Are You DISAPPOINTMENT-PROOF?
“. . . I will guide them on paths they have not known. I will turn darkness to light in front of them and rough places into level ground . . . and I will not abandon them.” (Isaiah 42:16)
The Christian life is a matter of living in the present and in eternity simultaneously. When our present tense is challenging, it is the trust in anticipating eternity in the future, that shores us up and provides the stability to press on “in spite of” our current circumstances. When our challenges make life intolerable “because of” we must simply master the art of overcoming “in spite of.”
A Chinese missionary put it this way, “Christianity is a secret companionship.” When one feels dismal and dreary, take heart: you are not alone; that “secret companionship” comes to the rescue! On one hand, your path of life may have led you through the briar and the bramble of disappointments, but on your other hand, you will find the Secret Companion. Simply remain steadfast. Refuse to allow the tensions of living to disrupt the peace of your soul. Your challenges and circumstances need not dim the vision of your future or dull your memory of past victories.
“. . . You will. . . be satisfied. You will praise the name of Yahweh your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. My people will never again be put to shame.” (Joel 2:26)
Let not the transient happenings in your life tarnish your lasting tranquility. May your deeply rooted confidence in God be your secret companion, to carry you even at times when you are minus praise, prestige, and power.