Straits That Straighten Our Way
Isn’t it ironic that good outcomes are often the results of adversity? The old adage, “Necessity is the mother of invention,” suggests that great discoveries are sometimes the results of significant, but unsatisfied, needs. Likewise, our straits can straighten our ways. Our hardships and our plights can open our eyes to see God’s power in our lives and open our hearts to repentance.
Our hardships open our eyes to see God’s power in our lives. Job, a beleaguered righteous man, was heralded as “a perfect and upright man” (Job 1:1). However, through the discerning lens of his devastating tragedies he gained greater spiritual acuity. As Job suffered the death of his ten children, the loss of his great wealth and the affliction of his entire body, he looked to God for direction. While seeing the weakness of his wife and the futility of his friends, Job searched for Godly strength. Through all of his hardships Job became more enlightened, more attuned to God and wealthier than before. It is no wonder that Job ultimately said, “I have heard by the hearing of the ear; but now I see.” Hardships open our eyes to see God’s power in our lives.
Our plights lead us to repentance. Jonah, a preacher who refused to preach (Jonah 1:1-3), was a capable prophet of God. Nevertheless, through his all-consuming experience in the depths of the sea, the depths of despair and the belly of the specially prepared fish, he was propelled to repentance. His turnaround prompted God to save him and permitted him to preach God’s saving message convincingly to the people of Nineveh. It is no surprise that Jonah preached powerfully. Our plights can lead us to soul-saving repentance.
As we experience the straits of life, may we open our eyes to see God’s power and open our hearts for God to see our repentance. May our straits always serve to straighten our way. May God bless the Schrader Lane Church of Christ.