If you are a father, you know how much you pray, hope, and even ache for the wellbeing of your children in every area—their faith, relationships, emotions, career, finances, health, sense of identity and purpose, ability to overcome destructive behaviors or conquer loneliness, and so much more.
That’s what our heavenly Father wants for His children too. We are made in His image.
So why, then, is life so hard so much of the time? And what should our stance be when our circumstances are good? Join Pat Morley tomorrow for satisfying answers that will put your mind at ease, as well as practical ideas to help you interpret your circumstances.
Raw, unedited transcript from video
Good morning, men!
On my way here this morning, I was driving along, and all of a sudden, a Tesla squeezed into the 10 feet between my car and the one ahead of me. It was weaving and bobbing all over the road. By the time we reached our destination, I think it beat me by maybe 100 yards. But I can guarantee his blood pressure was at least 100 points higher than mine!
I thought to myself, “Wow, the only odd thing about that situation is that it wasn’t me driving like that.” It made me pause and wonder, Do I really want to keep living my life that way? I was running about 10 minutes late, so I had plenty of time to reflect.
We’re glad to be together again today for Man Alive! Let’s also extend a warm welcome to the men joining us online. (I think I forgot to do that last week!) On the count of three, let’s give them our hearty Man in the Mirror welcome. Ready? One, two, three—Hurrah, men! We are honored to have you with us.
Today, we’re continuing our series, “How God Speaks to Men.” Our topic is How God Speaks to Us in Our Circumstances.
I want to share a story about my friend Jason. A few months ago, Jason texted me to say he’d been diagnosed with cancer. Since then, we’ve been texting back and forth regularly. Jason has given me permission to share parts of our conversations with you.
Early on, he wrote:
“This has been a huge kick in the stomach, but we are trying to trust that God knew about this before the universe was formed. It’s difficult to stay positive, but we’re trying. God has blessed me with a wonderful wife, family, and friends, and I’m determined to beat this thing. We’re forever changed, but I don’t want to miss what God is doing through this.”
Later, after some more encouraging exchanges, he admitted:
“I’m not sure I’m handling this so well. I know what’s true intellectually, but I’m wrestling with God internally. I want to believe the best, but it’s hard right now.”
Much later, after more difficult news, he confessed:
“I’m struggling to reconcile my feelings. I want to trust God, and I’m trying. I know all things work together for good, but honestly, I don’t know why this is happening to me.”
Why is this happening?
How many of you are fathers? Raise your hand.
If you’re not a father, how many of you would like to be one someday?
And for those who are fathers, let’s not ask how many of you would like not to be one anymore!
As fathers, don’t we all want to give our children every possible advantage? Love, structure, roots, and wings? And if we see our child doing something destructive, wouldn’t we do everything in our power to stop it? If they were being lured by the world, the flesh, or the devil, wouldn’t we move heaven and earth to protect them?
We have a Father in heaven who feels the same way about us.
Why do we suffer?
We tend to suffer for one of three reasons:
- For doing right (this is persecution, and we rejoice in being counted worthy).
- For doing wrong (this includes sin, mistakes, or errors in judgment).
- For no apparent reason (these are the hardest to understand—like Jason’s cancer).
When we face suffering with no clear explanation, we often ask:
- Does God know?
- Does He care?
- Can He do anything about it?
Jesus has given us a promise:
“Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
The big idea today is this: God is always with you. He will never leave or forsake you.
Let’s reflect on this through a passage from John 14:1-11. Jesus says:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am.”
Jesus came to show us the Father’s heart. Through His compassion—healing the sick, comforting the brokenhearted, and forgiving sinners—we see how much God loves us.
Even when we don’t understand our circumstances, God’s promise remains:
“I am always with you.”
Discussion Questions:
- What is the most difficult circumstance you’re facing?
- What did Jesus want you to hear today about your circumstances?
- What breakthrough do you need, and what have you learned that strengthens your faith, hope, and resolve?
