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by Gail Rodgers
Life changing events happen to all of us...important events that change the course of life from that day forward. The ones we choose are usually exciting and filled with anticipation: a wedding, a new career, a family started, a move made. All change the course of events in our lives from that day on and we step willingly into them.
It’s the other events that haunt us ... the life changing events that we are plunged into without choice or warning... individual crisis that most everyone eventually gets a turn at. The call that a loved one is dying, an accident that changes life forever, a diagnosis, a breakup, a job loss all change the course of life from that moment on and we find individuals forging on in places they have not stepped willingly.
This month we commemorate the 5th anniversary of 9/11.
That day still feels so fresh. We can hardly believe it’s been five years. We distinctly remember where we were when the news came of that first airplane flying into the Twin Towers in New York. The shock, the disbelief coupled with the slow dawning realization that our world had changed that day forever.
Many individual stories filled the following days. Courage and heroism; panic and agony; kindness and sacrifice. Individual lives changed forever in a moment as we all witnessed and watched and felt our own hearts torn with the loss we could barely comprehend.
Learning from one another.
As we collectively mourn and remember this tragic day we also see some life lessons emerging. We see nuggets of wisdom and strength that we can take from this shared world-changing event, into our own quiet hardships and disasters.
The past 5 years have shown us the powerful strength of the human spirit. The 9/11 man-made tragedy, followed in recent years by numerous natural disasters, has shown us a resilience of the human spirit that is not only inspiring but comforting as well.
Courage and resolve to move forward.
As a city, New York has refused to be defined by this tragedy. She does not cower in fear and refuse to move on. This loss has somehow made this city stronger.
In a world that has seen more than enough tragic events we find a courage and resolve to keep moving.
The lessons we see on a collective world wide scale can be translated into lessons of strength as we push on in our own private world of difficult and unsought change.
Don’t let your tragedy define you.
If you are facing a hard and unwelcome change in your life that has been thrust upon you, be determined in inching forward beyond the pain. Don’t let the trouble determine who you become. Don’t let the tragedy become your definition.
Choose how you will be defined … by your loss or by your strength
Walk forward with your eyes focused on the future.
When facing great loss there can be a sense that there is no future. Choose daily to walk with your eyes looking forward. Do something small each day to keep pressing on. Walking with your eyes cast backward is a sure way to trip and stumble.
We all need help in this journey of life.
No one is an island. We need the inspiration and encouragement of one another as we dust ourselves off from the deep pits of life and step out to move forward. Don’t isolate yourself in your pain. Be intentional about straining forward.
Reach for higher help.
- God himself has offered us life that is overflowing with hope and divine help.
- Active rebellion or simply passive indifference keeps us separated from Him just when we need Him the most.
- As followers of Jesus we are equipped with the Holy Spirit to help and guide and comfort us in our journey.
- Asking for a fresh filling of His Spirit enables us to walk with confidence even in the midst of very trying times.
If you are facing your own life changing events today, whether through crisis or choice, remember that, as a believer in Jesus, you are equipped to be more than a conqueror through His power at work in you.
“”Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... No in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loves us.” Romans 8:35-39
Step into your inheritance as a child of God and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit today. God never promised trouble free days but He did promise strength for the journey because of His undying love for you. Refresh your commitment today to walk in the power He has given to His children.
Dear God, I need You today. I acknowledge that I have lived independently of You by directing my own life. I thank you that You have forgiven me through Christ’s death on the cross for me. I invite You now to take full control of my life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled and as You promised You would do if I asked in faith. Please direct my life today and fill me with Your strength and wisdom. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
