Scripture:
I Chronicles 12:32 From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.
Psalms 9:8 He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Romans 5: 2-5 …we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Reflection:
Imagine being born in 1900. At 14, World War I erupts—a conflict touted as the “war to end all wars,” yet it claims over 22 million lives across Europe by the time you’re 18. Shortly after, the Spanish Flu pandemic sweeps the globe, taking an additional 50 million lives in just two and a half years.
By 29, the Great Depression hits. Unemployment skyrockets to 25%, global GDP drops 27%, and food shortages devastate societies worldwide. The Depression persists until you’re 33. While there’s some recovery in Europe and America, those born in Russia suffer under Joseph Stalin’s regime, where millions are subjected to political purges.
At 39, World War II breaks out. By your 40s, the United States is fully engaged, resulting in another 75 million deaths globally, including six million Jews in the Holocaust. At 52, the Korean War begins, claiming another five million lives. Then, at 62, the Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink of nuclear war.
As you turn 64, the Vietnam War starts, claiming another four million lives, including 67,000 U.S. servicemen and women. By the time you’re 75, after living through nearly 50 years of crises, the Vietnam War finally ends.
If you examine any generation throughout history, rarely would you find one that didn’t endure significant turmoil. While we may face challenging days ahead, as every generation before us has, we can find assurance in God’s unwavering promises to us who believe. As followers of Jesus, his grace shines even brighter amidst the storms.
Perhaps we should heed the example of the 200 leaders from the tribe of Issachar, who understood the signs of their times and knew the best course of action to take. By gaining perspective from past generations and grounding ourselves in God’s Word, we can cultivate a strength that enables us to live as overcomers in Christ Jesus, even in turbulent times. Our hope in Jesus does not put us to shame.
How grateful I am to have a steadfast rock to lean on!
David
Recent Comments