Every now and then we are reminded that He is God, and we are not. Lately those reminders seem to come stacked, layered, and more closely together than used to be the case. Or maybe I’m just at a point of discovering the depths of this reality for myself.
Indeed the first one-third of this year has been full of trials for many all over the world. From the political uprisings in the Middle East, to the earthquakes and tsunamis in various places, to the violent and deadly storms just this week, the news reads like a dramatic screenplay of Matthew 24.
In times like these I often ask the question, “How do people who have no faith in God make sense of the trials of this life?” I don’t necessarily know the answer to that question, but I do know that He has placed believers in this world to be the hands and feet of Christ to a world that very much needs to know He is real.
It’s easy in a world populated by some six billion people to have a diminished sense of responsibility. How often have you thought — or even said — to yourself, “Someone else will do it?” Friends, what if we are that someone? Now is not the time to roll over and say, “Woe is me.” Now is the time to stand up to the challenges at hand, with full confidence and faith in Christ that He will work through us to help usher in His Kingdom on earth.
In his book Missional Small Groups, author M. Scott Boren writes:
I find it interesting that Jesus told His disciples, “You are salt, . . . light . . . a city on a hill.” He did not say, “You should be . . . ,” “You would be if . . . ,” or “You could be if . . . .” He declared who they were and equipped them to live in a way that fit this declaration.
Jesus never promised His followers that this life would be easy; quite the contrary. His words in John 16:33 are clear: “In the world you will have tribulation.” Thankfully He doesn’t stop there. “But take heart; I have overcome the world.” He will walk with us through the storms of life, and that brings me great comfort.
I also love this reminder from Psalm 46:1-3:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. (ESV)
No matter what happens in this world, we can be assured that God is still fully in control.
Whatever trial or trouble you may be facing today, know that if you belong to Christ, then you need not worry about the things of this life because we have the promise of ultimate victory in Him. Just know that the trials we face often provide us with a context in which to connect others to the redemptive message of the Gospel. Let’s be diligent to not squander such opportunities.
I’m mindful today of the words of this familiar chorus:
People need the Lord. People need the Lord.
At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door.
People need the Lord. People need the Lord.
When will we realize that we must give our lives,
For people need the Lord.(Phillip J. McHugh & Greg Nelson, 1983)
