Actor
Christopher Reeve was paralyzed in a horseback riding accident in 1995. Prior
to this tragedy, he had played the part of a paraplegic in a movie. In
preparation, Reeve visited a rehabilitation facility. He recalled: “Every time
I left that rehab center, I said, ‘Thank God that’s not me.’ ” After his
accident, Reeve regretted that statement: “I was so setting myself apart from
those people who were suffering without realizing that in a second that could
be me.” And sadly, for him, it was.
We too
may look at the troubles of others and think that it could never happen to us.
Especially if our life journey has led to a measure of success, financial security,
and family harmony. In a moment of vanity and self-sufficiency, King David
admitted to falling into the trap of feeling invulnerable: “Now in my
prosperity I said, ‘I shall never be moved’” (Ps 30:6). But David quickly
caught himself and redirected his heart away from self-sufficiency. He
remembered that he had known adversity in the past and God had delivered him:
“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing” (v.11).
Whether He has brought us blessing or trial, God still deserves our gratitude and trust.
