“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
– Philippians 4:11-13
One of the most interesting things about life is that how we endure our circumstances is very much a matter of perspective. There is always more than one way to frame or look at a situation, and our perception has a great deal to do with how we process what we face. Naturally, this holds true during the challenges of COVID-19 and the many ways in which it is impacting our daily lives. While I can’t change your perspective, I can offer you some words of encouragement that may help, so I’m going to revisit something that I preached on last year: becoming anti-fragile. Envision a box of highly valuable crystal champagne flutes, wrapped up tightly and sealed for shipping. On the outside of the box, a big red label is affixed that identifies them as “fragile.” If I asked you what the opposite of those highly delicate objects are, what would you say? If you’re like me, you might immediately think of something strong and tough like a bowling ball or a baseball, both of which are very difficult to destroy. However, the essence of anti-fragility is actually not something indestructible from the start, but something that improves the more it’s handled, beat up, and tossed around. Imagine an amazing champagne glass that repairs itself if broken, comes back stronger, and then multiplies — that’s what it means to be anti-fragile. My friend, in this season of change and uncertainty, you have a unique opportunity to become anti-fragile. This is not an attempt to deny the gravity of the situation, but rather an encouragement to build your resolve on the inside. As a Christian, you stand on the unchanging Rock who undergirds the world with His strength, and He has given you the unique ability to thrive in adversity and to grow stronger through it. Embrace the inconvenience and welcome the discomfort, knowing that you were made for this time. There is nothing He brings you to that He will not see you through, and even if you walk through the darkest valley, He will be with you to strengthen, encourage and make you more like Him. |
Prayer
Jesus, I ask that you would work in this time to make me anti-fragile. Strengthen me on the inside so I can be more like you.
Reflection
How can you change your perspective so that adversity works to make you better?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need an extra dose of weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
2 Responses
Suggestion:
Find a more positive synonym for “extra dose”.
It’s too medicinal and you take a dose not because you want to but because you have to. Many would prefer NOT to take an “extra dose”.
I consider the Hour of Power to be an “elixir ” that gives hope, uplifts spirits, a beacon of light, etc.
I also don’t like “elixir” either, but I’m sure you have capable wordsmiths to improve this wording.
I live in Newfoundland, Canada and I have to stay in my home because I am on medications for 10 days then my GP doctor will decide if I should be tested for COVID-19 vires. I will call my GP Doctor when I have finished the antibicotics, then a deciadtion will be made call 811 and report how I feel. A nurse will hopefully then call me to see if I should have the test for the COVID-19. I have not been outside my hone for over 2 weeks and I have found it very difficult to deal with. My interest in doing other things like quilting I do not have any interest because I need to clean up the area so that I can so. We have has a lot of snow which makes for dark days which I have having trouble dealing with. I severe arthritis which is very painful and I am unable to medicine which the doctors. I do not have the typical body where I can not take the medications the doctors would like me to take.