Hebrews 12:7-11

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. - Hebrews 12:7-11

Dear Jesus,

Don't let me stay on the surface of this pandemic with endless statistics and finger pointing. I see your hand in this. You are in control of all things and all roads lead to eternity. You are bringing the entire human race to their knees. You are calling us to repentance for living as if we were gods of our own destiny. We are only ants on a three inch hill who busy themselves about many things and have no clue that the giant who owns the lawn could come with his little sack of poison at anytime and exterminate the entire colony. You are God and we are learning to fear you. Were it not for your Son, who bore your wrath for us we would have a dismal end. I repent of living as if this world is my land of opportunity to make my own little kingdom. I am your creation and this world is your lawn. I only squat here for a little while. Forgive me for thinking like a god. And give me the peace of grace that comes from the cross of your Son. I believe he is my only hope but a sure hope indeed. Now, help me rebound from this repentance to serve others in careful but daring generosity.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

There's a big difference between holding one's head up in self confidence versus faith.