The famous Broadway musical and movie The Music Man had a song with the words:

    “Oh, we got trouble,
    Right here in River City!”
Well, it seems this year we’ve got trouble, but it isn’t just in River City. It’s all over the world. The global pandemic has brought trouble and tragedy. But the woes of this year don’t stop with the pandemic. If I were to ask you about the challenges you have faced this year, you probably wouldn’t have to sit and try to think of something. You would recall it…or likely make a list of troubles…quickly. Ministry. Relationships. Personal. Financial. It’s been a tough year.
However, we don’t have to live under the weight of trouble. John Maxwell says, “Life is ten percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it.” I don’t know about you, but some days I don’t react to “life” very well. That’s when I need to make an assessment and probably an adjustment.
The late Fred Smith, who shared wisdom for decades with business and ministry leaders, said, “Major trouble challenges our priorities. It also revises, and I might even say, purifies. We decide what really matters.” Then this mentor to many outlines three questions that help a person deal with the troubles and challenges of life.
  1. What are my genuine necessities? So much of our time and effort is spent (or wasted) on the superficialities of life.
  2. Who am I becoming? I once asked a man if he is becoming who he wanted to be. His answer: “Oh, no, but I intend to – someday.”
  3. How do I want to be remembered? We see wealthy donors who want names on buildings; politicians who desire an historical legacy; and parents who want children who walk in faith. I am reminded of Fannie Crosby, the blind hymnist who wrote thousands of well-known and loved hymns. Her tombstone carries the simple epitaph: “Aunt Fannie: she did what she could.”
When we have answered these three questions, we know how to spend our time, energy, and resources. The answers help us build a framework to prioritize our life…to make the needed adjustments to get beyond the trouble to the triumph that the Lord wants for you and your ministry.
Today Judy and I were recalling the challenges that have been a part of our lives in 2020. And the amazing prayer of Habakkuk came to mind. It helps us put in perspective the troubles of this world compared to the joy of knowing Christ and the promised glory for all who trust Him and follow Him.
Habakkuk faced major problems in his land. He was more than a little upset with God for not making things “right.” But Habakkuk comes to a strong conclusion as he thinks of the troubles facing his world and the hope found in God.
    Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
        and there are no grapes on the vines;
    even though the olive crop fails,
        and the fields lie empty and barren;
    even though the flocks die in the fields,
        and the cattle barns are empty,
    yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
        I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
    The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
        He makes me as surefooted as a deer, 
        able to tread upon the heights.
Habakkuk 3:17-19 NLT
He is saying that even though their source of livelihood falters and fails, Habakkuk will keep his trust in the Lord, and will even learn to rejoice. And the Lord will prepare this man of God to navigate the challenging pathway before him. It sounds like something that fits us today.
As you think of the trouble that has come your way, work to set aside those pitfalls. Look instead to the promise. And this year will be seen through a different lens.