“Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the
habit of doing – but let us encourage one another…” Recently, we experienced an
uplifting get-together, when several other couples from our community met for
fun, fellowship and food. Our objective was to celebrate with thanksgiving the
completion of a project accomplished by prayer and combined efforts of the
couples present. It was also an opportunity for us to apply the Sunday message
on being thankful.
We asked the group to think of a recent unfortunate event,
an unpleasant circumstance or experience that did not turn out the way they
wanted. Then we instructed them to go
treasure hunting by reviewing the unfortunate event and searching for things
they can still thank God for. We usually give thanks only when good things
happen. Are we not instructed to “Give thanks in all circumstances?”
That evening we had the privilege of enjoying the treasure
found by two mothers and a son.
One mother shared how bad news turned into good. A loyal
household helper of more than 15 years was devastated when her teen age son,
who happened to be a scholar, got an older girl pregnant! Pain of betrayal and
broken dreams caused tears to flow from their helper. Her pain was shared by
her employers and most specially their teen-age daughters. Their devoted “yaya”
was hurting and so were they. This incident became a true-to-life illustration
of the dangers of exclusive relationships at a young age, which was just shared
to them at church. “Our pastor was
right, mom.” Their yaya’s sorrow
strengthened their resolve to avoid serious relationships at this time to free
them from distraction, immorality and unnecessary pain!
To reinforce this principle, another mother shared how a
relationship gone sour made her son realize the value of obedience to parents
and, God-dependence over independence. As parents, they advised their sons to
make a lot of friends in high school and reserve exclusive relationships for
later. Their eldest son, however, chose otherwise. He courted a girl who eventually answered
him. Unfortunately, the relationship
went from bad to worse to the boy’s hurt. And also the family’s. Isn’t it when
one part of the body is aching, a stubbed toe, a toothache, a migraine… the
entire body gets affected?
Though scarred and shaken, her son has learned that choices
have consequences, and it is wise to take his parents’ instructions more
seriously. Finding an ally in Jesus, her son has found new courage and strength
in frequent prayer. For these invaluable lessons, his mom is grateful.
The only male sharer was a son who lost his own mother, who
was bed-ridden for the last 30 years, on Mother’s Day. First and foremost, he was thankful that he
had an earlier opportunity to share clearly what Jesus did for her on the
cross. Jesus paid her penalty, died that she may live and partake in life
everlasting. Her son knew because of his mom’s faith in Jesus, she had passed from
death to a new, glorious life. No longer bed-ridden but standing in splendor and
free in eternity. Such comfort this truth brings.
Despite the turbulent weather the weekend she died, with all
local flights cancelled, he and his wife still managed to have two seats in a
bus. Thankfully he was able to join his relatives and experience a meaningful memorial
service. There, he heard of how his mom’s uncomplaining attitude amazed and ministered
to those who cared for her and visited her. In her weakness, she gave strength
to many. Moreover, many
unexpected and sympathetic friends were deeply moved by the wake service. It
was one of the most spiritually uplifting services they attended. Clearly, his
precious mom’s death was an instrument to bring Christ’s love and life to
many. What an extraordinary Mother’s
Day!
Perhaps like me, you are in the middle of an unpleasant
circumstance or a seemingly unfortunate event. Our limited perspective can
deceive us from seeing the big picture. Perhaps we need new eyes to see beyond
the problem that we may count it all joy.
It is my prayer that as we seek the good in our situation, as we search
for hidden treasure and as our hearts and lips give thanks, we will not be
disappointed. No testimony without a
test. No message without a mess. The Lord promises to grant unexplainable peace
and blessing as we chose to trust that He is more than able to work all things
out (all includes your perplexing dilemma) for our good in His terms, in His
time and for His glory!
