Are we desperate?

It is very easy to be desperate when you feel helpless. I once felt that way because I was involved in an accident that changed the course of my life, completely. I used to feel so sure of myself, emotionally, physically and  economically, when all of a sudden that structure collapsed, “head on” in a car wreck, with the loss of my husband, my health and the desire to go on by myself. I used to cry desperate when I saw myself thrown on a bed, not being able to walk or do a thing to quench any need on my own. I was so insecure that I demanded God for the rest of my soul. I felt useless even to guide my daughters in life and thought they would be better off with anyone else than with me. And everything I smartly planned to get ahead turned into more losses despite the help I got due to my condition; I cried, and cursed my situation everyday.  “I can’t make it”. . .”I’m not capable to do it”. . . “I am a failure”. . .”What’s going to become of me?”. . . “People will laugh at my girls because of me” It was all about me, me, I, I, my, mine. Why did it have to happen to the one (me) who tried to always be a good person.

Accidents are not the result of a bad behavior. If they are perhaps the consequence of someone’s carelessness, the ones who were not at fault should not pay for them, but if God allows them to his “little ones” it will surely serve to their goodness, and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. (Romans 8:28a).  I, myself realized how many friends I had when the entire church stood to pray for me and passed the message to anyone who cared to do it too when it reached God. I also started to pray NOT for my will, but for His, and to grant me patience to wait on Him, and the wisdom to understand why He let that happen to me. He did comfort me and gave me the wisdom I asked through my prayers and the reading of his word which resulted in my thanking Him today for all He has restored me with, which is more than I would have asked for. He does not disappoint us if we ask humbly and with faith which means: being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)

According to the dictionary to be desperate is having lost all hope. Though, I tell you, that if we ask God, and make a habit of it, obtaining wisdom through his Word, He will reward us with HOPE due to the Glory of God in Jesus. And as Paul, the apostle, said: We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.  (II Corinthians 4:8-9)

Whatever the reason for our despair we should declare it unacceptable and ask God according to his purpose, as John said: This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us —whatever we ask—we know we have what we asked of him.

 (I John 5:114-15)

Christmas is over. Is it the rush too?

Starting with the last week of November when we celebrate Thanksgiving,  we begin the seasonal rush when we have no rest, especially for those who are in charge of different parties, dramas, choral presentations as well as other events like family meals and reunions in addition to many other things. At this time there is usually more than one event every week in different places, not to mention visiting the different ornamental lightings, which require having the proper attire ready. And if we live in a place like Miami, we never know if it’s going to be freezing cold or burning hot so we need two dress alternatives. And if you are the woman of the household, you will have to find a moment to go and get your hair and nails done and everything else that is time consuming in order to have them ready for the occasions, in addition to making and revising the gift list and buying the gifts and food and then preparing the meals. But, how can we make time for so much? So much of it is wasted in traffic, finding a parking space or arguing about our rights that we miss our appointments and lose our patience. Oh Lord grant us your peace. . .and more time too!

This is something we’ve been struggling with for many years now. Many pastors preach about finding peace, especially during this season, but in reality this hectic pace is the life style we have chosen and we know it as Commercialism.

The rush seems never ending, especially when we remember our special dates and have many other things going on at the same time. If we have children and grandchildren we always have to deal with sickness, viruses and all their consequences in addition to everything else. Duty also will take our attention and we cannot get away from that due to our status; we do not want to feel like an extra terrestrial. That is why we are always anxious to do the right thing. And, what is that?  In the Bible, Lazarus and Mary’s sister, Martha was concerned about doing her duties when she asked Jesus: Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? And he answered: Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things (Luke 10:40-41) God also tells us: Do not worry about your life what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. (Matthew 6:25). Although many would say: “If I do not worry about things, who will? God has the answers, ask him. Many times we make plans to do things and all of a sudden there is an unannounced event, an accident, or something that changes all those plans. For some the changes will be of benefit, yet others will feel annoyed by the inconvenience. Paul, the apostle said: We know that all things work together for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28)  And, do the unexpected changes work to our benefit because we are better? Of course not! but rather because we as we read His Word and pray, we obtain his wisdom. If you are faithful in doing these things, even amidst the rush you will see how everything will change for the good.

Can we change the world to so that it understands this truth? That is impossible. Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? (Matthew 6:27) But God can do change us. There’s nothing impossible for him and perhaps the year 2012 will be the one of the change to begin living the will of God, and not the end of the world for death. Start the change with yourself and see everything differently. In our world the worrying rush will never ever end, but if you want to, you can do bring it under control for yourself:  Because you have kept my word of patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. Listen!  I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me. (Revelations 3: 10, 20)