Can a person live well with cancer, lung disease, stroke, poverty, loneliness, Alzheimer's disease, MS, Parkinson's, divorce, pain or loss?
Sooner or later we all encounter times of adversity. But even in the middle of difficult situations, it is possible to give thanks.
"I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul."
Psalm 31:7
I am not sure what I enjoy the least--moving or being in the hospital. Recently my wife and I moved because, as a result of my severe lung disease, I was unable to keep up with my work responsibilities and we lost our business of 32 years, we lost our home, our vehicles and had to sell all of our furniture and most of our personal belongings in order to raise a little money to move into a hotel.
With me in the hospital, my wife had to handle the move all by herself. Moving seemed to take forever. There seemed to be no end to the things that needed to be boxed for sale, storage or moved to the curb. Many boxes hold memories, some hold family treasures, most hold unnecessary junk.
What we keep is often a reflection of who we are and who we perceive ourselves to be. What should I do with a box full of awards, achievements and other recognitions? My wife said, "Toss them. You've never had them out of the box or displayed, so why start now." She was right.
But on the other hand, uprooting and relocating can be challenging. For my wife and I there were times of sadness, moments of discouragement and, with my wife not knowing if I would be alive by the time she finished packing, seasons of anguish and despair for her.
In the Old Testament, Joshua received word that he was to lead Israel into the land of promise. Israel had waited to move for 40 years. God gave them three days to get ready. And I thought 20 days was short notice for a move, for my wife to manage by herself. How about getting a few million people ready to cross the river and face the enemy, in three days?
Wherever we go, whatever we do, will put us in contact with circumstances that are beyond our control. As God helped Joshua gear up for the invasion, God commanded Joshua on several occasions to "be strong and courageous." Why?
Because Joshua was about to face circumstances that would test his strength and measure his courage: "Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Can one live well with lung disease, or pain, or loss, or loneliness, or poverty? God told Joshua not to be terrified or discouraged. Terror is a response to that which strikes like lightning--something unexpected, something overwhelming, something before which we cannot stand. Terror also is a person trembling in anticipation of the 'worst-case scenario'.
Discouragement is not so much a flash of lightning as a fog bank. It is what happens when we are alone, when hope is gone. Discouragement comes when we feel worthless and incapable. Though not as spectacular as terror, discouragement may be more lethal.
The people of Israel were about to face enemies that had been described as giants. We all face giants on a regular basis. I am discovering that chronic illness is a giant. Lung disease assures me that tomorrow I will be unable to do things that I can do today. I notice subtle ways that my abilities are diminished, my stamina reduced and the level of my achievements declining. These realities temper my every decision--they define my future boundaries.
As we gave away many of our things, I saw parts of me die inside. I can't use my tennis racket for serious tennis play, but it was a part of who I am (though I never won any major tennis tournaments). As I watched my beloved piano leave in another family's truck, I felt the close of another part of my life.
What do we do when we feel trapped, when giants seem to be converging on us? Is there a game plan for dealing with giants? Yes. We take our burdens to God and leave them there.
Four truths from the life of Joshua underscore God's provision for the needs of His people.
REST IN GOD'S PRESENCE
First, nothing should terrify or discourage us if we rest in God's presence: "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you." "The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
To be able to walk through adversity, we must rely on God's presence. God was with Moses, He was with Joshua, and He is with us. He did not forsake Moses, He did not forsake Joshua, and He will not forsake us. In the darkest night, He is there. In the deepest pain, He is there. In loneliness, He is there. In seasons of despair, He is there.
RELY ON GOD'S POWER
Second, nothing should terrify or discourage us if we rely on God's power: "No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life." No one! The universe is under God's control--He leads forth the stars. Not one star is missing.
The Apostle Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who enables me." Satan and his demonic hosts are subject to God: "Every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God."
BELIEVE GOD'S PROMISES
Third, nothing should terrify or discourage us if we believe God's promises: "I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses." "You will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them."
Note that God's presence provides us the power to appropriate His promises. God promises to get His people over the river. He will be with us when the river is calm. Enjoy His presence. When the river is a torrent, trust His power. When difficulty comes, rely on God's promises.
OBEY GOD'S WORD
Fourth, nothing should terrify or discourage us if we obey God's Word: "Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Meditate on my Word day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
Success is predicated upon obedience to God. To do that we must grow in our personal relationship with God. We must trust His power, claim His promises and obey His Commandments.
How am I handling the giants in my life? Sometimes my wife accuses me of acting as if I am in denial. I am sure that is true. I am still in the beginning stages of lung disease, and at this point the disease is a tolerated inconvenience. I have times of discouragement. Sometimes I fell trapped, and on occasion I weep.
The Lord Jesus continues to work in me. His grace truly is sufficient. I still do some writing, I research business ideas in hopes of having a business again some day, and I do a lot of walking--very slow walking.
I am learning to rest in the Lord. Each day is a day that He has made, and I rejoice because of it. I notice the sun coming up every morning and His Spirit brings to mind His faithfulness, and a reminder that His mercies are new every morning. God's presence assures me of His care. His power protects me from giants. His Word feeds my soul and directs my path. And though I am weak beyond all measure, His goodness, kindness, grace and love sometimes shines through me, hopefully for others to experience, as He shows me how to live well with adversity.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Sing Praise To The Lord
Mark
