This Sunday, June 21, marks the beginning of summer for 2026. This date means that on Tuesday, June 23, the sun will come up one minute later than it did on Sunday! In other words, come Sunday, we begin a slow steady decline towards the shortest sunlight hours in December.
It can happen that we hear the “shining” word that God loves us. It can fall on our ears and heart like the brightness of a summer day.
Yet God’s wondrous love does not protect us from life’s problems. God’s love is not a lucky charm or four-leaf clover. Even loving parents cannot protect their children from all of life’s hardness and difficulties. Of course, even if they could, it would not be wise. We learn and grow when we deal with problems. As the Apostle Paul says, “Suffering produces character.”
Yet, some people still say that life’s problems are actually God’s punishment on us. Of course, the cross of Jesus should have settled this issue long ago.
The truth is God wants to give us life. God is forgiving and caring. Jesus said it like this: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet, not one of them falls to the ground without your heavenly Father knowing it. God even knows the number of hairs on your head. Do not fear, for you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Note how God is aware that sparrows fall. They fall because they are creatures of the world; not because God punishes them.
In this world we too “fall,” but not because God is punishing us. The Apostle Paul gives us a litany of his misfortunes; his “falls” so to speak. “Five times I received forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked and adrift at sea. In danger from rivers, robbers, people, in toil and hardship, and in hunger and thirst.”
Yet Paul also heard God say to him, “My grace is sufficient for you.” Though Paul suffered much, he also knew the abiding and steadfast love of God over-against his sufferings.
When life is all sunshine, it’s easy to believe. It’s when the dark days arrive that faith becomes more demanding. To stay with God, to trust God, to remain steadfast in knowing that in all things God is for us and with us; that is the challenge of faith in God.
Yes, dark days will come. When they do, hold fast to God. Bow the knee and seek the refreshing renewal and strength of God’s steadfast love. God will abide with you and give you the grace and courage you need.
Curtis Fussell