The theme for today is: Temporary.

Jesus gave his disciples a promise. He told them that they ‘will’ have trials. He would know. His life was a life of trials. The promise of trials is not one we’re running to be the first in line to claim. But claim them we must. We can take heart and be of good cheer because Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33).

Trials don’t overcome. Trials don’t consume. Trials don’t win. Trials are temporary. Trials test faith. Trials strengthen faith. Trials prove the “genuineness of your faith” (1 Peter 1:7).

Peter, taught well by Jesus, said that trials will come. All kinds of trials. The trials are temporary. They last “a little while” (1 Peter 1:6, 1 Peter 5:10). How long is a little while? Is it a short little while? Or a long little while? Doesn’t matter. Compared to eternity, it’s a little while. Temporary trials last a little while. Eternal glory lasts forever.

Running for Zach. Zach and we are running in the midst of temporary trials. Trials that humble us. Trials that purify us. Trials that empower us. Trials that take us to the Cross. Trials that led Jesus and lead us to a loving and powerful Father who will “restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10).

Be encouraged. Trials are temporary. They’re here for a little while. Just a little while. Run strong with the promise and assurance that our trials, “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

Today’s Updates:

Zach has continued to work hard in his therapies this week, and he was quite exhausted by the end of the week. Zach consistently indicates that he is in pain when he is asked how he is feeling, but it is still difficult for him to indicate where he is experiencing pain. Please pray that Zach’s pain will decrease and that he will receive the treatment that he needs.

In OT, they have started doing a hot wax treatment for Zach’s left wrist to relax his muscles and increase his range of motion, Lord willing. Please pray that God will bless the treatments on Zach’s left wrist so that he will be able to gain more functionality in the future.

When Zach is not in his therapies, he has enjoyed watching hockey and listening to the piano in the hospital. Please pray that Zach will continue to find enjoyment in his regular routines and activities.

We are still waiting to hear back about the appeal to the long-term rehab facility in Ponoka. Please pray that the appeal will be successful, and that Zach will receive treatment that is right for him wherever God sends him next. Pray also that Zach will have enough energy and motivation to take on each day with its joys and challenges. Pray for healing and patience for Zach, and pray that he would feel the Lord’s nearness every day. Thank you for your visits, prayers, and support.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

(1 Peter 1:3-9)

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

(1 Peter 5:10-11)