"Ahh! A spring! Hmmm... I wonder why there is a picture of a spring in my head?" I wondered.As if an image of an imaginary spring isn't enough, I saw in my mind, the spring compress really slowly. Like the exaggerated version of Neo dodging bullets from an Agent in the movie Matrix.
Suddenly, God impressed upon my heart a verse:2 Corinthians 4:8-18 (New International Version)
8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.....16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Then is suddenly dawned upon me that the image of the compressed spring in my mind was referring to the troubles and pressures we face in today's world.
At work we are pressed and crushed with heaps of work, endless datelines, bosses' expectations, and not forgetting politics that cause us to rip our hair sometimes.
At school we are pressed with the academic pressures of not only passing exams, but doing well in major examinations so that are granted a place in what we deem as the more prestigious schools that we perceive will get us a diploma or a degree.. which then grant us a chance to compete against 3 million plus working adults with the same qualifications.. or higher.
In the world, Christians are being persecuted for their faith.
It is a painful truth we face and cannot escape. Troubles will always come, obstacles stumble us and cause us to cry out for help, people will always be critical and judgmental. An endless cycle I would say.
But wait. There's hope!
1 Corinthians 10:13 (New International Version)
13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Just like the image of the compressed spring, I believe that when we are pressed, crushed, struck down, we will spring forth as a greater conqueror and victor. Just like how the compressed spring releases its energy and returns to it's original shape.
It's all a matter of perspective when you look at your situation and circumstance. One can rejoice in trials and tribulations because one knows the power and the victory that has been given to go through it.
On the contrary, one can also sulk in despair and depression, and blame God for this downfall.
How would you look at it?
..
With the image of the spring in mind, I went home with a subtle comfort and quiet assurance that indeed, God reveals himself in mysterious ways.
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