An April Fool's Day Joke!

It’s felt like the winter that would never end. Aside from a few warm days that teased us with a bit of spring-like weather, we’ve had a pretty cold and nasty March. I know March is supposed to come in like a lion. But it is also supposed to go out like a lamb. That’s hardly been the case. This morning as I was walking our dog, Mabel, once again it started to snow. I thought to myself, Is this an April Fool’s Day joke? After all, here we are on April 1st , a couple of weeks into spring, wondering whether or not we’re going to be shoveling out one more time.

We all know, however, not only does the weather play all kinds of tricks on us, acting quite unpredictable at times, but so does life itself. We set our plans in motion. We have our expectations and timeframes. We look for the patterns and seasons of life to take a particular course. But, then things don’t turn out the way we expected. We are left wondering, is this for real? We feel taken! We feel as if someone has played an April Fool’s Day joke on us.

Although life may play some pretty cruel “jokes” on us, each of us needs to be reminded, God will never do so. He’s not one to make us think one thing when the truth is something completely different. He’ll never lead us to trust him for something and then pull the rug out from under us. You’ll never hear him say, “April Fool’s” after you’ve believed him. Rather, God is always good and kind. He’s always true and faithful to his word, fulfilling everything he has ever promised his children.

Jesus said, “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:9-11 – NIV) No trickery here! No jokes played on God's children!

Be encouraged today to know that in the midst of the disappointment, pain, sorrow, and cruel “jokes” that life can sometimes bring our way, we have a Father in heaven who loves us. He has promised to always be with us, to hear us as we pray, and to meet our needs. He will always be faithful to his word. And, that’s no April Fool’s Day joke!

Have a great day.

-Pastor Tim Harris

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