After graduating from high school and college, some may use this newly acquired knowledge to look down upon less educated individuals. Meanwhile, others will immediately apply this wisdom, believing every word graduate assistants and professors divulge. Unfortunately, many learn the hard way when trusted theories begin to fall apart under the reality called life. Thus, when all you know begins to fall apart, developing a back up plan is a crucial step toward recovery.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed, 1 Peter 4:12-13.
The Bible is full of advice for anyone who undergoes trying times. One of Jesus’ disciples offers some tough love in the passage above. You shouldn’t be surprised by accidents, circumstances or events that occur. These happenings are merely used by God to challenge, refine and test your faith. Jesus’ earthly brother encouraged first century Christians to embrace trials, James 1:3-6, considering these as teachable moments to grow and mature as a person. However, putting this into practice is much easier said than done.
“So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, will be like a wise man [a far-sighted, practical, and sensible man] who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them, will be like a foolish (stupid) man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods and torrents came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great and complete was its fall,” Matthew 7:24-27.
Sometimes people will have their foundation rocked by natural disasters. Others are forced to cope with disease, illness or viruses that have no known cure, hoping and waiting for a miracle. These events will either break or make you. How you respond will dictate your future path. Thus, when everything you know begins to fall apart, lean on a cornerstone who is reliable, Ephesians 2:20. If you do, you will find a solid rock to stand upon when everything else get’s washed away.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 