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We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28, CSB

These words can be hard to hear when everything seems to be going wrong. It is hard to believe in God’s blessing when there are issues in the home, with health, or the world around us is falling apart. Yet, for Paul and the early Church, these words were given to build up followers of Christ that were often facing great hardship because of the faith. Being a follower of Christ doesn’t mean that everything will be easy, and suffering will cease, but we cling to the promise that the things of this fallen world do not have the final say. No one would call disease a good thing. Watching a loved one suffer and die is difficult. However, these words are for those moments. Contrast the death of a devoted, faithful follower with one whose faith was questionable, and the difference is clear in the conversations that can be had during the final days as the reality of life’s end is near. Death will come to everyone in this fallen Creation one day. Until our Lord’s return, this is true for followers of Christ and non-followers. The greater we cling to the promises of the resurrection, the less power our suffering has. It isn’t only in our living we can be a light to others of Christ’s power, but also in our dying. Letting go of the resentments that often come when suffering comes gives us space to cling to the hope in Jesus Christ and that is where we find our peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.