Suffering is one of life’s greatest challenges, raising serious questions about God’s nature, His plans for humanity, and how we are to live in the midst of pain. For many believers, the experience of suffering often prompts a difficult but necessary reflection: What does suffering mean for us, and is it ultimately good?

At first glance, the question may seem counterintuitive. How could something as unpleasant as suffering be considered "good"? Yet, Scripture, theology, and experience provide rich answers that reshape our understanding of suffering, its purpose, and its place in the life of faith.

The problem of evil has long been a point of contention, eliciting deep questions about the nature of God, human responsibility, and divine providence. A recent article questioning the theological implications of perceived divine intervention, such as narrowly avoiding tragedy, compelled me to revisit this age-old issue. The article raised challenging questions about God’s role in human suffering, His sovereignty, and the apparent selectivity of His intervention. These questions resonate with many who grapple with reconciling the existence of evil and suffering with the goodness and omnipotence of God. The following exploration of the problem of evil, grounded in theological principles, seeks to provide a framework for addressing such concerns.

In Chapter 18 of The Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer masterfully presents the mercy of God as an eternal, inexhaustible, and unchanging attribute of His divine nature. Tozer’s reflection on God’s mercy invites us to move beyond merely admiring it from a distance to personally embracing and experiencing it in our daily lives.

“It has often been said that you cannot take it with you.” Yet, as Kuykendall insightfully reminds us, there is one thing we can take with us—glory. Romans 8:17 reveals the astonishing truth that believers, as joint-heirs with Christ, will share in His glory. This is not merely a distant hope but a transformative reality that shapes how we view suffering and eternity.

Ephesians 5:16 urges us to "redeem the time," a phrase that speaks to the urgency and intentionality needed in making the most of every God-given opportunity. As A.B. Simpson notes, the Greek phrase ton kairon emphasizes specific moments filled with divine potential. These moments, like rare treasures in the desert, must be seized before they pass.

Oswald Chambers' reflection on Philippians 1:20 reminds us of the centrality of surrender in the Christian life. Paul’s determination to honor Christ with "fearless courage" speaks to a life wholly devoted to God's purposes. This is a call for us to live without reservation, offering our utmost for His highest, even when obedience comes at great personal cost.

On this first day of the new year, Day by Day by Grace reminds us of the immeasurable riches we have received through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rooted in 2 Corinthians 8:9, this devotional reveals the beauty and depth of God’s grace, extended freely to us through the poverty and sacrifice of Jesus. Let’s explore this grace, its significance, and its transforming power in our lives.

Today’s Abide Above devotional encourages us to start the year with an undivided hunger for God. Drawing from Psalm 119:2, it highlights the unparalleled blessing of seeking the Lord with our whole hearts. Let us consider how we can make this pursuit our supreme goal for 2024, exchanging our "puny, worthless all" for the One who is All in All (Romans 11:36).

In his devotional, Living in the Garden of Grace, David Kuykendall uses the metaphor of marriage to illustrate the believer’s transition from living under the law to living in union with Christ. Drawing from Romans 7:1-4, Kuykendall reminds us that believers are called to sever their "marriage" to the law through death, enabling a new, intimate relationship with Jesus. This transformation is crucial for bearing fruit to God.

A.B. Simpson’s devotional for December 31 draws attention to the high calling placed upon every believer. As followers of Christ, we are not merely here to exist; we are sent with purpose, representing the King of Kings in a world that desperately needs to see His light. Simpson compares our role to that of ambassadors, entrusted with a divine message for a foreign land. This poignant image reminds us that while we live in this world, our true home is with the Lord.

Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest for December 31 is a fitting reflection for the end of the year. It addresses the God of our yesterdays, today, and tomorrow, offering a timely reminder that our security lies not in our own efforts, but in the faithful care of the Lord. Chambers challenges us to confront the irreparable nature of our past, the uncertainties of the future, and the opportunities of today—all under the loving gaze of God.

