~ Daniel Swaim Last time we looked at the importance of praising God before trials and the hope of eternal glory after them. This time we'll be looking at how the shadows splinter in the middle of a stormy trial through reminders and community.
I don't know about you, but reminders are invaluable in my daily life. Without any rings from my phone, notes to look back at, or family/friends to remind me of something I need to do, I'd be losing important information left and right. In spiritual warfare, reminders are just as important. After all, we are forgetful creatures. Memory is powerful, but thanks to the curse, it is limited. And the devil knows how weak and pathetic we can be. He targets our weaknesses to gain advantage. You'd be lying if you said you never had to be reminded of God's love, God's grace. What about God's power and holiness? Or that only good and perfect gifts come from the Father, so as to leave you without an excuse to accuse God for what is evil or imperfect? Because, if we believe nothing evil can ever come from God—on the contrary every good and perfect gift comes from Him—then we know that these trials will result in something that is good and perfect. Even if it is far above what we can presently comprehend.
So we need to be reminded of who God is, and that only comes by constant time in the Word of God. If we remain in the Word, the Lord is able to refresh our souls with the new and old gems inside. Within the Bible we are also reminded of God's perfect plan of redemption, the answer to the supposed "problem of evil and suffering," and the promises God gave us, knowing we'd need them in times of crises.
Trials can often be distracting and wearisome, and we may forget or, whether intentionally or not, neglect God's Word. Praise God for community. When we surround ourselves with other saints, God can use them to remind us of the things we need to remember and refresh our souls. Encouragement can come from a friend whether it's just a quick checkup and letting you know that they're praying for you, or sharing from the Bible, or just sharing a reminder that God has a purpose. Be that friend to someone in need. And, let yourself be the receiver when you are that person in need. I can't tell you how precious my friendships have been and how much those bonds have strengthened by shared suffering and mutual encouragement. It may involve transparency at times, but they care for you. Let them help; it's a blessing to both you and them.
Community can also come through unbelievers. Not too long ago, while my sister had a panic attack, God miraculously sent a nurse to our aid. We didn't even know who she was before this. I don't think we even ever got her name. She was just a random person who saw us and cared enough to stop by and offer help. Not many would show that care. Chances of that person being a nurse are probably even slimmer. And yet, she had nursing experience and utilized that to calm my sister. I don't know where she is spiritually, but she didn't tell us she was praying. She didn't share a Bible verse or any encouragement like that. But she helped. People need people, regardless of their beliefs. Yes, there is a special thing to be among the people of God and there's no greater encouragement than that, but God can work through anybody.
Whether it's one person or a large group, find community. From the very beginning, humanity was designed to be together. God says in Genesis 2, "It is not good that man should be alone." After proclaiming the entirety of creation to be "very good," we're told that man's solitude is not good. Thus God gave Him a companion and helper. Humanity needs community. We need encouragement. And God's statement was of man prior to the fall. If we needed community in a perfect world, how much more do we need community in a world of hatred, pain, and suffering, where we endure trials and temptations? Trials are harrowing, and they are discouraging. But as iron sharpens iron, so a brother sharpens brother. We can find strength and solace in each other.
Saturate yourself with God's Word; immerse yourself in community. Let the light of Christ shine forth and splinter the shadows in the midst of the storm.
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