Description
Tragedy are those events in life that are unexpected that we had no control over. As we navigate this final third of our lives we also have to reconcile the tragedies of our lives and realize that God has been in control all along. Without this perspective, we will only be left with despair which will lead to more destructive depression. In this episode we will discover that our tragedies may very well be designed by God to prepare us for the purposes he still has in our lives. This change of perspective has the potential to make a dramatic shift in our view of the future.
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Video Script
Episode 7 Intro: Tragedies of Life
Tragedy are those events in life that are unexpected that we had no control over. As we navigate this final third of our lives we also have to reconcile the tragedies of our lives and realize that God has been in control all along. Without this perspective, we will only be left with despair which will lead to more destructive depression. In this episode we will discover that our tragedies may very well be designed by God to prepare us for the purposes he still has in our lives. This change of perspective has the potential to make a dramatic shift in our view of the future.
The Purpose of Tragedy
If you are following along in our workbook we are now at the top of page 21. The first three episodes of this series introduced the unique challenges to navigating the last third of our productive lives as we redefine God’s plans and purposes as we seek to finish our race. In episodes 4-8 we are looking at some of the obstacles and bumps in the road that can sideline us from finishing the race.
Now I know these middle episodes can seem a bit dark, but in my experience, avoiding these topics does not make them magically go away. Developing life strategies in these areas will provide us with new hope in the future and what God’s plans may still be for our lives as we age. One of these realities is dealing with those unexpected tragedies of life. While we all understand and accept that this life contains tragedy and pain, it can still be hard to deal with. During these times of tragedy, like David, we can feel that God has forsaken us (Psalm 22).
I think the story of Joseph from Genesis can provide us a perspective on the tragedies in our lives. As I am sure you recall, he had big dreams for his life, but at a young age he was sold by his jealous brothers into slavery. In his twenties in a foreign country, we see his ability and talent propel him to leadership, only to be wrongfully accused and end up in prison. It would seem that all his dreams were turning into a cruel tragedy. We don’t know exactly what he was thinking during this time, but I am sure he had similar feelings to what we have when we go through these inexplicable experiences. (Gen. 37, 39-45)
Even though he kept his integrity, I am sure he had many low moments and times of feeling despair. Remember, like us, he didn’t know how it was all going to turn out. We don’t get to read the end of our story until it is over. Well as the narrative continues we read of his brothers showing up in Egypt some thirteen years later to buy grain. Joseph, likely now in his thirties, was the key ruler of Egypt and in a position to help the very ones that had intended to harm him. But we see a different man than the young dreamer from Canaan.
It was the very tragedies that he went through that now provided him with God’s perspective on not only the unexpected events of his life, but also the purpose of those early dreams. He understood that “while others meant all this for harm,” God was in the background working all things out for his good and the good of others. This takes some maturity and a change of perspective. (Psa. 71; 146) Often, like Joseph, our very tragedies are designed by God to prepare us to be a better help to others. If we go through them with God’s perspective and grace, God will use us to serve others with his grace. Having this outlook, during even the bleakest of circumstances, will provide us with the peace of God which we need (Prov. 3:5; Isa 26:4).
Before we continue let’s consider the following:
What are some of the major tragedies that you have gone through? How have these impacted your view of God in our life and ministry? As you look back on your life, how has your perspective changed on what you only saw earlier as tragedies?
Now consider what tragedies you are still dealing with that you don’t have an answer for. Take some time to gain God’s perspective and peace even though he has not explained why you have, or are going through this.
Financial Fear
As with storms in life, the accumulative effect of tragedies can hit us hard as we see the end of the runway ahead of us. We may even discover we don’t quite have the resilience we once had when we were younger. Over a life time many of us have experienced tragedies in the form of disasters of all sorts. Yet even in disasters we can be assured that God is working for our good (Rom 8:28). Now that does not mean we will necessarily understand or appreciate them this side of eternity. My wife and I have had to walk through several tragedies that we think made us better people, but I can’t say I would like to go through them again. If you would like, you can download our book, “Roads Less Travelled,” to read our story. Suffice to say, dealing with tragedy is not a foreign or theoretical concept for us.
As we transition to the latter third of our life, often the issue of finances – or lack thereof – can cause concern or even outright fear for the future. For those who have responded to the call of full time ministry, it is likely that at this stage of life the future may seem uncertain as there may be no savings or retirement funds. David wrote, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” (Psa. 37:25). As with every stage of life, during our latter years, our source is still the same. Our Father has promised to provide what we need from youth to old age.
While we may have experienced God’s provision throughout our lives, as we age, our faith will be challenged to believe that the same God that has always provided will continue to do so. Jesus teaches us to learn the lessons from the birds of the air and the flowers of the field. We do not need to worry about what we will eat or drink, “For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6:25-33; Psa. 23).
