“Tough times don't last, tough people do,
remember?”
―
His
invented word describes situations which look bleak, and then a surprise! Joy
shows up in the pain, conflict, or loss. I embraced this wonderful word right
away. It reminded me of the Lord’s intervention in my life. For example, years
slipped by when I was childless longing to be a Mom. I experienced many
heartbroken moments. Then, suddenly, God surprised us with a beautiful baby son
through adoption and then later a beautiful baby daughter through adoption. I
had given up ever being a Mom. EUCATASTROPHE!
Eucatastrophes don’t always result in a personal, direct turnaround. Both of my parents passed
into heaven 13 years apart by the time I was 32 years old. I felt orphaned.
Over time, the Lord has shown me how to use my losses as ways to understand and
reach out to others in pain.
2
Corinthians 1:4 has come alive. “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we
can comfort others. When others are troubled I can give them the
same comfort God has given me.” EUCATASTROPHE in another version!
The
most powerful example of Eucatastrophe took place 2,000 years ago. Although
Jesus prepared His disciples, they did not and could not anticipate the events
of His crucifixion. Try to imagine their horror. Their despair. Their shame.
Their catastrophe! Three days later joy beyond joy rescued them from a pit of
grief. Jesus’ resurrection!
EUCATASTROPHE!
I
hope Eucatastrophe has been or will become a word of encouragement for you and
those around you. May the Lord intervene in your catastrophes with surprising
turn- arounds remaking them into EUCATASTROPHES!
