Bigger Better, Stronger & Wiser

This group of men went to war together and believed in their cause. They pledged their lives, their assets and their honor to their country and to each other. Five of them were captured and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Army.  Nine of them died from wounds received during the War. The wealthiest of them saw their entire net worth lost. Eight of them lost everything while they were away at war.

Their homes were destroyed, their wealth confiscated many died in utter poverty. One of them was driven from his dying wife’s bedside.  Others returned after the war to find their spouse dead and their children missing. They paid dearly to follow convictions for God and Country. Who are they?

They were, in fact, the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence.

When trials and tribulations (t & t’s) come all of us wonder about the effect these tragedies have on our lives. After all, everybody goes to war from time to time. Each “t & t” is loaded with the potential to make us better, or bitter.  The most popular worldview wants us to see “t & t’s” as exclusively depreciative and often pigeonholes us into the role of victim.  I think there is a healthier view.  Let’s be honest, if we look at our lives carefully, we should admit a lot of good things come to us from difficult times. Most often troubled times have some sort of positive effect also. In the Bible, you will find these words...

“…we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out his love into our hearts…” Romans 5:3ff

Revised Pastors Paraphrase, “Hardships, most often help us to become bigger, better, stronger and wiser.” Not always, but most often.  If we pay attention to our physical, spiritual, intellectual and emotional well-being in the midst of the battle, we can expect an unexpected gift. We will become bigger, better, stronger and wiser.

Have a great week!

-Pastor Corey