My heart aches at the idea that it is within God’s loving and righteous character to strike those whom he loves in ways that cause deep and lasting pain, even if it is for glorifying and lifesaving purposes. But I believe this seeming dichotomy can be reconciled...

To put it in terms the apostle, Paul, would appreciate, I once (unconsciously) viewed myself (along with my spiritual siblings) to be wrapped tightly around the trunk of a great, old olive tree (the family tree of Abraham’s promise). And then, I was unexpectedly confronted with the fact that I’m actually a humble, little twig on a humble, little branch, and am truly blessed to be artificially grafted into the family tree, amongst its natural branches.