This Week's Scripture:
2 Corinthians 4:8
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
Reflection:
In this week’s scripture Paul talks about what we have received from God through Jesus. In this life and this world, we will face trials, heartbreak, and fear among many other things. However, we have hope in the life and example that God gave us through Jesus. Because we have been given this gift that is manifested in love, even in the trials, heartbreak, and fear, we are still able to see the light of God in and around us.
General Reflection Questions:
- How do you recognize the light of Jesus in yourself?
- Take a moment and ask God to manifest this light to you this week. How does this give you hope?
- In what ways do you recognize the light of Jesus in those around you?
- How can you show God’s light to someone who in your mind is difficult to love?
Reflection Questions for Students:
- How often are you aware of God’s presence when you face challenges in your life?
- Why is it sometimes difficult to see “God’s light in the darkness”?
- How can you show God’s light to the people around you?
Reflection Questions for Families with Children:
- Think about frustrations that you have and write them down. This might include struggles with online schooling and unknown childcare worries. Now pray to God that you acknowledge this is out of your control but you are asking God for guidance. Then mediate about it, and be open to receive messages about your next steps.
- Sometimes we parents have rough days, filled with temper tantrums (ours included), financial worries, or days that seem everything that could go wrong, does. But we need to take a breath, pray to God for help, and put into perspective that the hard work we put into parenting now, will pay off in our children as they grow older. Reflect back on how far your children and family have grown over the years. Be proud, and see the fruits of your efforts.
Prayer:
God, we thank You for the strength and hope that You give us. We thank You that even
in the hard moments in life You are always with us. Though sometimes it may be difficult for us to see Your presence in the darkness of life, we have faith that Your light will guide us through. We pray for all of our brothers and sisters and friends who may be experiencing any darkness right now and we pray that Your comforting light will surround them in love and give them hope. May they know that You will always be with them, just as You are always with us. We thank You for trials and lessons as they help us grow; we thank You for hardship because in those moments Your love is manifested by those around us, we thank You for Your ever present comfort and peace and pray that it be revealed to anyone in need of it now. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
