Introduction
It was highlighted in our previous Newsletter that life challenges form part of Christian faith, so therefore, believers were entreated to prepare their minds and condition themselves to embrace trials if they come their ways. It is important for all not to be excessively sorrowful and freeze in bed but to make use of the situation to better improve their lots. Some of the ways to benefit from the trying moments are the use of the available time.
The use of time
In times of troubles, for instance, divorce, loss of job or loved ones and the like, there is the possibility to remain inactive, frozen, self-pitiful and depressed while suicidal thoughts lurk through the minds, but all these do not make life conditions better but rather worsen them. What needs to be done is to seek opportunities to make life better for yourself and your family. Do remain calm and remember that all things happen to you to fulfil God´s perfect plan for your life.
Human life and its purpose are determined by the length of time available to man. This tells why life is time and vice versa. It could also be said that time wasted is life wasted. This informs us that time is a resource to be managed since our life on earth is determined by it. It is clearly written that “to everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heavens (Eccl 3:1), “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (Psa 90:12). Paul also advices the church to redeem the time because the days are evil (Eph 5:16). Redeeming the times recalls effective time management. Time is God´s invention (Gen 1:1-31). It was created for man to guide them in their daily activities. God is not restricted by our time, but humans are to work within the given time. This means that humans are expected to do their activities within 24hr/day period. Effective time management/planning is, therefore, necessary.
Time depletes
Time appears to be a permanent utility but it wastes away with our lives each passing second. Our lives and our purposes diminish with time. This is evidenced in the scriptures below:
And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted his hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created the heaven and the things in it, and the earth and the things in it, and the sea and the things in it, that there should no longer be time (Rev 10:5-6).
Again, the book of Revelation adds, “therefore rejoice, O heavens, and those tabernacling in them. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and in the sea! For the Devil came down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has but a little time (Rev 12:12).
The above scriptures should again inform us that we do not physically live in eternity so we should act once there is time in our disposal. Trials and challenges should not cripple you because time would not pity you, neither would it wait for you. After disaster or trials, you may seek pastoral or professional counseling to help you reorient yourself as soon as possible to get moving towards your purpose. As already mentioned above, time must be bought back or redeemed to replace every lost opportunity.
Filling the vacuum
You may consider further training or online studies to help you obtain a new career if you have lost your job instead of wasting away your life with sorrow and blame game. Walking idly and being on social media almost all the time are not good habits in overcoming issues of life. Challenge yourself to do something that takes you to the next level in life. You could equally do self-tuition and gain new experiences. Learning takes place always and through different channels. It is both life-long and life-wide phenomenon so seek to gain new competence and experiences to improve on your conditions.
You could also spend the time profitably to raise your family and spend precious time with them. It is not prudent to lock yourself up in a room and be weeping for a long time. Come out of your hideout and do what brings you joy and fulfilment as you remain focus on Christ and on your purpose. Jesus endured the pain and despised the shame by focusing on His purpose (Heb 12:1-3). Volunteering is another good option for you.
A more important exercise to do is to engage in prayer. Praying with trusted friends and the leaders
of your local church is worthwhile. James writes that “is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is
any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and
let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith
shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if they have committed sins, they shall be
forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (Jams 5:13-16). Prayer of the saints
shall surely bring you a big relief in difficult times.
Conclusion
In times of difficulties, do not shutter yourself into pieces but seek better ways to turn those challenges into opportunities to improve on your life. Time, on which life is depended on does not wait for anyone. Time would not favor you because you are down, so make use of every opportunity you may have to turn your life around. Remember that you are not alone so lean on the support that your trusted friends and family members could provide you. In such a time, do what you love doing but remain godly.
Prayer: May the Almighty Father be with you through the troubled waters and open your eyes to see other opportunities you could use to your advantage. In Jesus´s name. Amen and Amen!