Hot, Hotter, Hottest

Since we’re on the topic of weather from the last blog entry, I can’t help but notice that it’s always hot in Thailand (at least in the mid-part of Thailand.  Think the greater Bangkok area). Basically, there are three temperatures here – hot, hotter, and hottest.  But not just the heat, it’s also the humidity which can be so thick and heavy.  I’m used to a dry heat and while I like that the heavy humidity makes my skin softer and has made my eczema disappear, this kind of heat is stifling to me.  Thank the Lord for air conditioning!

The year-round temperature in Thailand is always in the 80’s (Fahrenheit) and above and in a few rare occasions (like after a rainstorm) it can dip into the high 70’s.  So yeah, it’s always hot, at least to me. But hey, I love it here.  It’s really just all about endurance and making up your mind that no matter what the temperature is today, I can handle it and be content (did I mention air conditioning?). 

Life does throw us our challenges.  Sometimes we are the ones who cause the challenge to occur, like my decision to visit Thailand.  On the other hand, challenges can come our way from many unexpected sources.  A financial hardship, loss of a job, a loved one passing away, a sickness or accident that happens suddenly.  You could say, “That’s life,” and I suppose that is true, but I don’t mean it in a way that is defeatist or in a way that you have no control or no one you can turn to.  The great thing about life is that there are always choices and there are always ways to endure.  And not only endure, but to overcome and rejoice!

How, you may ask?  Well, I could tell you but there’s someone else who can tell you much better than I, so read on, my friends.  Ponder, pray, and participate.

…I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:10b-13)

…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:13b-14)

The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.  Don’t abandon me, for you made me. (Psalm 138:8)

I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age.
I made you, and I will care for you.  I will carry you along and save you. (Isaiah 46:4)

 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. (Romans 15:5)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”  And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:3-5)