«Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days» (Proverbs 19:20).
Joash, future King of Judah, lost his father (Ahaziah) when he was merely a baby. A short while later, a political riot organized by his own grandmother, wicked Athaliah, put an end to royal descendants; his life was spared thanks to the intervention of his nursemaid, who hid him for six years in the Temple. His childhood took place among tragedy, threats of death and lack of parents. What was a child going to do in those life circumstances? The Bible says that during all that time, Joash received affection and instruction from priest Jehoiada. Years later, Athaliah’s regime was overthrown and Joash, barely seven years old, ascended to the throne, where he remained for forty years. The boy didn’t focus on his problems, give in to self-pity, or fill himself with hatred against those who had saddened his childhood. He rather managed to live up to the challenge’s life presented to him and led his people to progress in the midst of very complicated conditions. At the end of his life, the Biblical record says he «did what was right in the eyes of the Lord» (2 Chronicles 24:2).
More than once I’ve seen both young men and women scarred by tragedy. Be it by the death of their parents, the hindrance of some illness they are plagued with from infancy or the lack of financial resources, they have to live dramatic situations which force them to mature very early on. What to do in those cases? Seek explanations? Blame the heavenly Father for having allowed them to come into this world to suffer tragedy? Live to arouse pity from others by telling our misfortunes over and over again? That’s one way, but it’s not the only one. We can also take on a different attitude, like Joash, who accepted Priest Jehoiadah’s guidance and prepared to rule his people honorably.
We all have adverse circumstances in this world. God only knows why He’s allowed us to endure them. The truth is, no matter what difficulty assails us, the Lord has given us the ability to overcome it: «No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it» (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Don’t focus on your weaknesses. Better yet, draw near to God and ask Him to help you fulfill the mission He’s brought you into this world to fulfill.