Calculating Calamity

Calamity

Calamity is virtue's opportunity.

Seneca 4 B.C. – 65 A.D., Spanish-born Roman Statesman, philosopher

John 16:33
"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." NASU


Calamity, troubles, and tribulations, is there really any use of these things in this world in which we dwell? Samuel Richardson said that calamity was the test of integrity. Jesus also warned us that we would surely have tribulation in this world, He did not promise us an easy time. So then, calamity and trials, headaches and troubles are a part of what makes us who we are, and more important makes us into who we eventually will be.

Let’s get the thoughts of someone who surely ran into many troublesome opportunities. Paul ran into many distresses and says to us in Rom 5:3-5, “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Now we get three of the many ingredients that are added to our lives due too calamity. Perseverance, proven character, and hope, and notice how they are all interrelated. Perseverance makes proven character, and proven character brings hope, and what is the valuable product of hope? We can avoid disappointment for we will have faith to cling to the precious Holy Spirit whom Christ has left to lead us through difficult times in this world.

Tribulation operates like a gristmill. The weight of calamity and tribulation is poured into the pockets of our life’s wheel, and we grind up the hard things that are poured into us, and as we process those hard grains, a product is produced that is soft and pliable and valuable to ourselves, and those around us. What we have to do is to look beyond the hard things to the eventual product, just as we watched our Wonderful Savior do…God Bless.

Pastor William