In Chapter 17 of The Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer reflects on the justice of God, an attribute that is foundational to understanding His character. Justice is not merely a principle God follows—it is intrinsic to who He is. Tozer’s prayer at the chapter’s start captures this beautifully: a love for God’s justice and a recognition of its role in upholding the universe’s moral order.

Tozer clarifies that God's justice is not something imposed upon Him but flows directly from His nature. Justice, as an expression of His being, reflects His moral equity and fairness in all situations. This understanding reveals that God's justice is never in conflict with His other attributes, such as mercy or goodness. Instead, they work in perfect harmony.

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).

As we close another year, it is humbling and awe-inspiring to reflect on the manifold grace of God—a grace so multifaceted, it resembles a diamond, each facet revealing a unique aspect of its brilliance. From justification to sanctification, God’s grace remains a constant source of life and transformation for His children.

Let us take time to marvel at the beauty of this grace that saves, sustains, and strengthens us, and consider how we can continue to grow in it in the days ahead.

“For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age...” (Hebrews 5:13-14).

As the year draws to a close, today’s Abide Above devotional challenges us with a powerful truth: salvation is just the beginning of the believer’s journey. While the "milk of the Word" is necessary for spiritual infancy, there is so much more that God desires to reveal to us. His plan is not only to rescue us but also to mature us, drawing us into a deeper understanding of our identification with Christ and the fullness of life in Him.

As beings created in God’s image, we possess ultimate needs—love, acceptance, worth, and belonging. For women, this often manifests as a longing for security; for men, a pursuit of significance. In Genesis 1-3, Adam and Eve experienced these needs fully met in God before the Fall. After the Fall, humanity began striving to fill these needs through inadequate substitutes, often relying on relationships or achievements.

The world’s solution to this dilemma frequently turns to self-help or self-esteem, but God’s ways are infinitely higher (Isaiah 55:8). Through the Exchanged Life (Galatians 2:20) and the freedom found in Christ (John 8:32), God provides a miraculous solution. He becomes our ultimate source, heals our deepest wounds, and grants us a new identity and resources for living a victorious life.

The story of Cain provides a striking picture of humanity's struggle with sin. As the first person to inherit the sin nature, Cain's life reveals the failures of living according to the flesh. His descent into jealousy, anger, and depression serves as a cautionary tale for us all: “And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell” (Genesis 4:5b).

This downward spiral began with Cain’s decision to offer the fruit of the ground instead of the blood sacrifice God required. His disobedience, driven by pride and a spirit of competition, led to God’s rejection of his offering. Rather than turning to God in humility, Cain allowed jealousy to fester, culminating in depression and ultimately violence against his brother Abel.

The beloved hymn “Face to Face with Christ Our Savior,” penned by Mrs. Frank A. Breck, paints a breathtaking picture of the eternal joy awaiting believers. Imagine standing face to face with Jesus, experiencing the fullness of His presence.

This vision of eternal fellowship is what we look forward to in heaven, but as David Kuykendall reminds us, we don’t have to wait for eternity to begin enjoying a face-to-face relationship with the Lord.

"Are you doing your best for Jesus?"

It’s a question often posed to challenge believers to strive for greater devotion. Yet, according to David Kuykendall, this approach is not just misguided—it’s dangerous and unfruitful. God’s design is not for us to labor in self-effort, but to yield ourselves so He can work through us.

Consider this crucial distinction: Are you relying on your own strength to serve the Lord, or are you allowing Him to express His life through you?

"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." (Romans 8:16)

Even for true believers, doubts about salvation can sometimes creep in, creating seasons of agony and uncertainty. A young Christian man, home from military service abroad, expressed this deeply:

“While I was overseas, I went through a period of doubt about my salvation. You cannot imagine the agony of such an experience.”

This young man’s experience is not unique. Many believers face moments of doubt, wondering if they truly belong to the Lord. The good news is that God provides blessed assurance, giving us solid ground on which to stand in confidence as His children.

“Let go and let God” is a phrase often heard in Christian circles, yet for many, it feels like an impossible task. The idea of surrendering control sounds liberating, but the practical reality can seem out of reach. Why is faith—true, reliant trust in God—so difficult?