In All Situations
Dr. Fred Faust tells of the following man:“Early in my ministry, I met a man named Worral. He had been stricken with rheumatoid arthritis at age 15, and when I met him 30 years later, he was totally paralyzed except for 1 finger, could barely speak and was totally blind. But he had a string tied to that one mobile finger that could turn on a recorder. He wrote for national magazines, authored books and led a happy and influential life from his bed. This was possible because after initial prayers brought no healing, he accepted his lot graciously and said, "Well Lord! If this is the size plot in life you've staked out for me, let's you and me together show the world what we can grow on it.”When we are young and healthy and void of tragic experience, it is easy to live care-free, as though life will never turn sour. But the truth is, life deals difficult blows, and tragedy is inevitable for all of us.How will you handle it when it comes? More importantly, how have you handled it, or how are you handling it?Sometimes God’s hand in the middle of trial is evident. But more times than not, it is not immediately visible. Usually, we see His purpose in tragedy years later, when it blooms. But sometimes, it never becomes clear, and will only be revealed from the perspective of heaven. Will you be willing to trust Him until then? Hebrews 11, the “Hall of Faith” chapter, teaches that it is that kind of trusting which defines genuine faith. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believe” (John 20:29).Many allow difficulty to embitter them, and consequently their tragedy is used by Satan to hurt their testimony. But the only right response is one that allows God to use the adversity to glorify Him. It is this Biblical response that keeps Christians from “quitting” and enables us to honor God in all situations.I trust that your worship this weekend is true enough to believe Him in all circumstances!Dr. Faust continued in his above illustration: “Down the path of humble acceptance, Worral achieved a happier and more useful life within the limitations of very restricted circumstances than most people ever will manage with excellent physical health.” And so it could be for all of us, if we are willing to trust and be used of God in all situations!