"Read Em And Weep"

“Faith is the art of holding on to things in spite of your changing moods and circumstances.” – C.S. Lewis

Curly from the Three Stooges used to regularly say, “I’m a victim of circumstance.” That line sums up the thoughts of a lot of people today. Why? Because most individuals or groups are not all that happy with the circumstance cards they were dealt.

The circumstance cards are those things that happen in life that are out of our control and have the real chance of impacting our life going forward. Each of us have our own unique set of circumstances that we will face or attempt to handle. We also handle the circumstances differently. Some of us handle circumstances fairly well, some not so well. A big part of playing the cards we are dealt is handling the circumstance card. The Bible gives us the key in handling anything that comes our way.

We are instructed to be ready. We know something is coming, we may not know how, when or from where it will come, but there will be circumstances we will handle or face. But we also know that we do not have to face our circumstances alone. As Christians we have the Holy Spirit who enables us and empowers us in the power of Christ. Don’t be a “victim of circumstance.” He who began a good work in you will perfect it. Trust God in the midst of your trials. Nothing can separate us from His love.

No matter how difficult your circumstances may be today, tomorrow will bring a brighter day if you hold fast to His promises. “… weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5 ) Instead of viewing life as a wearisome battle against a flood of overwhelming circumstances, you can view it with hope. You can see it from the perspective of God’s covenant, believing that though hard circumstances will come, God is in control and working out His purpose through them. The result? You’ll see yourself as safe within God’s loving plan.

Let me quote the lyrics of the song Oceans by Hillsong United: May our hearts respond as in the song we love to sing: “Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, Let me walk upon the waters, Wherever You would call me; Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander, And my faith will be made stronger, In the presence of my Savior.”
Discussion Questions:
1. What are your expectations for circumstances in your life? What does God expect from you?
2. Give a brief example of an event or circumstance in your life that led to a feeling of helplessness or being out of control.
3. What role did God play in your thoughts? Did you pray? Did you pray differently? Were you angry?
4. Would you say circumstances strengthened or weakened your confidence in God? Why?
5. If you want to study someone in Bible, the life of Joseph is a great example of someone who overcame and lived beyond the circumstances of his life, (Genesis 37, 39-43)