I’ve read where life is 10% about what happens to you…and 90% about how you respond. I think that’s right.

And in many areas, you see that determination illustrated well in the sport of rodeo. You never know what horse or bull you’ll draw, but success depends on how you react and respond.

That’s magnified this week in Martin, Tennessee…where the university hosts an annual collegiate rodeo. This event draws thousands of participants to our community to watch athletes compete at the highest level. The students show grit, bravery and determination…the product of years of training and practice.

But this year is different. COVID-19 has cancelled this event.

It’s cancelled events all over the world. Sports. Concerts. Church services. 

It’s hurt business. And people. We feel powerless and afraid. 

We’ve drawn an enemy that we don’t quite know how to fight.

Adversity can create opportunity, however.

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philipians 4: 12-13

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

I don’t know what lessons we will learn from this experience, but we will be stronger. It may be six months or six years from now…but every obstacle provides an opportunity to respond.  And we must react from a position of faith.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

My prayer this week will be just as it was last week: development of a vaccine for the coronavirus and healing and recovery for all the people, businesses and organizations struggling in its wake.  And I pray that our response to adversity will be from a position of faith and resolve.

Please let me know how I may specifically pray for you.

God bless.