Right now, the world is reeling under the threat of the Corona Virus. People are scared. Whole sections of grocery stores are sold out. All public venues are closed down. How do we respond to all of this?
The Apostle Paul had pressures in his day as well. Listen to his insights.
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.
2 Corinthians 1:8-10
It’s my hope and prayer that you’re never in a life-threatening situation. I’m also trusting God to keep us safe and healthy in spite of all that’s going on around us.
I know, however, that weather, accidents, and natural disasters can come when least expected. It seems like every day there’s something going on in the United States that could have tragic results. If and when that occurs, you will be faced with a choice – do you despair and give up or do you continue to put your hope in God?
I’ve been in that kind of situation. I know what it feels like to be trapped by an unforeseen incident with no way out and no help in sight.
At one point, I was on a solo hike in the backwoods of Maine. I had an accident that resulted in a severe sprain. I could barely walk and I was miles from the nearest road.
At about the same time, a huge thunderstorm hit the area. I can tell you that at a time like this there’s a great temptation to just give up.
I praise God that the Holy Spirit within me was there to encourage me. I continued on, even through the pain, and was miraculously brought safely out of the wilderness. I say “miraculously” because this was before I had the use of a cell phone.
It’s truly in those times of need that God proves Himself faithful. I can say, without hesitation, that God has never abandoned me to my problems.
We’re facing many challenges right now in our society. The question is; how will we respond to the pressure?
The key to making it safely through a problem, either present or future, is to make the choice now, that whatever happens, you will not abandon your trust in God. You’ll find that He’s always there with you to help you in your time of need.
The main thing that helped the apostle was the ability to look back and see how God had been faithful in the past. As you remember what God already accomplished in you, it’s easier to trust Him with your future. Because God showed Himself strong in my past challenges, I can expect Him to show up in my present situation.
In your prayer time today, reaffirm your trust in the Lord to take you through the hard times. Place your life fully in His hands.
Question: What challenges has God already brought you through in the past?
© 2020 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 