Have you ever stumbled in the dark? It’s quite scary and gets us out of balance and we perceive strange things sometimes yet when, as Christians, we stumble it can be quite different.

God is the master picker up of us. It’s not a problem that we stumble and fall (literally or more usually in our behaviour) it’s how long we stay there that matters.  In the Bible, in the book of Micah, it says (in chapter 7 and verse 8) “Enemy, [and we have one opposing us at all times – my comment] don’t laugh at me. I have fallen, but I will get up again.  I sit in the shadow of trouble now, but the Lord will be a light for me.” (New Century version)

There is always hope for us Christians because God is on our side and will help us whenever we call to him.  He can enable us overcome impossible odds as He specialises in miracles. That’s why, in my opinion, it is not on the cards to even consider euthanasia as an option.  Even if in the midst of our trial/trials we feel low it doesn’t mean that we won’t feel differently another day and our circumstances can change to help with this.  If a person is suffering and does not know the tenderness and help of the Lord Jesus Christ, then knowing Him will be a huge asset and will give us all that we need to carry on in this life.

Living here on earth is just a rehearsal for the real life that is awaiting us when we physically die. As we learn to overcome here and deal with the challenges with His strength and enabling, then God builds character in us and this is far more valuable than riches or even health. Let’s not give up here when we have all the resources available to live a godly life here unless Jesus Christ is a liar and I don’t see this as being a part of His character at all.

So, when we stumble, we can learn to be kind to ourselves, dust ourselves down, forgive others and ourselves (and that’s hardest) if that is necessary and get up again.

Our children need to know that stumbling is not necessarily a sin.  It depends what caused the stumbling. Children need to know that God loves them so much even when they get it wrong or slip for no fault of their own.  In the physical realm, a child can gain a lot of comfort from the adults around them who can sympathise and try to make a child feel better if they are upset. Similarly in the behaviour realm, others can be around us to help us to get up again and move forward.

May our children keep being reminded of the great God who made all of creation and yet loves each one of them and each of us adults with a love that is beyond description – it is so deep and high and all embracing.