Things That Hurt

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, 16-18

Diego came into the kitchen and put down his backpack and baseball glove. “I didn’t make the baseball team, Mom,” he said, close to tears.

“Oh, Diego, I’m so sorry.” His mom gave him a hug. “But you can still be on the city team,” she reminded him. “That will be fun too.”

Diego shrugged. “Kingston and Miles both made the team. Now I won’t have anybody to hang out with.” He picked up his glove and pounded his fist into it. “I practiced every day for a month. I prayed about it every day too! God knows how much I wanted to make the team, and He didn’t let me. Why, Mom?”

Just then the screen door slammed and Diego’s new puppy bounded into the room, followed by Diego’s dad. Diego leaned over to greet Nova, grinning as the puppy’s tiny pink tongue plastered sloppy kisses on his face.

“It’s time to leave for our vet appointment, Diego,” Dad said. “Nova needs to get her rabies shot.”

Diego stared at his puppy’s dark, trusting eyes. “Does she have to get a shot? It will hurt her, and maybe she won’t like me anymore.”

Dad sat down next to Diego. “She’ll still like you,” Dad assured him. “Even though the shot will hurt for a moment, Nova knows you love her.” Diego still hesitated. “You wouldn’t take a chance on letting Nova get rabies and die, would you?” Dad asked.

Diego shook his head and picked up Nova. “Okay, Dad. Let’s go.”

“This reminds me of the question you asked a couple minutes ago,” said Mom. “You don’t like your dog to suffer, but sometimes you allow it anyway because you care for her and know it’s best for her, right?” Diego nodded. “I’m sure God doesn’t like for you to be disappointed or to suffer either,” Mom continued, “but sometimes He allows it because He loves you. He allowed His own Son to suffer and die so you could be saved and have eternal life. Trust Him to do what’s best for you, even when it hurts.”

Diego sighed. “Okay. When I get back from the vet, I’ll go to the park and see if I can get a game going.” Linda R. Stai

How About You?

Do you find it hard to understand why God allows disappointment and pain in your life? Does it make you feel like He no longer cares about you? He does care—He loves you so much He sent Jesus to die for you so you could have eternal life with Him. Even when things happen that hurt, remember those circumstances are only temporary and trust Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Trust God—He cares for you