[261 words]
When Asa was about five years old, we bought him a bicycle for his birthday. Given that his birthday is in December, the weather did not permit him to ride it outside for a while. One morning, he decided to ride down our hallway. He did not know how to use the breaks and ran into a curio cabinet smashing the glass in the bottom door. We heard the crash and crying! Once we got to him, shards of glass lay in the floor. Asa was scared, upset, and devastated for the moment. That moment in time parallels life. When we least expect, something comes our way and shatters our hopes, dreams, and comfort.
Because of Jesus, as difficult as it may be, we “can pick up the pieces” and refocus on Him as we rebuild. I Timothy 1:1 says, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope.” Additionally, Titus 3:7 says “that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
When our world shatters, we can rely on our hope which is in Jesus Christ. If we are obedient to what God commands (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14), when we are “picking up the pieces,” we can do so with confidence that life on earth will get better, but through faith, obedience, and love for Christ we can endure. As we travel through the hills and valleys of life, may we be strengthened by our bond with Christ.
Allen Jones
South Green Street church of Christ
Glasgow, KY