"In those days when your pray, I will listen.If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you" Jeremiah 29:12-13
A wicked problem is defined as 'a problem that is difficult or impossible to solve because of incomplete, contradictory and changing requirements that are often difficult to recognise. It refers to a problem that cannot be fixed, where there is no single solution to the problem. The adjective 'wicked' denotes resistance to resolution rather than evil.' Ref 1
These days of the Covid-19 virus pandemic are unprecedented times. More than 187 countries and governments are navigating through life threatening and economy devastating realities. Recently the World Health Organisation stated that the virus will not go away; the whole world has to live with it and come out with work around solutions to save lives and livelihood. It has become a 'Thorn in the Flesh' for many a country and government.
What about us personally? There are times when we will face with intractable problems. Some will face failures in business, others have family quarrels, some are out of work for a long time and still others have illnesses without cures. These wicked problems weigh heavily on our hearts and spirits. There appears to be no end in sight.
The Bible acknowledges that in this life, we will have problems. Old testament history tell of the struggles of the Israelite in times of famine, living in deserts and wilderness, oppressed by conquerors. But they remained God's people and God never left them. Oddly the Bible tells us to learn to live through these difficult times. James in his epistle said, "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance have a chance to grow." James 1: 2-3
These days of the Covid-19 virus pandemic are unprecedented times. More than 187 countries and governments are navigating through life threatening and economy devastating realities. Recently the World Health Organisation stated that the virus will not go away; the whole world has to live with it and come out with work around solutions to save lives and livelihood. It has become a 'Thorn in the Flesh' for many a country and government.
What about us personally? There are times when we will face with intractable problems. Some will face failures in business, others have family quarrels, some are out of work for a long time and still others have illnesses without cures. These wicked problems weigh heavily on our hearts and spirits. There appears to be no end in sight.
The Bible acknowledges that in this life, we will have problems. Old testament history tell of the struggles of the Israelite in times of famine, living in deserts and wilderness, oppressed by conquerors. But they remained God's people and God never left them. Oddly the Bible tells us to learn to live through these difficult times. James in his epistle said, "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance have a chance to grow." James 1: 2-3
Peter said, "These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold - though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and honour on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." 1 Peter 1:7
So, we are to endure suffering with cheerfulness, take it with a sense of humour and carry on with life. Aristotle observed, "Suffering becomes beautiful when anyone bears great calamities with cheerfulness not through insensibility but through greatness of mind." Aristotle also said, 'It is during our darkest moment that we must focus on the light'
Indeed we are encouraged by Psalms 27:1 'The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?'
YouVersion published a 7 days devotional entitled Good News: Encouragement for a World in Crisis. It has this advice for us: When we remember who God is and what He's done, we'll be more likely to walk with hope when things are threatening to overwhelm us. What we fill ourselves up with everyday is important.
So, we are to endure suffering with cheerfulness, take it with a sense of humour and carry on with life. Aristotle observed, "Suffering becomes beautiful when anyone bears great calamities with cheerfulness not through insensibility but through greatness of mind." Aristotle also said, 'It is during our darkest moment that we must focus on the light'
Indeed we are encouraged by Psalms 27:1 'The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?'
YouVersion published a 7 days devotional entitled Good News: Encouragement for a World in Crisis. It has this advice for us: When we remember who God is and what He's done, we'll be more likely to walk with hope when things are threatening to overwhelm us. What we fill ourselves up with everyday is important.
- When we fill our minds with the truth from God's Word, we'll become so acquainted with it that when we're faced with something that isn't true, we'll know
- When we worship God through song or praise Him while looking at His creation, it'll build our spirits and lift our focus from the daily trials we face
- When we walk through life with like-minded followers of Jesus, there's built in encouragement for us in our experiences with them (Ref 2)
Isaiah 40:31 'But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not be weary they will walk and not faint.' God says 'Walk with Me.'
Lionel
Lionel
Ref 1: Wikipedia
Ref 2: YouVersion Good News:Encouragement for a World in Crisis
Andrew Loh wrote....
ReplyDeleteI resonate with your sharing at these times.
It seems that the 3 points resonate with Jesus being the Way, the Truth and the Life which resonates with the 'soul' ie comprising the Mind, Emotions and the Will.
We often excel in feeding our minds and emotions but tend to be weaker in the will ie aligning our wills with the will of God which is obedience. It is in suffering that we will ourselves to count it all joy and through this to soar like eagles.
Keep writing. Amen.