They say adversity can either make you better or bitter. What makes the difference? Three things are helpful to propel us into the better.
Be aware of God’s purposes.
It doesn’t take a prophet to know that God has a plan in this period of Covid-19. All believers agree that He is re-setting the world.
Hebrews 12:26-27 – At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
Have you noticed in the course of adjusting to living in a new way, a lot of things we thought we couldn’t live without, are actually dispensable? Are you also beginning to see clearly what are the essentials? Do you find yourself re-prioritizing your life activities? Believe it, this is part of God’s plan!
In the first devotion I wrote, I shared how God provided a prayer garden for my 14-day self-quarantine. During one of my prayer times there, He spoke to me very clearly: “Pray for the Bride of Christ to pass this test.” I believe, God is giving us, His bride an opportunity to re-align ourselves with His purposes.
Focus on the process
Hebrews 12:10-11 – They (our earthly fathers) disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Have you ever worked on a project and can’t wait to get it out of the way? I was in such a mode while pursuing a degree in the States. I couldn’t wait to get the certification and fly home. But God had another focus… He didn’t bring me home until I have learned the lessons He intended.
He was interested in the process while my attention was on the product. To cut the story short, I returned home stronger in faith, grown closer to Him, and full of thanksgiving testimonies. I couldn’t remember much of the academics, but my life was transformed by the journey and tests of faith.
Adversity has a way to bring out the strength in us. Treat it as your friend – to propel you further and higher. It is in times of trials that we grow stronger. The roots of trees grow deeper in winter. That is maturity.
Overcome one day at a time
Lamentations 3:22-23 – Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
One of my favourite hymns is “Day By Day.” May you find strength through the lyrics.
Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best–
Lovingly, it’s part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Ev’ry day the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He whose name is Counselor and Pow’r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”
This the pledge to me He made.
Help me then in eve’ry tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.
May we pass this “test” with flying colours and emerge a better person; with a stronger faith in God and clearer understanding of His purposes. Don’t waste your suffering!