I’m no lawyer, but I know circumstantial evidence when I see it, especially when it comes to the circumstances of faith. Simply put, when things are going smoothly in my life, I easily (glibly?) give thanks to God and all is well with my soul. But when circumstances turn darker, that’s when I start blaming God and wondering why He hasn’t fixed my problems. But as in legal matters, so in spiritual ones, sometimes circumstances just aren’t enough to convict a person—or the Lord.
I found this out recently on a mission trip to the African nation of Zambia. A beautiful country, but with 85% unemployment in most areas and clean water, food, electricity, and medical care in short supply, a suffering country, too. Knowing this in advance, I went with the team from Orphan Medical Network International (OMNI), based here in Roanoke, expecting to find grim, downhearted people. Circumstances would dictate such demeanor, right?
Or so I thought.
Instead, the joy, faith, and resiliency of the Zambian women, men, and children I met astonished—and humbled—me. Here were sisters and brothers in the faith whose laughter still rings in my heart; whose hope in the Lord is unshakable; and whose strength in the midst of deep poverty puts mine to shame.
They taught me many lessons the two weeks I had the honor to be among them. But chiefly I learned that not only was it possible to give thanks to God in times of tough circumstances, it was absolutely essential. Their faith in God, not their dire circumstances, determines how they meet each day. Circumstantial evidence just doesn’t sway them.
That we all could have such beautiful hearts for the Lord.
(To learn more about the work of OMNI in Zambia, please visit www.orphanmedical.net.)
Mark Graham is Senior Pastor at St John’s
Lutheran Church located at 4608 Brambleton Avenue in Roanoke (24018). He may be reached at 774-0712. www.stjohnlutheran.org
