The Bee Stings of Life

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. (Romans 5:3-4, TLB)

A couple weeks ago I took my boys to a splash pad nearby. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining enough to provide warmth for the fun times in the water and the breeze was great for me as I sat on the bench and embraced the joy of my son Zion splashing through the water.

He was having such a great time. It always amazes me how much fun he can have with the simplest of things. I love watching him.

Well, that joy turned into sadness the moment he stepped on a bee and that stinking bee stung him. Ouch! Everything came to a stand still in his world as he could not understand the pain that was radiating from his foot. Wasn’t he just playing, laughing, and having a good ole time. What happened?

I took him in my arms and became his human towel. Being drenched from head to toe didn’t bother me at all as I held him tight. I shared with him that we live in a sin-cursed world and took the opportunity to share why Jesus had to come and die for us. It was a sad moment, a tough moment, but a sweet moment at the same time.

During this, I started to reflect on the bee stings of life. How many times am I going about my business enjoying life and out of nowhere comes a bee sting? Something that stops me dead in my tracks. Those bee stings provide me with an opportunity to cling to my Father. God cares for me. He loves me! He holds me tight even when I’m a complete mess. God is never too busy to comfort His children.

The next time you find the bee sting of life stinging you, find comfort in His arms. May the Lord be your refuge and may you use those bee stings as opportunities to grow in your faith and develop your spiritual muscles.

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2)

Lord, please remind me to come to You the next time the bee stings me in life. I pray that I will always find refuge in You. May I trust in You to be my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer! Thank you Lord for the opportunities You give me to develop my spiritual muscles! 

Living a Joy-Filled Life,