Hope Beyond Adversity
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
HOPE BEYOND ADVERSITY
A young man was hired to work in a wood sawing workshop where he spent many years of his life. When he reached the age of 40, he became very significant in the workshop where he had been employed for many years. Then one day he was shocked when his boss informed him that due to cut backs he was being terminated. At that moment the man left his place of employment with no intent, no plan, and no hope. He closed the door to the only occupation he knew and had no idea what he would do for work.
That afternoon, he went home and told his wife what happened. After discussing it over with her and receiving her blessing, he decided to mortgage their home and take out a small loan to begin a career in home building. His first project was to build two small houses. Weeks turned into months, and months turned into years. After dedication, effort, patience and hard work, five years later the man became a millionaire. His name? Wallace Johnson, who went on to start and build the Holiday Inn hotel brand, and countless hospitals around the world.
In his diary, Wallace Johnson wrote: “If I knew where the man lived who terminated me, I would visit him and thank him deeply for what he did. When this difficult adversity happened in my life, I was hurt and did not understand why; however, now I understand that God wanted to close that door, to open a better path for me and my family.”
Listen Closely: Adversity can come as the result of choices we make, but it can also come in the form of hardships that happen to us. What kind of adversity have you been going through? Maybe you lost a job, a child, a loved one, a marriage. Maybe a health crisis. Maybe you’re starting a new job or career, raising a child, committing to marriage. Maybe you don’t have enough money to pay your bills, or you found out that you can’t bear children. Whatever it may be, remember, adversity will try its best to take you out. However, if you allow God to lead you ‘through’ your adversity, you will emerge on the other side a more resilient person. Never think that any adversity or failure in your life as the end. It isn’t! God is sovereign. There are no “oops” with God. Trust Him! Never forget: When you’re looking in the ‘right’ direction, you won’t take the wrong turn. Fix your eyes on Jesus, and allow Him to direct your path. There is hope beyond adversity.
Just ask Wallace Johnson.
Love God. Love People. Live Sent.
Be Worth Being,
Kevin
Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.