“Life’s not fair!” Familiar? As we are very much involved in church community (small groups, marriage preparation classes, leadership groups, etc.), we know the struggles, hurts, frustration, gripes, and hopelessness that many go through. Stella and I have our fair share of unexpected bumps too. Thus, we can relate. The Latin root for the word compassion is pati, which means to suffer; and the prefix com, with. Literally, it means to suffer with.1 The common question, “Why?” Surely, we do not have all the answers. Perhaps, we experience problems as a result of our own foolish choices; or as a consequence of our ties with fools; or most ambiguous, they just simply happen (The story of Job2 would be an apt example).
Life is easy when things are going smoothly; but a life without challenge is not reality. More so, for professed Christians, our faith shall be challenged to test if it is genuine.3 An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.4 What will be shaken will be shaken.5
There are two inevitable life situations that may be unsettling and may catch us off guard as follows:
One, when life is favorable and we may be experiencing success or exponential growth. Naturally, whenever there is growth expect a variety of concerns that would demand urgent attention. Beware that we don’t lose sight of the important over the urgent. Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. Thus, the 12 warned the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.” So for the purpose they appointed seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. . . . And the word of God continued to increase and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.6
Two, when suddenly life turns sour, and unbearable challenges arise. Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word . . . and the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report came to the church and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.7
No matter the circumstance, we are to remain faithful and with steadfast purpose. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.8
Welcome 2022 full of hope. God is good all the time and knows what is best for us.
Notes:
1. https://www.compassion.com/child-development/meaning-of-compassion/ #:~:text=The%20Latin%20root%20for%20the,into%20the%20realm%20of%20empathy.
2. Job 1-2:10
3. 1 Peter 1:6-7
4. Proverbs 29:27
5. Hebrews 12:26-29
6. Acts 6:1-7
7. Acts 11:19-23
8. Proverbs 3:5-6
