One year when the drought was very bad here in Florida, the African iris plants in our yard bloomed like never before. We had more flowers than we had ever seen outside our front door. This surprised me because it was so hot and dry. I didn’t expect the plants to bloom with such profusion. When I mentioned this to my brother, he suggested that the adverse conditions motivated more blooms and hence more seeds because the plant was trying to make sure it did not die out. It was making a bigger investment in the future because of the current perilous conditions. The drought was bringing out the strength of the plant.
This happens in life, too. We know the expression, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” I spoke with someone today who is retired and she shared about her upbringing and earlier years. Her parents beat her and she was abused. She was married to an alcoholic who also abused her. She had a very difficult life on many fronts. In spite of this she raised four good children. She was widowed and is now happily married. She consciously chose to raise her children with love and no violence or abuse. She said that she made mistakes raising her kids but they were not treated in any way like she was. “I love my kids,” she said. Then she told me that her struggles and the difficulties she faced made her a better person and made her stronger.
In this Lenten season we remember the story of Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days. That time of hardship, challenge, and difficulty was intended to make him stronger.
We all face difficulties in life. We may reflect on the question, “Why is this happening to me?” “Why do I have to go through this?” It’s natural to ask those questions. But if we are interested in growing spiritually, we will go on to ask and wonder, “What can I learn from this?’’ “How can I become a better person because of this?” “How can I use this experience to help others or for the good of the world?” “How am I becoming stronger because of this?”
To be strong, a muscle has to be used. For us to be spiritually strong, we must be challenged and use our faith to inform our living. Perhaps a temptation we face is apathy or ease. Maybe we shy away from challenging ourselves to more closely follow Jesus and give ourselves for the life of the world.
Prayer: The journey through this life involves many challenges and problems and struggles. We pray for all who are in the midst of difficulties including ourselves. May the hardships we face help us to grow stronger in our faith. May our challenges lead us to trust in the power of divine love. May our troubles lead us into closer community with others. And may those times of stress and struggle help us to more deeply appreciate the goodness and joy of life. We pray in the spirit of the one who knew first hand the heartache of this life, Christ Jesus. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 