Turn Unforeseen Situations Into Significant Circumstances
(Victor Chan, Pastoral Team member, Pastoral Care)
READ:
Nehemiah 4:1-21 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In Nehemiah 3, Scripture mentioned that the rebuilding of the Jerusalem wall was well on the way. However, in Nehemiah 4, with the hustle and bustle of the rebuilding activity, it led to threats from Israel’s adversaries. Sanballat and Tobiah launched a war of words, insults, ridicule, taunts and mockery, hoping to tear down and demoralise the Israelites. Words became serious threats with plans of violence plotted against the Israelites. Like any human beings, the Israelites were emotionally and mentally affected by the threats. They were discouraged and also physically worn out, living and working in fear. In their circumstance, the words and threats have destructive effects. They can condemn, make them despair and cause confusion. They can break them, leaving a lifetime scar with broken spirits.
What did Nehemiah do? How did he handle the situation? Nehemiah turned the situation into a significant circumstance of anchoring their faith and trusting in God! He encouraged the Israelites to focus and press on with the rebuilding of the wall. His words built the people up, lifting up their morale and giving them strength. He reminded them, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome…” (Nehemiah 4:14). He also prayed for God’s protection, “Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads…” (Nehemiah 4:4). Besides prayers, Nehemiah also stationed guards as a defence against any attack. Indeed, all those words and threats from the Israelites’ adversaries were nothing compared to the power of God!
APPLY
How should I face the unforeseen circumstances of life? Should I just run away from it? Should I just go with the flow and accept that there is nothing much that I can do? Should I just give in to my fears and just submit to what lies ahead? Or can I see such situations as significant circumstances for me to anchor my faith and trust in God? Can I focus and press on, knowing that God is omnipotent and He will protect and take care of me in all circumstances?
I was reminded of the time when I had to go through an unforeseen situation. I was diagnosed with a health condition that might be life-threatening when I went for a check-up. As there were uncertainties in the first diagnosis, I had to go through further investigations. With every test and check, the results were not promising. I grew discouraged, fearful and suffered from emotional fatigue. However, I was encouraged by my leaders, ministry team and colleagues who kept encouraging and praying for me, reminding me to trust God. I learnt to let go, fix my eyes on God and let Him take charge, trusting that He will protect and see me through. To cut the long story short, even though I had to go through a surgery and further treatment, I could see that God was at hand and He protected me at every step of the way. As a result, my unforeseen situation became a significant circumstance. My faith and trust in Him grew and I experienced His love and protection for me.
DO
Significant circumstances are opportunities for me to grow in my faith and trust in the Lord. These circumstances are testing grounds to strengthen my faith and to know that my God is mighty to save. I should not run away from it but should embrace it with godly courage and faith. I will focus my attention on God. He will grant me the wisdom I need and will be there to strengthen, protect and take care of me.
PRAY
Father God, help me to focus my attention on You and turn my unforeseen situations into significant circumstances. Strengthen my heart and grant me the courage and confidence to put my faith and trust in You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
