I’ve run across three timely quotes on life and adversity. Because all of us deal with adversity, I hope you find these quotes encouraging.
In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity, we know our friends. – John Churlton Collins
Proverbs says it aptly, “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”* We always find out who those friends are in tough times.
If you feel that you don’t have “that friend that sticks closer…” I’d like to make two suggestions:
1. If you don’t have a church family, find one. Even as you’re honest on your struggles, they will both stand with you and by you.
2. May I recommend the One who’s stood by me in the many highs and lows of my life: Jesus, the risen Son of God. I can attest to his faithfulness.
I’ve been feasting this week on Isaiah’s prophecy about Jesus:
He is despised and rejected of men, a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. And we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. 4) Surely He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows…**
There’s a hymn called “Man of Sorrows, what a name.” ***Lyrics are below. I love the part “Hallejuiah what A Savior.”
*Proverbs 18:24
** Isaiah 53:3-4
A second quote bears remembering:
The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.” -Aristotle
I love those words: grace and dignity. Lord, help me to have them in my life.
A third quote:
Misfortune nobly borne is good fortune. -R. E. Lee
I’m always amazed at the wisdom of the greatest “Son of the South.” He was a great general; evidently, even a better man.
Here is an excerpt about Lee meeting 13 year old Woodrow Wilson from http://www.americancivilwar.org.uk/news_robert-e-lee-weekend:-jan-2006-after-appomattox_121.htm
Final trip through the South
Lee began a tour on March 24, 1870 accompanied by Agnes. They visited Annie’s grave on March 29, the train arrived in Raleigh to crowds chanting “Lee! Lee!” Union soldiers on duty sent a basket of fruit to Lee.
In Columbia, SC, the city declared a holiday in the rain. Stores and offices closed and a parade went to the train. They were greeted by E. P Alexander. In Augusta, Ga. there was a reception Planter’s Hotel. Crowds thronged in line for hours to meet Lee. Somehow a 13-year old Woodrow Wilson worked his way through the crowd to stand right next to Lee. Wilson later said he admired him silently and glowingly.
***Lyrics to “Man of Sorrows”
1. Man of Sorrows! What a name
For the Son of God, Who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
2. Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
3. Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
Full atonement! Can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
4. Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in heaven exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
5. When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
©2002 Phelps Anderson Music /
Jim Hitch Music.
Words:
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Philip Bliss |
Music:
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Phelps Anderson and Jim Hitch |