Hanging By a Thread

From Contributing Author Patricia Guenette

• Does that phrase describe much of your life?
• Are your finances a balancing game that you are often losing?
• Is your work environment a constant threat of layoffs or shut-downs?
•  Does that thread seem weaker every day?

Despite the constant threats to our overall well-being, there is still hope abundant for all of us.  In the Bible, we find hope and inspiration from Jesus himself.  He was not born into an upper-class family.  He was not a member of the ruling elite, distant from the common people.  He was very much a part of the “real life” surrounding him.  He truly knew people who had the same problems that many of us are dealing with today.  After all, he chose as his very first apostles men who knew the real work of casting nets and maintaining boats.  Trying to make a living with callused and roughened hands, sore backs and aching muscles was part of their everyday life.  Who else could better lead the growing number of followers whose lives were also hanging by a thread?

Imagine the compassion on his face as he watched the poor widow make her very small contribution to the temple treasury.  He realized that her small donation meant far more than most large donations by the wealthier members.  He understood that she was hanging by a thread but still managed to show her great faith through her small gift.  And he loved her for it and so strengthened her thread with faith and love.

It is strengthening our own threads to realize that Christ Jesus not only knows our troubles but is always there to comfort and support us in our times of need.  He is listening to our prayers and knows the words before they are even spoken.  He is working in his own ways to make us stronger.  No matter how bad the circumstances or how bleak the future looks, our thread is made strong through our faith.