“Otso, I’m not going to lose my faith in this!” The bomb’s pin, which I helped make, had been pulled and thrown in my lap. Otso, our two-year-old black lab, was riding in the truck with me after the initial shockwave hit and only a mushroom cloud remained. At that moment, I needed a dog to hear that God was going to keep me and provide perseverance. The faith I’d had for 30 years was going to be tested like never before. Otso sat in the front seat looking out the window, excited for the adventure that usually followed a ride in the truck. Little did he know…

Today is another hard day for me. It should have been Otso's birthday. Otso died from a freak accident in the woods. He would have been four. We should be giving him his favorite food– waffles and whipped cream–but instead I’m home alone, my wife and I are still separated, and it’s her weekend to be with the kids. I'm not okay. 

“But God.” 

I love that phrase, spoken to me through His Word this morning by highlighting two important lessons I’ve learned through this trial. Romans 15:4, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”  (NASB)

The first important lesson I’ve learned is that God will give you perseverance that leads to hope. James 1:2-4, among many others, has been a constant sword to fight despair: “My brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (NIRV)

My knowing had to turn into believing, because knowing is not enough. There were moments where I lost hope and was ready to give up on everything: my job, my kids, my family, my wife, my life, my God. Despite my wanting to give up, God gave me the hope and grace to persevere. I encourage you to look up ‘perseverance’ in the Bible, along with its synonyms: endurance, patience, and waiting. It will give you hope!

The second vital lesson I’ve discovered is that His Word, the Bible, will give you hope. I’ve grown up knowing I should read the Bible more. However, it took a bomb in my life to have that knowing turn into belief. In the middle of the night when fear and doubt keep me awake, the Bible has been what I needed to remind me that God is in control. 

The Word reminds me of God’s character. The Word illuminates the sin in my life that needs to be dealt with. The Word reminds me Jesus died for that sin. The Word reminds me God can restore any marriage. The Word reminds me God will meet all my needs. The Word reminds me God loves me and tells me how to love others. The Word gives hope. 

In your trials, you need to be reminded over and over who you are and who God is. Be encouraged and be reminded, God offers the only hope that will endure!

Contributed by: Nate


Prayer:

God, I come before You today with an open heart, seeking the strength to embrace the challenges I’m facing. Life can be so tough, and I often find myself overwhelmed by my circumstances. Yet, I hold on to the truth of Your Word that says these trials can bring about perseverance. While I seek to understand this truth with my mind, I also ask that you help me to truly believe it in my heart.

Remind me that even when I feel like giving up, Your Word is a source of encouragement and hope. Let the Scriptures fill my mind and heart with the truth of who You are and what You promise. I want to lean on those promises when the weight of life feels like too much to carry.

Teach me to trust in You, even when I can’t see what You’re doing. Help me to remember that every moment of struggle can lead to something beautiful if I remain loyal to You.

Thank You for being with me through it all. I’m grateful for Your love and the hope that You bring into my life.

Amen.


Reflection Song:

“Remind Me”