The Worst of Times

A church near London, England, bears this sentence: “In the year 1653, when all things sacred in the kingdom were either profaned or demolished, this church was built by Sir Richard Shirley, Baronet, whose singular praise it was to do the best things in the worst of times.”

This man is almost unknown to history. What we know is that he lived in times that seemed complex and difficult. It was a time when it would have been easy to be discouraged. To give up hope. But he remained firm and made a difference. Even in the “worst of times,” he still did “the best things.”

In the same way, we can imagine how hopeless the Israelites could have felt as they left for exile in Babylon. They were headed for “the worst of times.” But God did not want them to be discouraged. He reminded them that He still was with them.

They could have been paralyzed with fear and worry, but God directed them to stay active. To build and plant. Get married and have children. To seek peace for Babylon, and even pray for it.

What does it mean to face “the worst of times” in your life? In such circumstances, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed or discouraged. To give up hope. To stop trying.

But in every situation, remember that God is with you. Make a commitment to live for Him, no matter what you face, or what other people say. Continue doing “the best things.” Never give up, but persevere, always moving forward in faith. Always confident in Him.

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