Rise to the Occasion

As the year 2020 continues its twisting turns, it is more than ironic that the year also represents the 75th anniversary of the end of another unimaginable time of tumult, the end of the Second World War. I just finished compiling some personal accounts of the seriously tough times then. It was emotionally draining to put it together for an upcoming issue of Beyond Today, but it also was enlightening. I write about the trauma that my parents went through as one of the millions of refugees from Eastern Europe who survived an inferno that millions did not. When my parents later read and understood the prophecies of the Great Tribulation in Matthew, Revelation, Daniel and other places in the Bible, they exclaimed: "We have already gone through a Great Tribulation!"

With perspective there is encouragement.

Here's a worthy thought to consider from Sir Max Hastings, an eminent journalist and historian of WWII. He writes in his 2011 book Inferno—The World at War 1939-1945: "One of the most important truths about the war, as indeed about all human affairs, is that people can interpret what happens to them only in the context of their own circumstances" (emphasis added throughout).

What's this have to do with us today? In the last 90 days, we have been through much. Many of us have been stretched to the limit. Some face unexpected hardship. For some, wearing a cloth mask represents a difficult challenge to accept.

As Sir Max wrote, it is helpful to remember that we often all see these trials in our own context, in our own place, in our own environment. While we may not be aware of it, that can limit us. It can be difficult to get beyond these seemingly mounting—seemingly never-ending—emotional affronts and physical upsets. We naturally want trials to end, and to end now.

How we respond to these challenges affects and reflects our spiritual condition. We have to acquire the spiritual strength and vision to see beyond the present. That is one major reason why I believe that God preserved these words of the Apostle Paul: "We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die."

What was the outcome of these terribly difficult trials? "But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead." What happened? "And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us" (2 Corinthians 1:8-10, New Living Translation).

These inspired words of scripture give us vital context and perspective. As they have today for some, things can get bad—really bad—but the spiritual solution of trusting in God brings the answer!

In the current July-August issue of Beyond Today, Peter Eddington provides some important words of life for those facing tough times. In his article "Hope and Help for the Brokenhearted," he writes about suicide and how tragic it is that many thousands of people tragically choose to end their lives by their own hand. He writes of how people can get to that state of mind and how they can recover. Peter and I have recorded two podcasts where he talks about his Beyond Today article.

I hope you will take the time to read the article and listen to some of the podcast material. For us as disciples of Jesus Christ, as we follow a divine Being who has experienced the full spectrum of human life and troubles (Hebrews 4:15), we learn and have our own role in helping others. That role plays a major part in how we overcome, which is important, as Jesus Himself tells us: "The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God" (Revelation 3:12, English Standard Version). What a vision and goal!

We become conquerors in part by experiencing trials and learning critical lessons from them, learning how to embrace feelings of discomfort as God uses trials to mold and shape us.

In continuing his account of what he learned from his troubles at Corinth, Paul gives us critical perspective and insight: "God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." Paul goes on to explain how "when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us" (2 Corinthians 1:3-7, TLB).

How do we share that comfort? When others are stressed and acting out, we are kind. When others demand relief, we express contentment and thanksgiving. We look for ways to lighten the load of those around us, and especially those in our fellowship. Where others tear down, we speak and write words of encouragement.

We pray fervently that God pours His love out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). We find ways to serve. For example, where possible, we tip waiters over the expected amount, as they are among the hardest hit economically. We become creative with little things like that.

In short, we show empathy. Empathy—the God-given ability to understand and share the feelings of another—does not come easily or naturally in times like these. But with God all things are possible, even when we don't feel like it.

As we continue through this year, let's ask God for the strength to get out of ourselves, to get out of our personal context. Let's ask through prayer that we can show real empathy, that we can have the spiritual strength to give people the same comfort that God has given us.

Jesus set the standard. Our focus today? "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act" (Psalm 37:8, ESV). With the help of our loving Father, let us rise to the occasion!