Today I feel compelled to share with you all a blog post I wrote last year. With so much madness going on in the world, I thought this post might bring some comfort to you. If you are going through a tough time right now, keep walking! If you are in a season of rejoicing, keep walking! No matter what life brings, or how good or bad you feel, get up each day, tie up those tennis shoes, plug in Toby Mac’s song — if you have not heard Toby Mac’s song with this title, I encourage you to give it a listen; it will make you feel like Rocky Balboa! — and turn it up loud, take a deep breath and forge ahead!
Y’all, this past month has been a rough one. It seems like every day I write these words on someone’s Facebook wall, “Praying God will wrap His arms of comfort around you.”
These are not just words. These are my heartfelt prayers. Never have I seen so many people sick, never have I seen so many people I care about suffering through the loss of loved ones, and never before have I seen so much wickedness in our beloved country.
And now, with the Coronavirus lurking around the corner, we have even more on our proverbial plate.
A lot of people seem to be asking, “Why?”
A dear cousin sent me a devotion this week that asked, “Why NOT?”
1 Peter 4:12 tells us, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”
Our trials and sufferings should not be seen as strange, but EXPECTED.
Jesus Himself assured us that there will be suffering in our lives. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Here is what we need to know: We need to prepare for suffering.
Suffering will come; it’s not a matter of IF it will come, but WHEN and HOW MUCH.
As you read this, and you do not have any suffering or tragedy, I would say, “Rejoice, and enjoy it!” But even in your time of blessings, KNOW that hardship will eventually come.
Here is the bottom line: You are either coming out of a storm — or headed into another one. It’s just a matter of time.
“People are born for trouble as readily as sparks fly up from a fire.” (Job 5:7)
In this life, the only way to avoid suffering is to die.
So, like the diligent squirrel gathering nuts for the winter, store these truths to your heart.
In his book, If God is Good, Why?, author Randy Alcorn says, “Most of us don’t give focused thought to evil, sickness, and suffering until we experience them. This forces us to formulate perspective on the fly, at a time when our thinking is muddled and we’re exhausted and consumed by pressing issues. People who have been there will attest that it’s far better to think through suffering in advance.“
In other words, BE PREPARED AHEAD OF TIME!
At first, I thought this devotional was harsh. I felt it was riddled with a side helping of gloom and doom. But, after reading it a number of times, my thoughts changed, and I realized it was absolutely spot-on. We DO need to prepare, as best as we can, for hard times, (not just monetarily) sickness, loss, and trials. KNOW they will come!
But, fear not! There is good news! Even though our lives will be covered in chaos much of the time, God has told us that He will never leave us! Never! Isn’t that amazing?! It really is!
Does that mean our hearts, bodies and minds will not hurt? NOPE.
Does that mean we will not suffer great losses? NOPE.
Does that mean we will not be disappointed by people…even those we love? NOPE.
What it does mean is that even though we suffer, we are covered!
It means God will see us through the hard times.
He will be with us.
He will comfort us.
He will give us peace that passes all understanding.
He has us covered!
He will carry us as we walk through the fire.
He has already conquered death, so let us not feel conquered!
Because of Him, we win!
I am praying for all of my friends and loved ones who are going through difficult times right now. There are so many. But remember, that even in the eye of the storm, God’s goodness, mercy and grace continues.
Be good to yourself.
Do good for others.
We are all in this together and through it all, God stays beside us, behind us, and in front of us.
Fear not!
Y’all be sure to keep your hands washed and your spirit clean!
- Better on the Other Side - April 28, 2020
- It is Well with my Soul - April 18, 2020
- We are the Easter People - April 11, 2020