Third Sunday in Lent

Prayer of the Day: Eternal God, your kingdom has broken into our troubled world through the life, death, and resurrection of your Son. Help us to hear your word and obey it, and bring your saving love to fruition in our lives, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Isaiah 55:1-9

Psalm 63:1-8

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Luke 13:1-9

When trouble comes into our lives, we often ask God, "Why me, Lord? What have I done to deserve this?" God is not punishing us for something we've done. Troubles, temptations and suffering have a purpose in the Christian's life: to make us more like Christ.

God's discipline comes from His love for His people. He wants each of us to grow spiritually and become a lighthouse of blessing to others. His discipline (related to discipleship) is for our own protection, that we may be guarded against a life of lethargy and spiritual weakness. Trials come to teach us something new about God and something about ourselves as well. Sometimes, “Job happens.”

"But this is too much for me to handle!" we often exclaim. Yet God reminds us that there is no temptation (or testing) that is not common to all of humanity, and He assures us that He will give us the grace we need to endure it. "And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." (1 Corinthians 10:13) Actually, "the strain is the strength" according to Oswald Chambers. He wrote, "If there is no strain, there is no strength. ... Immediately when you face the strain, you will get the strength."

God says that the person who endures testing is especially blessed. She will not only receive a deeper relationship with God in this life, but she will receive a crown of “beauty from ashes” in eternity. When we spend ourselves for others and for God, we get more strength. More life and energy comes to us as we exert our faith in God. Perhaps this is part of the blessing of the "crown of life" God promises. Our life energy grows and expands even in this life as we endure trials.

When we feel crushed by circumstances, we are to rejoice in God. Let us realize that our whole situation is ludicrously impossible to anyone but God. God has permitted this (not caused it) so we will learn to trust Him more. What is needed is to ask in faith for wisdom and for strength to carry on day by day. God will provide the graces to find strength in our weakness. Our God is the God of hope.

Finally, reach out and ask for help from a Christian friend. Tough times often lead us to isolation. The Church, the Body of Christ, is your refuge. Allow others to comfort and encourage you. Ask for what you need. Christ’s comfort often comes through the presence, hugs, and words of others.

When life hurts, resist the urge to say “I’m fine.” when you’re not. “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. ¹⁰ If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)