Without a doubt everyone goes through challenging circumstances at some point in his or her life. And equally certain, one’s life experience beforehand and awareness of others’ challenges put our own challenges in perspective.
A call from a doctor rescheduling routine medical procedure, a colonoscopy, is irritating. Not as irritating as it would have been several hours later when I would have been taking a colonic, though. But others I know have faced, or are facing challenging health conditions, and are doing as best as they are able. At least, I have some experience in that arena with past hospitalizations and surgeries, but I have not been struggling with an incurable illness. And certainly, the pitfalls of living, twenty years into the new Millennium, whether ‘civil disobedience’ over government COVID mandates, irritatingly high gasoline prices, or shortages in avocados at the grocer, are frustrating. Race and gender politics are frustrating as well for those who rightfully expect fair and equitable treatment. Yet these pale in comparison to an independent Ukraine being invaded and bombed by the Russian Army. War is far worse for those in the middle of it.
17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. [2 Corinthians 4:17 -18 (NIV)]
For those who desperately need encouraging in difficult times, lasting hope is found in the spiritual realm. The Apostle Paul encourages us with a confidence that came from the message and example of Jesus Christ who overcame death itself. Tough times are indeed temporary, when Eternity with God is promised for those who love Him. For my global blogging friends in places where circumstances are truly challenging, I pray for you. Be resolute. And turn to the One who soothes all our troubles, the God of all Comfort.
Ed. Note: “Tough Times” was the Billy Ocean score in the movie, The Jewel of the Nile, released in 1985, starring Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito, and Michael Douglas. 1985 was a difficult year financially for me, as a result of choices I made. However, it lead to a series of decisions (and challenging circumstances, too) that, decades later provide the life I have.
It's a Dog's Life 