Hopeless Scenarios

Does the God of all hope allow us to experience seemingly hopeless situations? Can the abundant life include setbacks and problems? I have heard of countless stories of suffering believers and even personally know some whose journeys with Jesus have been wrought with painful interruptions. My life is no exemption. I distinctly recall specific times in my life when adversity came knocking. They come in different packages, some major and almost traumatic, some annoyingly small. I remember when I was confined in the hospital and my medication was out of stock. Or the time I accompanied a suffering loved one in the ICU. Or the time my water bag broke on the weekend my doctor had a seminar out of town. Ever get a flat tire with two little kids in tow in a remote subdivision? Or the time my husband and I were to speak on Parenting but we had some friction between us. Ha! We still needed to gel our thoughts together. How?   Oh, how I wanted to be part of the audience that day. Frustration levels are high. Inadequacy and insecurity are just around the corner. Despair lurks, taunting, ready to pounce, given the chance.

Setbacks cause initial disorientation. Seeking refuge in Scripture has proven effective in helping me gain back the right orientation. Why? Where else can you find countless examples of believers who experienced adversities far more complex than my list of setbacks? One cannot miss the personal pain and betrayal as Joseph is rejected and sold by his own brothers in the book of Genesis. I encountered terror and injustice when Daniel was thrown into the den of hungry lions. How about physical intimidation as Herod arrests Peter and assigns four squads of 4 soldiers each to hold Peter in prison? 16 to 1! He actually slept beside them! Seemingly hopeless, if one walks by sight and focuses on what is before them, but if one responds in faith, each scenario turns into a crucial moment ripened for God’s intervention.

I marvel at how the injustices Joseph experienced in the hands of his own family, and the false accusations in Egypt were necessary evils that brought him to where Pharaoh could find him. Though Joseph may have been unaware, God was at work even in the darkest hours of his life. In his very words in Genesis 50:20 As for you, you meant to harm me, ¹  but God intended it for a good purpose, so he could preserve the lives of many people, as you can see this day. ²    

Daniel’s divine preservation in the den of lions was a testimony to the awesome might of His Shield and Protector---a testimony that influenced the reigning King Darius to get rid of corrupt officials in government and to establish a new decree that directed all to fear and revere Daniel’s God who endures forever! From horrifying to glorifying!!

Peter’s baffling escape from prison validates the presence of ministering angels sent by God. How God is able to penetrate the strongest of defenses magnifies His omnipotence and authority. Peter’s subsequent reunion with praying believers declares the power of group intercession. What a mighty God we serve!

The bible says that our Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever. If He was able to transform the trials and testing of Joseph, Daniel and Peter back then, He is just as able today.  

When my medicine was out of stock in the hospital and neighboring drugstores, my husband happened to have a patient then who worked in a pharmaceutical company. When he found out about my need, he sent a bag of samples, the exact amount in my prescription plus one. I still keep that extra capsule in a memory box that reminds me of the timely provision that prompted us to praise the Great Provider.

When I cared for a loved one in the ICU, it was emotionally difficult to watch their pain but it was also an opportunity to extend God’s tenderness and comfort. What a privilege to see the patient calm down when songs of praise are sung. What a privilege to be able to say a quiet prayer as the patient is examined and tested and then, rejoice in immediate answers. I discovered his subconscious and anxious thoughts as a side effect of the medicine prompting me to share God’s healing Word and point the patient to Jesus who will give him peace and rest.

When I was rushed to the hospital for our youngest child, I was concerned that my doctor was out of town. What a relief to receive her assuring text that she was able to find a ride back from her seminar and therefore would be able to deliver our baby. When I saw her at the delivery room, I thanked the Lord for providing a ride for her and she shared with much amusement, “I hitched with your pediatrician!”

When I get a flat tire or the car stalls, the first thing I do is pray. Admittedly, I know little about cars. When I am with my kids, we end up praying. Once, I took out the tools needed to change the tire (that much I know) in preparation for the one who would eventually change it. And as we asked in prayer, we were given. Seeing our dilemma, a passerby came to our rescue. Thank God, our Keeper, for helping hands.

