A Closer Walk
Adversity. At different times and during different seasons, most of us have faced some type of adversity. Times when our situation or circumstance changed, and to our way of thinking, for the worse. Nations also face adversity. Recessions, depressions, wars or other military conflicts. Or even a pandemic. The current situation in our country caught us off guard, for this was unexpected. As a nation we are experiencing adversity because of the corona virus. Businesses have been forced to close; people have lost their jobs and livelihoods. And some necessities of life have become hard to find.
But dark clouds have silver linings. Restaurants have been closed to dine-in customers. But almost all are offering curbside or carryout service. And many are offering delivery. When the situation or circumstance changes, then we must adapt and change the way we interact with our world. And having a hot, cooked meal delivered to our home is an easy way to adapt. Americans invented the drive-through. This was an adaptation in response to a more mobile and car-driven society. We are adapting to this as well.
What won't change is our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever," Hebrews 13:8 NASB. Why is this important? Ever been around a real moody person? One day they act like your best friend; the next they act like they want to fight. And we don't know beforehand which it will be. Our Savior on the other hand is the same yesterday and today, and yes even forever. Plus, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea,” Psalm 46:1-2 KJV.
So if our Lord and our God never changes, and He is our refuge and strength, doesn't that mean He is always our refuge and strength? Even on those days when things are going pretty well? Or on the days when they aren't? Doesn't that mean that He is someone we can count on? Rain or shine, day or night, in sickness and in health? Regardless of whether we are experiencing blue sky and sunshine, or if the sky is falling, He is there. A very present help in times of trouble. Therefore, we should not fear.
Football players experience some adversity pretty much every game. Have you ever seen Patrick Mahommes, the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, complete a pass when he had three or four defensive players chasing him? That is adversity, but not unusual for a NFL quarterback. But he is able to turn those plays into touchdowns; often to the disbelief of the sportscasters. During the 2018 season the Chiefs were playing the San Francisco Forty Niners and Patrick had one such play. The sportscaster testified about Mahommes, “He's in trouble.” Patrick had run to his left to get away from the oncoming pass rush only to encounter two more defenders breaking through the offensive line and coming after him on that side. So he turns and runs back the other way and with the original rusher still after him throws the ball to a receiver in the end zone for a touchdown. The sportscaster exclaims, “Are you kidding me?” This in disbelief that no defender was able to get their hands either on the ball or on the Kansas City quarterback. Patrick Mahommes gives credit to Almighty God for the ways the Lord has blessed him and the gifts and talents he has been given.
While you and I aren't NFL players, our God has blessed us mightily; daily; continuously. Even in times of trouble blessings abound. Dark clouds do indeed have silver linings. And when these stay at home directives end, there likely will be church potlucks in our future. Amen, Amen, and Amen!