Ripples on the pond

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. — Colossians 3:2

A young boy made a toy boat and then went to sail it on a pond. While he was playing with it along the water’s edge, the boat floated out beyond his reach. In his distress he asked an older boy to help him. Without saying a word, the older child picked up some stones and started to throw them toward the boat.

The little boy became upset, for he thought that the one he had turned to for help was being mean. Soon, though, he noticed that instead of hitting the boat, each stone was directed beyond it, making a small ripple that moved the vessel a little nearer to the shore. Every throw of the stone was planned, and at last the treasured toy was brought back to his waiting hands.

Sometimes it seems as if God allows circumstances into our lives that are harming us and are without sense or plan. We may be sure, though, that these waves of trial are intended to bring us nearer to Himself, to encourage us to set our minds “on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:2). Because we are prone to drift away from Him, the Lord must discipline us to get us back on the right course (Heb. 12:9-11).

How are you responding to life’s difficulties? They are God’s loving way of drawing you closer to Him. — Henry Bosch

Lightly hold earth’s joys so transient,

Lightly hold to things of clay,

Grasp perfections everlasting,

Where Christ dwells in heaven’s day! — Bosch

READ: Colossians 3:1-8

God uses the waves of trial to draw us closer to Himself.

The Bible in one year:

• 1 Chronicles 7-9