Wednesday, December 14, 2011

In Rough Times

Scripture Verse that Caught my attention today: Hebrews 12:3 Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.

Observation: In Christ we find hope in difficult times.

Application: Recently I learned of a person going through a bit of a rough time who was expressing discouragement. It’s understandable. Most, if not all of us, go through such times.

When such times are the result of our own actions, we somewhat understand, even if it isn’t pleasant. But when such times appear to come without cause, well, that can be especially tough.

Scripture, however, doesn’t bat an eye at such things. One of my favorite verses for perspective comes from 1 Peter 4:12:

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”

Jesus says as much in his sermon on the mount as recorded in Matthew 5:11-12: “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

And here in Hebrews we are reminded to consider again what Jesus himself went through unjustly.

Rough times are part of life. Not necessarily pleasant, mind you, but still part and parcel of an earthly existence. I liken it to football receivers who are going up to catch a ball and are also going to get hit by the defender almost simultaneously. They are going to get hit anyhow, so they might as well catch the ball so that there is some blessing in the experience.

In life we will go through some rough times. We don’t have to like it, but we can embrace such times as opportunities to be gripped by the hope that can only be found through the one who suffered and died unjustly for us. With such hope, may we not grow weary or lose heart.

Prayer: Lord, thanks for the example you provide. Help us to focus on you more than on ourselves and whatever plight we might be going through at any given moment. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings today included: Hebrews 12-13, Jude)

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