Yesterday I spoke to a group and I told them that life is similar to a game of ping pong; one minute we’re soaring through the air with the greatest of ease, and the next we’re getting slammed. If we go through life expecting to soar all the time, we will be shocked and dismayed when we are hammered. We should expect hard times and not get overcome by them, understanding that they are as much a part of our life as good times.
The Bible tells us that we are in a perpetual state of war with satan, a powerful adversary. He’s called many names in the Bible, “destroyer”, “discourager”, “liar”, “accuser” and “murderer” to name a few. When it comes time for us to get slammed, usually it’s satan doing the slamming.
As with any army we, the Christian Army of God, need to prepare for war daily. We should suit up each morning wearing the full armor of God which includes prayer, hearing the word of God, fellowship with other Christians, faith in Christ, and righteous living.
Most importantly when those tough times come, we need to turn to Christ and not to the world.
Recently I saw a young man with a promising career lose it all because he didn’t understand that simple concept. When stress built up and problems descended upon him and his young family with their fury, he turned to smoking pot as a means to combat them and find some peace.
Instead he lost his job over it, and merely compounded his woes.
Don’t turn to drugs or alcohol when you experience problems. Take it from someone who knows first-hand, (me), drugs and alcohols just make whatever problems we might have far worse. Instead turn to Christ and ask Him to draw close. He’ll gladly do it and He offers real peace and joy that surpasses all human understanding and logic.
I’ve tried to handle many difficult problems alone and failed miserably. It’s only when I have COMPLETELY surrendered to Christ that I have soared like a ping pong ball…err…eagle…
Isaiah 40:31
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.