For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10
I recently had a great day out at the 153rd Open that was held at Royal Portrush. It was something that I had never experienced before and probably never will again. We sat in a few different stands throughout the day but my favourite was at the 16th Green, which was aptly named Calamity Corner. The fact that it was a short hole (236yrds), meant that we could see each player tee off straight ahead of us. I am sure that each, if not all of them, executed what felt like a solid swing. Unfortunately, quite a few of them had to watch in despair as their ball careened towards the far right of the fairway and disappeared down into the undergrowth. What starts off as a promising round can be sabotaged in an instant because, although the distance is short, it’s path goes over a deep chasm.
It’s not just golfers that find themselves at calamity corner. Even with careful planning, our best intentions for a smooth flight path can be upended by unforeseen circumstances – job loss, health crises, relationship problems, financial issues. With the best will (or aim) in the world, we cannot predict the trajectory that our life will take, and sometimes we will find ourselves tumbling down a steep bank. But here’s the thing, ending up in the ‘rough’ isn’t always a mark of failure, it’s simply the result of forces beyond our control.
You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again. Psalm 71:20
How do we respond to calamity when it comes? Do we sit down under it and let it halt our journey; do we shout at the chasm into which we stumbled and fell – or – do we prayerfully address the situation and refocus on the path ahead? The skilled golfer doesn’t pack up and abandon the round after a wayward shot. He selects the right club for recovery and focuses on the next shot. The difference for the Christian is that our recovery does not depend on any skill of our own, but on the strength, grace and promises of God. He is the one who restores and revives us; He is the one who brings us up again from the depths of the earth.
When the world determines to weaken us with calamity, God grants us resilience and fills us with His strength.
Narrow Path Ministries 