Finding God in Despair (Part 1)
The entire Covid-19 issue is complex. There is no way to wrap a simplified bow on it which concisely captures every nuance. And why should there be? After all, we are complex. We should not, and cannot, possibly categorize everyone with a one-size-fits-all mentality. Your personality and history are unique. My situation is not like yours right now. Even the way I process current information is distinct from you and is based on numerous variables which relate to my current life and not yours.
Still, for all of us, the idea of usual has been changed. Life is not how it was a few months ago and not how you predicted it would be at the beginning of the year. Our plans and life routines have been altered. Some, though affected, are affected minimally. Others have been put in positions that easily lend to fear, anxiety, and exhaustion. Nevertheless, for all Christians, there is one constant in all of this turbulence – God.
Distressing situations are nothing new for God’s people. I thought this was a good time for us to remember that God can still be found even in despair. The Bible provides us with many examples. For the next few weeks, I will highlight a different event. The point of each lesson is NOT that God showed up and immediately fixed everything. Rather, it is simply a reminder that he has not abandoned his people.
We are currently studying the book of 1 Peter in my Sunday morning virtual class and this letter provides a great place to start. Peter begins his letter by addressing “those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion.” Peter’s audience, who were Christians, were identified as exiles. This term wouldn’t exactly instill a sense of comfort in his audience. Let’s notice a few other realities of their life conditions.
- “…though now, for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials” (1 Peter 1.6).
- “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4.12).
- “And after you have suffered a little while…” (1 Peter 5.10).
I often wonder if the trials Peter described fit their preconceived notions of Christianity. He drew attention to this fact in the above thought in 1 Peter 4.12. He wanted his audience to understand that the trials they faced were not unique. He taught that they should not be surprised as though what was happening was not compatible with Christianity. Regardless of whether these situations were expected or unexpected, their trials were still difficult.
Peter wrote, in part, so that they did not give up on God during their trials. He sought to inspire them to a greater faith even in the midst of despair. Most importantly, he reminded them that God had not disappeared during their trials. I want you to notice the very next line, respectively, in Peter’s letter from each of the above passages.
- “…so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1.7).
- “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings” (1 Peter 4.13).
- “…the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5.10).
Whether you are currently doing well, terrible, or somewhere in between, the principles established by Peter can be embraced by all Christians. So, what are the lessons we can learn from these texts?
- Difficult situations are real – and they can be really difficult.
- Peter NEVER told his audience that God would be with them by ENDING their trials. In fact, he didn’t elaborate on if or when they might end.
- Even in the midst of despair, Peter illustrated that God could be found by those who sought him.
I believe these reminders from Peter are timely for us as well. Lest we forget God in the midst of trouble, I will end with Peter’s words. “Though you do not now see him [Jesus], you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1.8-9).