Stuff Happens

 Stuff happens in our lives that just make life unsettling. It’s not the way you want it to be. I get it. Life is full of challenges, and we usually can’t go through a week without facing a few things that we’d like to avoid! Whether your challenge today is big or just a minor inconvenience, it's helpful to hear how others handle challenges.

Paul in the Bible had his share of stuff that happened. Take, for instance, his “current situation” as penned in the book of 2 Corinthians.

"We don’t want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn’t think we were going to make it. We felt like we’d been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he’s the God who raises the dead! And he did it, rescued us from certain doom. And he’ll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing. You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation—I don’t want you in the dark about that either. I can see your faces even now, lifted in praise for God’s deliverance of us, a rescue in which your prayers played such a crucial part." (2 Corinthians 1:8-11 The Message)

We don’t know the exact nature of Paul’s trouble while in Corinthians. But he literally said, “It was so bad we didn’t think we were going to make it.” Paul’s circumstances were beyond what any of us had ever experienced and then some! He compared it to being sent to death row. Then Paul said something so amazing! He said “As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally!” God rescued Him! And… He said the Corinthian's prayers mattered. Prayers prayed a crucial part in how Paul got through his challenge.

Whether it’s a heightened new fear of COVID, health issues, relational struggles, or some yucky trouble that has you down, I just want to remind you today of Paul’s perspective with troubles. He was able to see how the “trouble” turned into a positive thing as it forced him to trust in God, not himself.

I need that reminder, don’t you? Just the other day, I was feeling a little down, struggling with my own set of insecurities. It was this verse that lifted my spirits and reminded me of a new perspective. Paul’s life and words give me hope and encouragement for this new day. I want Paul’s attitude, don’t you?

Don’t forget, you’re on this earth to be a blessing to others as they go through their challenges, just like the Corinthians did for Paul. Our prayers can play a crucial part in others’ lives!

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.