Life can be ruthlessly unfair and hard. Most of us resist further hardships or trials. But the troubles come at us like barrels of water poured over us. Or a flood released to sweep us away. The Lord promised us, his people that even amid a storm, he would also be with us and help us through it all.
Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
So the scripture above already tells me there’s no escaping the storm. The believer will face shaking and dealing. Some bring tears, but in the end, it fosters maturity and spiritual resilience. That’s if we endure and let the issues make us strong. Remember, James said to “count it ALL joy?” Easier said, right?
I am also asking for strength daily to bask in trials. Not to fake a smile, no. But to understand his love in the face of adversity. To know it’s all for my good: Hebrews 12:5b and 6.
Enjoy the poem below:
***
1. The kickboxer exits the ring
abandon the gloves, a throwaway headgear
shuts out the corner man,
strips off the costumes;
runs away,
dives into the sea.
the sea monster stirs in the face,
a reminder of the last attack rocks
Kickboxer’s heart
Boxer runs away through thickets
looks up at the hills
and sweat trickles down the face to the legs.
A return to the ring
brings tears and pain,
the pain, a burden
on the heart.
2. You’ve fought, and, yes, prayed,
soaking your face in rivers so deep
bidding for night-time to become a new day
how would you ever hike a mountain so high,
a brick wall so tall
walk through the bush so thorny,
the waters so deep,
When shall morning come to conquer?
the hills and shatter the walls
get rid of the bush and go across the streams.
3. Rest
trials pass by like a mighty rushing ocean.
It rolls away
as far as South and North,
the valleys will fill up,
the highest mountains will bow so low.
bottomless waters won’t sweep you under
Master is and ever will be
walking through every path with you.
© Enobong O’wunmi.
