March 12, 2022
Bishop Harold D. Duncan
Life is a level playing field. Everyone experiences troublesome moments. Whether for a short period, that is a few hours or one that may be a few days, a week, etc. No one can escape our existence unscathed. We all have to deal with feelings of being abandoned, hopelessness, discouraged, wanting to give up, and feeling like a given circumstance will not turn out in our favor. Even being a Christian doesn’t prevent such feelings. There are times when the above feelings seem to take over every thought and emotion that is a part of being alive. This experience is acknowledged and confirmed in Job 14:1, “Man who is born of a woman is short-lived and full of turmoil.” This statement at least for me is not meant to leave us hopeless and without answers. As I have come to understand God and his Word more, difficult moments revealed in Scripture are meant to bring us closer to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are also utilized to develop our spiritual maturity.
Consider that God does not shield us from the experiences of despair, pain, and disappointment. We all wish that he would but its simply not the case. What then is the reason or reasons for his allowing us to have such experiences? This question can be answered with one statement. It is because of his great love for us. His great love cannot be explained only experienced. When we are dealing with moments of despair, it is his great love that covers us until the matter is completed. The Apostle Paul in his first letter to the church at Corinth writes the following, “We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously,” chapter 10 verse 13, The Passion Translation. There is no greater evidence or truth that we can trust and stand on than the Word of God. He guarantees our victory. We only need to seize the opportunity and take him at his Word. I might add that a proper attitude with respect to life’s experiences is equally important while going through any circumstance. Let me be clear. I am not talking about a positive attitude but a faith attitude.
Finally, the Fathers comfort exceeds our every expectation. We have when things are good or difficult. The more I experience him, the more I am learning to rest in the assurances granted to us through our union with Jesus Christ. As the days are growing more evil, our resting all things in him is the comfort and security that we need. So let us not lose heart. Especially during difficult times. It has been said, you can always find someone who is in a more difficult situation. Even if you don’t know of someone, you certainly have heard it. I call it a reality check. That is not to say that any of us are better than anyone else. But it surely helps us to see things more clearer when the temptation to complain seeks to dominate our thinking in the midst of challenging times. The conclusion is, no matter what we may be dealing with, good or bad take refuge in him and give him glory.