Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him. 2 Samuel 10:12
I won’t go into a lot of detail, but last week was one of the most challenging weeks I’ve had in my professional career. I know that in my line of work there are bound to be bad outcomes. Still, when it happens, it’s tragic and profoundly stressful. I have learned over the years though, that it’s not necessarily the trials that define me, but rather, how I respond to them. Do I drown my sorrows in food, porn, or chemicals? Or do I take my trials to God, asking what he wants me to do with them?
At the end of my challenging week, I was blessed by a phone call from a dear brother who has been slowly dying of an insidious cancer for years. Over the last few months, his decline has accelerated and, as he knows his time is limited, he wanted to reach out to say some important things. During our conversation, I reminded him of what he once told me. Several years ago, when discussing his cancer, he said this about it – It’s simply one more opportunity to lean into God. My brother’s life hasn’t been defined by his cancer, but rather by the faith he’s exercised in response to it. His faith inspires me, and I love him for it.
How do I respond when life’s trials threaten to overwhelm and I simply don’t know what to do? That’s the question answered in today’s passage. In the story, Joab – commander of Israel’s armies – was surrounded by his enemies. Though his situation looked bleak, Joab didn’t despair. Rather, he exercised faith. Faith to Joab didn’t mean that he believed God would do whatever Joab wanted, getting him out of trouble. Rather, Joab obeyed God and left the results up to him, trusting that his will was good – even if Joab didn’t get the outcome he desired. Even in the face of death, Joab obeyed God and inspired others to do likewise.
So, in the stressors of my work, how do I respond? Do I turn to some immediate gratification? Or do I keep my eyes focused on God, making my feet follow? What can I do? I can’t fix this situation, and I can’t undo what’s happened. My options are to respond well or self-destruct. Being a Christian doesn’t mean that all of life’s trials will have a happy ending. Following Christ though – living by faith – means that I can find peace and joy, even in the trial. This is simply one more opportunity to lean into God.
Thanks for that lesson brother.