Wednesday, December 14
Isaiah 30:15-26 and Revelation 2:1-29
I came to the United States in January, 2001, to pursue my undergraduate and graduate education. It was an exciting time for me, as I was coming from the island of Jamaica, which has a population of approximately 2.9 million people and spans a mere 4,240 sq. miles. It’s a small island with a multicultural population, hence our motto, “Out of Many One People.”
I was eager to explore another culture, not thinking about the possible challenges I could face. Not long after my arrival, I began to experience adversities, some of which were self-inflicting, and others I believe God allowed to strengthen my faith and character. Self-inflicting adversities can arise due to our disobedience of God and our misplaced faith in mankind as we see demonstrated by the people of Judah in Isaiah 30, who placed their faith in and sought refuge from the Egyptians. I too fell short and at times leaned on my friends and on my own strength, but to no avail. Then I remembered the words of my mother, a devout Christian, to “Pray, seek Forgiveness, and Trust in God.”
So, when I had no food to eat, when my electricity was disconnected, when I had no gas in my car, and when I was to be evicted from my apartment, I would pray, beg for mercy and grace, and then I would trust that God would make a way.
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion (Isaiah 30:18a).
I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown (Revelation 2:9a, 10).
Looking back at that period in my life, I am grateful for those challenges and setbacks, as it reminds me that God has a track record in my life and that I have a direct line to him through Scripture, prayer, repentance, and faith. During this season of Advent, I pray you find comfort through faith in the care and promises of our God. Even in adversity, our God bestows love and compassion to His children.
DR. TERRY-ELINOR REID
School of Pharmacy, CUW
About this series
“Advent Anticipation: the arrival of our Savior” is a sampling of biblical meditations composed by members of the CUWAA community. It is our prayer that you will take time during the Advent season to read and reflect upon God’s Word and await the coming of Jesus with newfound enthusiasm and anticipation through the Holy Spirit.