading Plan has been based on Episode 1 of Embracing the Fall, a six-part video discipleship series available on RightNow Media and at https://inspiringfaith.au . There is a Study Guide available if you would like to engage with this topic further with your small group.]