I talked to my 85 year-old aunt who lives South of San Antonio Texas, who shared with me that they were without power for a few hours on Sunday and have been without running water for a few days now, but could still put a positive spin on things. When Winter weather affects places that are not used to it, bad things can happen, but it is also a wake-up call that so many things that we take for granted are not always for certain. This past week in Iowa has been one of the colder stretches we have seen in a while, which can make for some challenges as well. We should be used to Winter by now, but a lot of talk has been pretty negative, like the temperatures. In the midst of a year long pandemic, we have faced several challenges, both big and small. Regardless of what we have faced this past year, or in decades prior, we pick up the pieces and move forward, because complaining doesn’t seem to help much in the long run. What have been your biggest gripes over the past few weeks?
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
So, when tough times come your way, and as long as you are living they will, look forward with optimism and hope in what lies beyond, and not just at what is immediately staring you in the face. That’s not to say we should ignore the problems before us, but to not lose hope in spite of them. I faced a few unknowns over the past few weeks and often jumped to the worst case scenario, but with appropriate help and time, the issues were resolved. Hopefully, when we are able to get through tough times, often with help from others, we will realize that our troubles can be overcome. If you ever get a chance to talk to someone between 80-100 years old, you will find out some of the challenges they faced, that may make our current challenges seem tame by comparison, yet they endured. May you see hope and light when you do face some dark days, and may the Lord encourage you in the midst of it!
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Yours in Christ,
Clark
