Myrtle, a translation of her real name, Hadassah, was taken from her family at a young age and pledged to a pagan king (Esther 2). Yet, despite the compounding nature of his trials, he remained faithful to God. Because he spurned her advances, he was put in prison, where he was initially forgotten by those he helped (Genesis 39-40). He was entrapped and falsely accused by his master’s lustful wife. Joseph, the favored son of Israel, was sold into slavery by his own brothers (Genesis 37). Despite their devotion to God, they each faced monumental obstacles-serious, life-threatening difficulties.
These three individuals were biblical heroes-individuals of real faith, conviction and dedication to God. and there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) seems fitting when describing the difficulties encountered by people like Joe, Myrtle and Paul. The frequently quoted adage “that which has been is what will be. Such stories highlight the ongoing cycle of trials so commonplace today.
How had it come to this-the increasing regularity of these brushes with violence? There seemed to be no end to it-different day, different town, same abuse. Paul gingerly tested his footing as he slowly straightened his back and stretched. How could things have gone so wrong? Was this really happening? Why didn’t God intervene? The very real threat to her extended family weighed heavily on her.
Myrtle was seemingly alone in her thoughts. As his eyes adjusted to the dim lighting, he once again wondered: What did I do to deserve this? How could this be happening? What possible good could come from this turn of events? Where was God? Joe looked up from the cell floor as the warden slammed the door shut.
0 kommentar(er)
