March 30, 2020 – Click here to listen
The Coronavirus saga continues, and the confirmed cases and deaths from it paint a solemn picture. Thomas Paine coined the expression, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” He later said, “the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” While this was written during the Revolutionary War it applies to the war on Coronavirus today.
I called to check on my friend Dr. David Hoskins who runs the prestigious Honey Lake Clinic, a Christian based facility that treats people who are depressed, addicted, suicidal and so forth. He told me a shocking piece of news that in a 24-hour period of time nine people committed suicide in Knoxville last week. He told me that with three and a half million unemployed now they are getting calls daily literally from all over the country from people who are losing hope. Currently he has some bed spaces available, but the desperate people in need cannot travel to get there due to restrictions.
My grandfather, two uncles, and my only sibling (my brother Jim) all committed suicide and I know from personal experience how devastating it is to the family left behind. Why do they do it? Some in their miserable mindset determine that their family would be better off without them. They are wrong!
No reason justifies it but invariably they have lost hope. I can relate, there was a time in my life when I had lost all hope. I came very near committing suicide on several occasions when I was not walking with the Lord. Today I look back on those days when I held a fully loaded cocked pistol to my temple, and I shudder. My wife and I have been looking at our beautiful family photos for the five hundredth time lately and I am so proud of every single one of them.
It brings special meaning to see them so happy and smiling and reminds me of what Thomas Paine said, “the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” I appreciate them and what God has done for me far more than if I hadn’t experienced the tragic life I led prior to finding Jesus.
I was homeless, penniless, addicted to drugs and alcohol, an atheist, and didn’t have one friend or one family member in the world who even knew where I was or cared. But look where I am today. I want everyone reading this to know that yes these are trying times, but those who put their burdens on God and endure in faith that things will get better soon enough will experience the glorious triumph of having weathered the storm only to emerge stronger and with greater character and God’s blessings.
Jesus sternly told us not to worry. I believe it to be insulting to God to doubt that He will get us through this trial. We must understand that He loves us so much He gave His Son to be crucified on a cross as a sacrifice for us all. He will not abandon His children and therein lies the hope of Christians. We should have the same mindset of Christ while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, as a sacrifice for us – fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
Jesus endured because He knew Joy was on the other side of His suffering. We will get through this as a nation, as a family, and individually. Jesus transformed a wretch like me with His Amazing Grace! I know He will protect us and carry us through this mess. Keep the faith brothers and sisters! We just need patience and perseverance and determine with our entire being that we will not to give in to the Satanic influence on our lives that wants to drag us down.
James 1:2
. . . Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance . . .