God Is a Trustworthy Refuge

The readings for this week have the common thread of dependence upon God. In each reading, someone is facing hostility or suffering. In Acts, Stephen is stoned to death for his belief in Christ. In John’s Gospel, the disciples struggle with Jesus’ prediction of his death. Peter tells the scattered believers not to fear despite the hatred in society, and the psalmist cries to the Lord for rescue from his persecutors. Yet in each text is also a turning point toward God for the solution to the suffering. God is a trustworthy refuge who will sustain all people through the difficulties of life. Turning to God shapes our response to suffering.

Read Acts 7:55-60. Think of a time when you were victimized and hurt by people. How did this make you feel? What is the likelihood of you pronouncing Stephen’s words, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”?
Read Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16. When have you experienced God as a refuge and rock in your life?
Read 1 Peter 2:2-10. Think of a baby drinking milk from a mother. Draw parallels between God as mother and yourself as the baby. What images and thoughts come to mind as you focus on this idea?
Read John 14:1-14. In what ways are you troubled? Take time to be still and to bring the matters that trouble you before God in prayer.