“Life is difficult,” according to M. Scott Peck in his book, The Road Less Traveled. He goes on to say that this is one of the great truths of life. Once we see this truth, we transcend it. Once it’s understood and accepted, it has no power to debilitate us.
Whether or not we agree with this author’s perspective, the fact remains that life has devastating challenges. We can choose to be overcome by them, or see them through the lens of faith and overcome them!
In Corinthians, Paul offers us this hope:
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We are knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
Recently, I was inspired by a Facebook post from a former congregant in my first church in Brooklyn, New York. He and his wife are facing the challenge of their life. He wrote:
“Our story begins with Matthew Joseph who was born very premature, a little over 2 lbs. with very serious pulmonary and cardiac issues…But We Believe God!!! Please pray for our little boy as God brings him through this and gives him abundant life!!!”
His post demonstrates how people of faith find strength and hope in the midst of difficult circumstances. It reminded me of the time my son, Paul, was given a 50 percent chance of survival at birth. He had four major surgeries in his first year. It was faith and prayer that took us through this emotional ordeal and taught us how to triumph over future difficulties.
READ MORE: HEALING FROM OUR HURTS
As Rabbi David J. Wolpe reminds us in his book, Why Faith Matters, “Faith is a strength grounded in humility…faith is not an idea but a way to live.” Let us not forget… if we want to be overcomers, we must make faith a way of life!
Has life been difficult for you? I encourage you to tell us how your faith impacted the outcome and ask that you please keep Matthew Joseph in your prayers.
Lord, we pray for Matthew Joseph’s complete healing and for all those going through difficult times. May they find strength, courage and hope in You.
