Psalm 119:137- 144

By Bruce A. Mitchell

The Bible is packed with stories of individuals tested by God – tested so severely, in fact, that you wonder why they don’t turn their backs on God. What keeps them from asking, “What’s the use? God doesn’t hear my prayers, and maybe even doesn’t care about me anymore.”

One of the media world’s heroes was Superman. In my early high-school years I looked forward to every Superman comic book that came along. In more recent years we came to know another “superman” the actor, Christopher Reeve, a person who exemplified the way a human being can meet and deal with tragedy in a positive way.

We all saw Christopher Reeve as a victim of a tragic accident, who lived the last portion of his life as a quadriplegic. Yet, despite his physical limitations, Christopher Reeve set an example for many people struggling with life. He said one time that “a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”

Another person who has inspired thousands is Joni Eareckson Tada who became a quadriplegic as a result of a swimming accident. She struggled with God about her disability and eventually became one of God’s greatest witnesses to overcoming infirmity. I enjoy painting landscapes, yet I cannot imagine what it would be like to draw or paint holding a  brush, pen, or pencil in my mouth. Yet Joni has done just that, producing incredibly beautiful works of art that testify to the greatness of God.

Though we sometimes forget it or ignore the fact, we need to be reminded from time to time that we all face challenges of varying degrees. Even in the worst of times, God offers the greatest strength to the weakest individual. God gives us “understanding that [we] may live.”

PRAYER:

God, give me faith and strength for the moment. Amen.