When unforeseen events, startling situations or the unpredictable occur, you end up in a foreign place, side tracked by life. These trials can be time consuming, often resulting in cancellations, delays or detours from the route you thought you would be traveling. The most common response from Christian observers is Romans 8:28, thinking they are helping by quoting, “all things work together for the good for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
What these first responders don’t recognize is that mothers, fathers and hurting people aren’t ready to accept the fact that their child, friend, relative or spouse is dead. Having a front row seat, I’ve had classmates die in car accidents, friends fall to cancer and others end their life through suicide. While exiting out of funeral homes, the promise of Romans 8:28 was the furthest thing from my mind. The only thing I could provide was a hug, shoulder to lean on and my silent prayers.
During the exile of the Israel, a similar thought process went on in Psalm 137. To cope with this detour, the Psalmist called people to remember the good times, the glory of Zion. Through time, reflection and mediation on the word of God, healing comes. Unfortunately, rates vary, with some turning a journey in the desert into 40 years of aimless wandering. As you go through your own detours in life, lean on James 1:2-4 to provide you wisdom until a new path opens or the old is restored.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 