Tuesday, February 9, 2010

TOUGH STUFF - Philippians 4:13

I don’t care how old you are, where you live or what you do for a living; if you’re single or married; childless or have a house full of kids; own your home or rent your place…it’s always something. It makes no difference which hobby you enjoy, who you know, how much money you make, whether you’re a workaholic or completely retired from the workplace, whether you’re a person who has little or no faith or you’re strong-hearted follower of Jesus…it’s always something! Life and tough stuff go hand in hand. It typically appears as a gradually intensifying storm. Sometimes sudden winds of adversity hit hard against us as our barometers take a dive to the bottom of the gauge. Maybe you’re there right now.

Tough stuff seems easier managed when you see it coming. But how often does that happen? It’s the treacherous assaults beyond the horizons, those mental muggings we cannot see, that buckle our knees. Anybody know what I’m talking about?

Adversity has a way of cutting us down. After the initial blunt blow, we’re left stunned, wondering what hit us. Occasionally the blows are so brutal they alter life as we know it. The tough stuff tests the core of our beings, leaving us with contrasting results. It will either strengthen our deepest beliefs, or unravel the very fabric of our faith. Everything depends on our response.

Tough stuff happens in life; and will continue to happen. Sometimes we bring it on ourselves. More often, however, we had nothing to do with why it occurred. There is simply no escape from the trials and the turmoil related to living on this planet. A quick glance at the past six months of most of our lives is all it takes to convince us of this truth. Who would have guessed a year ago that you had all this in front of you? Who would have thought the devastation would happen in Haiti? Who would have imagined that after years of a marriage and children, you two would be going in separate directions? How could you imagine that after so many years with a successful company you would now be unemployed? Your physical two years ago presented you as a healthy and vibrant individual. How can the doctor now tell you it’s cancer? That’s tough stuff!

The good news is that God has provided us with the right perspective. He has made available a Savior, and His name is Jesus. He wants to take the blows for you, to help you through the tough stuff. He can become the rudder of your life when fierce winds blow your compass, when you’ve lost your bearing, and when your sailing on doesn’t seem possible. He knows your situation because He himself had his own share of tough stuff, and He’s not unfamiliar with anything you’re facing.

The Apostle Paul said it best, “I can do all things though Christ Jesus which strengthens me.” That word strengthens means he puts a dynamo in me. Isn’t that Great?! When Christ comes into our lives, He places an unseen power in us. It’s a power pack that can be adjusted, adapted, tightened up, or even let loose if need be. It can release or hold back, depending on the terrain. It can keep things on a fairly even plain. How? Why? Because HE is present!

Getting though the tough stuff is neither quick nor easy. It’s what makes life sometimes seem harsh and unfair; sometimes even impossible. But knowing that we have our Father near can be just enough to keep us on our feet and able to take on whatever tomorrow may include.

It’s always something…but the good news is: when tough stuff shows up, Jesus is already there!