Events the last few days for me have circled around the word Adversity. I am currently writing a short story for the Space Coast Writers’ Guild anthology with that title, have in the last month read two books involving World War 2 struggles, prejudice, and survival, have spent three days semi-sick, have interviewed a dear woman I’ve met here at Glenbrooke, and grieved at the manipulation of the justice system in this country. One of the last sentences in my story says: Adversity produces an insatiable thirst for survival.
The book of Haggai in the Bible is a story of survival, of facing adversity, but this verse in chapter 2 provides the hope and comfort of knowing that at the end of a trial or disappointment or season of grief or time of adversity, there is a balm, an understanding, and a season when hope is restored. Here’s what the verse says: “The glory of the present hour will be greater than the glory of the former house,” says the Lord. Almighty. “And in this place I will grant peace.” As my commentary on chapter two says, “
- Haggai 2 serves as an inspiring testament to God’s enduring commitment to His people. Despite the challenges and discouragements faced by the Israelites, the Lord promised a future filled with glory and blessings. This chapter reminds us to remain faithful, obedient and hopeful in our journey with God.
In light of this, let us think today of the rebuilding that needs to occur. This is a new month, halfway already through the year 2024. Like the time of Haggai, this can be a time of rebuilding. Lord knows, we need it. Without getting into politics, which of course is on everyone’s mind this year, let us agree on one principle: we are all responsible for seeking change when change is necessary, and seeking the better rather than living with things that could be changed for the better. Choices always have consequences, and we, as thinking and thoughtful individuals, can overcome any kind of adversity by seeking a better outcome. Admittedly, we cannot change everything, but the God I serve can.
My first priority is to pray that God’s will prevails. Times of adversity can end with times of promise and promises fulfilled. For example, our church has just taken possession of our new worship facility, a church where we can thrive on mission for Christ’s kingdom. We have a functioning and beautiful facility now after waiting three years for this time. Haggai looked to build the temple. God’s promises prevailed in his mission. Just as it’s taken a few days for my body to return to health, and just as we pray for restoration of homes and property damaged by tornadoes, and just as we pray for peace in Ukraine and Israel, and just as we pray for Washington to seek true justice, and just as we make good choices for the good in our daily lives, so may we see that adversity can be overcome, and we can live peaceably in our land.
We are not promised perfection in this mortal life. We will face adversity, illness, financial difficulties, family discord, political animosity, storms and trials. But, if we are praying people, we can put all this at the feet of Jesus, pray for peace in acceptance, pray for tensions to resolve themselves, pray for better outcomes of acceptance of situations that are not of our liking, and pray for justice, tolerance, and resolution of good will from animosity, from understanding from conflict, for building rather than tearing down, for peace rather than war, and for rainbows after storms.
Let us live by the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi who said:
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