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Fearless Through the Storms of Life
When life throws you lemons, make lemonade. Seems simple enough, this popular proverbial phrase. However, turning the sourness of life into something positive can be easier said than done. Crises and calamities come at us at the most inopportune times. We find it difficult, even unyielding at times, to navigate the treacherous waves that swell over the hull. Quickly losing sight of the safe harbor that is just outside our reach.
Crises have their own unique characteristics. But some features do recur, even generally. It’s how we prepare to face the unknown challenges that life sets before us that determine how we’ll come out on the other side. Winston Churchill, as usual, put it well. In speaking of the storm on the horizon from Nazi Germany, he remarked:
“It is a curious fact about the British Islanders, who hate drill and have not been invaded for nearly 1000 years, that as danger comes nearer and grows, they become progressively less nervous. When it is imminent, they are fierce. When it is mortal, they are fearless.”
It's in the turbulent waters of life when we need our Heavenly Father the most. As the psalmist says,
"When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul."
Psalm 94.19
Becoming strong and courageous in spite of the perils we face can be a tall-order. Preparation beforehand is essential. We can and we must cultivate nerves of steel by knowing our God is with us. He has chosen us as His children and heirs. Sharing in His glory through our sharing in His sufferings (Romans 8.17). There's simply no comparison between the sufferings we face and the eternal glory that awaits us. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" is not necessarily a rhetorical question. For as we look towards the imminent danger that awaits us on the horizon of life, the obvious answer should transform us into stalwart disciples of Christ. We become fierce. We become fearless. It's the same assurance given to the children of Israel when faced with the prospect of encountering nations much, much stronger than they.
"You shall not dread them, for the Lord your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God."
Deuteronomy 7.21
The transcendent Creator of the universe is immanent. He is nearby. Always. What a blessed assurance indeed. But we too can play a part. I simply love the New King James rendering of Proverbs 27.17.
"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
Grief, despair and yes, even hopelessness are sometimes hidden behind the visages of cheerfulness. As a family of God, we must endeavor to look for opportunities to strengthen one another. To lift each other up. But that will take a concerted effort on our part as we cultivate deep and lasting relationships with each other. And in those moments, we can aid in comforting souls.
Seeds germinate in darkness. And diamonds are formed under pressure. Transformation into what God desires us to be is our aim. We can endure. We can become fierce. Fearless.
The Lord is on our side (Psalm 118.6). We will triumph through Him.
