To grow in faith, we trust Jesus in difficult circumstances. Read Isaiah 64:9. The four practices of a disciple include worship, faith, serving, and giving. We practice the art of becoming more like Jesus. The goal of a disciple is to follow Jesus to become like Jesus. We love like Jesus. We show compassion like Jesus. We forgive like Jesus. We have faith like Jesus. Becoming like Jesus is a process. We start with a relationship with Jesus, trusting Jesus with our very lives. We learn the building blocks of Jesus’ teaching and apply them each day. Perhaps there is no greater avenue to become more like Jesus than through suffering. In the days of the prophet Isaiah, the people were arrogant, feeling their accomplishments were proof that they didn’t need God, and were described as a prayerless people. The prophet Isaiah knew suffering and uncertainty. He lived in Jerusalem during the time the Assyrian army conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. The army marched to Jerusalem and laid siege to the city.  He gave advice to King Ahaz to hold steady and put his faith in God during the siege. The army eventually withdrew. Chapter 64 reminds us not to depend on our trophies of personal accomplishment. We must put our faith in God to get through the most difficult challenges we face. If we suffer in the midst of the challenges, we can hold on to the knowledge that Jesus suffered too. He suffered for us. Disciples in the early centuries of Christianity embraced suffering as a way to become more like Jesus. Isaiah gave us the image of clay in the hands of a potter. God is molding us into the likeness of Jesus with every circumstance and experience. As followers of Jesus, let us be committed to reading our Bible to learn how to follow Jesus. Let us pray to gain strength in a relationship with God. If we must suffer, let us suffer with faith.

Lord God on high, increase our faith in you in every circumstance. By the power of your Holy Spirit, transform us into the likeness of Jesus, your Son, our Savior. May your presence be with all who are suffering today and strengthen them with faith and patience. Amen.