Could you imagine what it would be like if the bank foreclosed on you; or the government announced a compulsory acquisition of your home; or any circumstance that took you away from what once seemed so secure. If that was you, how would you respond? What would you say to God?
Or what about this: a significant part of your adult life has been spent in prison. Abandoned by your friends and family. Would you have anything positive to say about your life? Or what about a health diagnosis that significantly impacts your life?  Or perhaps you woke up one day and realised just how bad your life has been – and all you had in you was to confess to God and pray for mercy.
Sunday by Sunday in worship we confess our faith and trust in the Lord knowing full well that we could just as easily face traumas such as these. What if any of this happened to you, dear faithful disciple of Jesus?
I hope that even the thought of such events turns you more and more to Jesus. That your faith is strengthened despite life’s circumstances. Each of the readings today points us to a faith that deepens, perseveres, leads us back to the truth, and even thrives in the face of such disasters. So if your life is challenged in any way, read the word, listen out this Sunday for a Word of hope and grace and mercy and peace for you. Lord have mercy.