Under Construction

Read: Romans 5:3-6; James 1:2-4

“Why are we stopping?” Lucas asked as they came to a stop behind a line of cars.

“Oh no!” said Lucas. “We’ll be late! It’s bad enough being new at school, but being late and having everyone stare at me will be worse!”

“I’m afraid I’ll be late for my job interview too,” Mom said, tapping her phone. “But there’s nothing we can do about it. I’ll give them a call so they know.”

“I wish Dad was still alive,” Olivia said once Mom had finished her call. “Then we’d still be living in our old house and going to our old school with all our old friends. And you wouldn’t have to look for work.”

“I wish that too,” said Mom. “But Jesus promises to be with us through these difficult changes, and we need to trust Him.”

Just then the line of cars began moving, and they followed the car in front of them onto a bumpy gravel path. They passed workers using loud jackhammers and a huge machine digging up large chunks of asphalt.

“Why do they have to wreck a perfectly good road?” Olivia asked.

“It reminds me of our family,” Lucas said glumly. “Everything’s broken and torn up.”

“It does feel like that,” said Mom. “But think about this—the people in charge at city hall have plans for this road. They’re allowing it to be broken up and worked on because they know that after the construction is finished, it will be better. And Jesus has plans for our lives. He’s leading us through a very difficult time, but it’s often during times of sorrow and hardship that we get to know Him better and become more like Him.”

“But I still don’t see why He’d take Dad from us,” Olivia said sadly.

“I don’t either,” said Mom. “But I do know that He understands what we’re going through because He experienced suffering and death when He came to save us. He is always with us, and we can trust Him to help us rebuild our lives.” She smiled in the rearview mirror. “Will you trust Him with me?”

Olivia and Lucas looked back at her and nodded.

–Violet E. Nesdoly

How about you? Is it hard to believe anything good can come from the disappointment or pain you’re going through? Road construction makes a better road. Remodeling results in a better building. And trusting Jesus in difficult times leads to a stronger faith. Remember that He’s always with you and will use hard times in your life to make you stronger, wiser, more patient, and more compassionate—more like Him.

Today’s key verse: You know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:3 (NLT)

Today’s key thought: Trust Jesus in difficulty

If you’re going through a tough time right now, find an adult you can talk to about it.