Rather than looking at our apparent lack, we need to change our focus to God and his provision. Obviously, it is easier to do this when things are going well and the bank account is full. But during difficult financial storms we can rely on God’s promises and believe by faith what he has promised. If we trust in money it will let us down, but if we trust in God he has promised to provide for us, even in our old age.
Contentment is Possible
Paul writes in First Timothy, “… godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” ( 1 Tim. 6:6-8) If our focus is getting more money in order to gain security we will be disappointed. We will never have security or be satisfied through the accumulation of wealth. Paul learned to be content whether he had little or much.
God is not limited by natural laws in providing for us. If even the birds are cared for by him, how much more will he care for us. Financial loss can feel like it is burying us under an enormous weight, a burden that we cannot bear. It is during these times that we need to cast our burden on him (Psa. 55:22), knowing that he will sustain us (1 Peter 5:7). Instead of giving in to anxiety, we can choose to trust in God (Psa. 37:7). As Paul wrote the Philippians, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil 4:6-7). Now I know that this is sometimes easier said than done, but God is ultimately our only and final source.
In spite of our financial status, the weakness of our country’s currency, an expensive housing market, or any other societal challenges, our God is bigger than any of these. Generations of believers have proven his faithfulness and he has not changed. He will provide for us as he has for every generation before us.
If this is an area that is a challenge to you and your faith spend some time studying the Scripture in order to increase your faith with regards to God’s provision for you as you age.
Serious Illness
As we enter this last stage of life, it is also with the stark reality that health concerns will likely become more frequent than they were in our younger years. Living in a fallen world, this is inevitable and we have to learn to adjust to this new reality. In our younger years we may have had the luxury to live relatively free of symptoms and so when we did get sick we were just sure everything would work out okay.
However, as we age we can get concerned over aches and pains for which we never used to give a second thought. With every symptom we can anticipate the worst. Every strange feeling or lump can reduce us to fear, particularly as we see our body slowly declining as we look in the mirror. While we can mitigate this with a good diet and exercise, the reality is that physical death is destined for all of us.
For most of us we take this in stride, but the reality is that some also receive devastating terminal diagnosis, if not for ourselves perhaps for someone close to them. This can produce fear and uncertainty of our future. How do we live with hope and not give into fear in the face of such terrible news? While we believe that God still heals today, last time I checked humans have a mortality rate of 100%. To make those struggling with illness feel guilty for their sickness or apparent lack of faith is never helpful. The first disciples tried to blame the blind man or at least his parents, for his condition. But Jesus provided an uncomfortable truth, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John. 9:1-3). Might be good advice for us also.
There are actually plenty of examples of saints in the Scripture who had to deal with illness. From Job (Job 2:7-8) to David (Psa. 41:8) to the righteous king Asa (1 Kings 15:23) in the Old Testament, to saints in the New Testament. Some of these include the mighty Apostle Paul himself (2 Cor. 12:7-8), Lazarus (Jn. 11:1-4), Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:26-27), or Tabitha (Acts 9:36-41) to name a few. My point is, even good, righteous people get sick. To continue to state the obvious, as we age these illnesses will take a greater toll on our bodies and consequently our psyche and mind.
And often the battle is in the mind, isn’t it? Instead of allowing our mind to imagine all the worst case scenarios, we need to resist the fear and focus on God’s promise to be with us. As Paul teaches us, we need to focus on Christ and make each thought obedient to God’s word, believing what he says about our situation. ( 1 Tim 1:7; 2 Cor. 10:5) Regularly meditating on God’s word is key to keep our mind focussed on Christ. Believing the word over our circumstances (Eph 1:3) is essential.
Obviously, this is not a deep dive or study on this topic, but just a few thoughts to help us deal with the eventualities of getting older and what that may mean for us or our spouse. I think an attitude of thankfulness and gratitude also goes a long way in our spiritual and mental state during these difficult periods of illness. “Giving thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:18) Sometimes this is difficult and a sacrifice, but the discipline of giving thanks for even the little daily things can make a huge difference in our spiritual and mental attitude.
It is important to not lose sight of the fact that God has a purpose for us until our very last breath, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph 2:10) Even when it is our time to pass on to the next life, we can do so full of faith and joy. In our weakness his grace is multiplied (2 Cor. 12:9). Regardless of the outcome of our physical condition, as believers we know it will never end in ultimate spiritual death. Though the enemy wants us to focus on our sufferings, Roman 8:18 reminds us that our present sufferings are nothing compared to what lies ahead for us in the future. Though illness is real, we can choose to focus on our future with Christ – which gives our present suffering ultimate meaning.
As we wrap up this episode,
Take some time to meditate on the Scriptures listed and allow them to speak to your spirit. Confess any fear and anxiety to the Lord you may have and allow him to fill you with his peace and hope.
We have one more episode in this Section of our series. So before we discuss how to rekindle our passion and discover renewed vision and purpose, we will look at how to navigate the deep losses and irresolvable pain we may be carrying in this latter season of life. If you are able to join me again next time, I know you will find that encouraging.