                We were to speak on parenting but we had a parenting dilemma. We had nowhere to leave our children that weekend so they ended up joining us in the seminar. Though the hotel room was spacious, it was difficult to concentrate on fine-tuning our message with all four kids roaming about. It was chaotic! Panic set in and we were getting on each other’s nerves. All I could manage was a desperate whisper, “Lord, help!” True to His promise as our immediate help in times of trouble, there was a knock on our door. It was another speaker couple who just learned that their daughter was to arrive that evening from out of town and they wanted to spend time with her. Their hotel room, adjacent to ours, would be available for our children to use. I felt like a stressed balloon that just began to deflate. As soon as they left, I knelt down in shame for panicking, confessed and thanked God for His forgiveness and grace. When I shared the news with my husband, we were led to pray together to our Abba Father, cleaving and weaving, in preparation for our task ahead.

Proverbs says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick…” Are you experiencing major challenges to your health, your relationships, your careers, ministries, even, finances? All these can take its toll on us, but as we turn our weariness to God, His sustaining strength takes over. It is He who transforms us from grumbling and stumbling to walking victoriously, and trusting the second half of the verse in Proverbs that says, “but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.”  God is able to deliver us in His time and in His terms. That is why Paul confidently says, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

Faithful Father

When I was about to turn 18, I developed a dull pain in my abdomen and as the tenderness increased, concentrating on the left side, symptoms pointed to appendicitis. I recall how I hardly slept due to the pain and how I was not able to hold anything I ate, so my Dad decided to bring me to the hospital. Though I was distressed, I was relieved to be with Dad. Dad was at his element during emergencies. Time and again, he has demonstrated his love and commitment to my 8 siblings and I, especially, in our time of need.

We arrived at what looked to me more like an infirmary rather than a hospital. It was out of my comfort zone and though I felt ill at ease, I resigned to tolerate my surroundings, besides; my Dad personally assisted me out of the car, into a wheelchair and directed us gently inside.  Either the hospital was under renovation or they just did not have a lift service, I needed to walk up two flights of stairs. Without sleep, nauseous and in pain, that was no longer a simple task. I resisted at first, and I also tried to rely on my own strength, but my Dad firmly held on to me and instructed me to put my weight on him. So I did. I could not have made it to the second floor without Dad’s firm grip and support, climbing with me, one step at a time. Though I was in pain, I was moving—onward and upward. His strength enabled me to do what I thought I could not.

Soon I was comfortably lying in a hospital bed being prepped up for surgery. I was no longer afraid knowing Dad was there, in charge, assuring and inspiring hope. I realized that the surgeon on duty was my Dad’s friend and he was confident that the doctor was more than capable of taking care of my situation. In hindsight, as a parent myself, I would only entrust my child to someone who has gained my confidence and trust.

After the appendectomy, I woke up from surgery with instructions to eat a soft diet and not to laugh to keep the stitches in place. The former was not a problem with my Dad who loves to eat. He was there to welcome me when I woke up from surgery with hot chicken mami noodle soup from our favorite MaMonluk restaurant. But the latter, “not to laugh” was rather tricky. Dad is a fan of Charlie Chaplin, and even when he is not making me laugh, he can make me smile and giggle. That time, he brought our antique movie projector so that I could enjoy old family movies while recovering. How can one watch old family movies and not laugh? This was his loving attempt to bring home away from home and to distract me from the pain. He had not meant to trigger the pain of the stitches but I did not mind at all. I treasured that sunny moment so much more, to even mind the soreness on my side.

My dad filled my emotional tank during that episode in my life such that two weeks after, I celebrated my 18^th birthday with a bang. Instead of the usual cotillion, as I love to sing, we staged a mini-concert. Dad’s love gave me the confidence to shine and make him proud and happy.

Sharing a fun moment with my Dad

            

              That was over 20 years ago and as I relive that memory, I thank Dad for an experience that now points me to an even greater love---that of our Lord’s, our Heavenly Father. He has and continues to hold my hand as I go through painful and uncertain seasons. He calls me to trust and put the full weight of my concerns on Him—casting every care. He promises to be there, in both the highs and lows of life, taking each step with me, whispering words of encouragement and comfort with occasional dashes of humor. Why fear these seasons in my life, when He who is faithful, leads me? Always present, in-charge, assuring and inspiring hope—I am blessed to have an Abba Father.