CHRISTIANITY has always been heaven-oriented. Nowhere does the Bible assure alleviation and bliss in this earthly life. In fact, the Scripture points out that trials are sent our way so that we can mature and develop stronger. But when your loved ones are dying on all sides, the neighborhood is in ruins, little ones are mutilated and slain, there is not enough food to eat, and the water is polluted—will you allow the church historians to record for the coming generations that your morale remained intact until the end of the painful period, or will you backslide? Do you want to continue your business of reordering homes and making the best of a horrible situation? It is possible not only to survive a crisis but actually to thrive in it.
Whenever we talk about such times, the author is reminded of Job in the Bible, who lost all his property and offspring. Then his physical condition deteriorated. There he was, sitting on the ash heap, covered with boils, grieving for his children, impoverished, rejected by his friends, and wondering what had happened to God. But in that hour of darkness, when every imaginable misfortune had befallen him, his faith did not falter. His spirit did not break; instead, he gazed upward from his misery and said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him!” (Job 13:15). For all time, he remains the classic example of a man whose intellect and will refuse to capitulate to emotion and adverse circumstances.
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The writer certainly does not suggest that men exhibit false happiness when they are dying inside. Nevertheless, there are dangers in allowing the rational judgment of life to lead to depression and despair. This often results in suicide and permanent separation from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Though the writer prays to God to save him from all painful situations, hoping never to experience the measure of sorrow suffered by Job and the biblical martyrs, he wishes that everyone would implement steadfastness when troubles, such as a heart attack, come their way. Focusing on God and remaining obedient to His words is the best answer to all of humanity’s unanswerable questions. As believers, we should remember that in the new heaven, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more pain, for the former things are passed away” (Rev. 21:4). As a Christian, he hopes to be in good health, eat delicious food, enjoy pleasant entertainment with angels, live in peaceful circumstances under theocratic rule, and dwell in beautiful homes in heavenly eternity.
The author from Arunachal Pradesh is a columnist in various dailies. Views are personal.
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