THEME: “TOUGH TIMES NEVER LAST, TOUGH PEOPLE DO”
INTRODUCTION
Our title for this JULY FAST DEVOTIONAL is adapted from late Robert Schuller’s book, “Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do.” For some, this topic could be a catchy phrase, but for us, it is more than that; it is a truth of life. The crisis of COVID-19 has introduced tough times of great magnitude. But we believe that no matter how tough the times may be, it is only a passing phase in life. God is in firm control of our lives, and the pandemic will turn out for our own good and for God’s glory. As Psalm 30:5b says, “…weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.”
A frontline worker was asked, “What does it take to be a frontline worker during this pandemic?” The response was “Insomnia, anxiety, lingering fear.” Another frontline worker said, “If anyone says he is not scared he is a liar.” These statements describe the spectre that hunts humanity now since COVID-19 started.
COVID-19 has changed the way we live, work, and do things. This means that in the coming months and years, things will be different, tough; human misery and sufferings will increase. Though it is not certain how long this season of suffering will last, yet it is good to know that it will not last forever. While tough times last, God has provided for us spiritual resources with which to overcome the spectre. WE CAN LIVE THROUGH THESE TOUGH TIMES LIKE ANY OTHER PERSON ON THE STREET, BUT WE CAN ALSO LIVE THROUGH IT CLAIMING ALL THE IMMUNITY WE HAVE IN CHRIST.
COVID-19 introduced FOUR main problems that hunt humanity now; these are the coronavirus, hunger, unemployment, and the issue of mental health. COVID-!9 has exacerbated mental health like depression and other emotional problems. Christ has provided us with enormous power to conquer these problems. Jesus has paid the price for these four problems at the cross.
As Jason Mandryx observed recently, “Christianity has faced the enmity of the world, the weakness of the flesh, and the fury of the devil, and after everything, we still stand. One could argue that most of the time, the body of Christ not only weathers such storms, but actually gets stronger through them. COVID-19 will by no means be the end of the Church. However, if we seize the opportunity presented to us, and move in the love of Jesus and the power of the Spirit, it can be a chapter of refining, of thriving, of growing and spreading. The choice is up to us.”
We must take heed of Paul’s words in Ephesians 6, to put on the whole armour of God for this evil day. We all need the armour of faith to stand out in this time.
I have thought it necessary to adapt and incorporate other articles from other authors that I consider useful to our themes in this edition, with the hope that we will find them useful. I pray you will enjoy this edition of our July devotional.
