WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GETS GOING

There was a song written more than 3 decades ago that was widely popularized by the album "Jewel of the Nile." This song was written by the combined composition of the following song writers, namely: Billy Ocean, Robert Lange, Barry Eastmond, and Wayne Brathwaite. The song was entitled, "When the going gets tough, the tough gets going," and it earned a prestigious platinum certification in the U.K. Afterwards, the impact of the song reverberated throughout the entire U.S. and then, around the globe.

I could just imagine the positive impact the song has brought among individuals worldwide, and of course, me included.

Music has the power to convey messages capable of shaping the behavior of anyone who hears it and further alters his outlook in life. That's why it is essential that we consider the content and words used in a song especially those whose rhythm and melody captivates us.

No wonder, the Barna Research Group has recently identified "music" as one of the top 5 major influencers of the world, next to movies, television, books, and the internet.

Upon hearing regularly, positive music has a unique way of making the physical body produce a relative amount or a daily DOSE of "Happy Hormones." DOSE is the acronym for Dophamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphin. These are natural hormones excreted by our bodies the moment we hear positively inspired music. Moreover, these "Happy Hormones" have the capacity to revitalize and make a boost on our physiological bodies, mind, soul, and spirit. They can enable us to run extra miles in life despite its ebb and flow. They allow us to increase our resolve not to surrender, bog down, or give up on life's challenges. It strengthens our resolve not to quit but persevere inspite of tough situations. Have you heard one positive song this morning, yet?

By the way, lest we might be led getting too far from our topic this morning, what I am going to share with you today is not really all about music or a song per se. I just made especial mention of it here in order for us to realize that, indeed, life carries with it tough situations that, in one way or another, may exhaust or drain our strength. And it is in here that music may be one among those avenues that the Spirit of God may tap to bring unto us the needed relief, comfort, strength, and the will to fight unreservedly.

Anyway, is there anyone among us who is immune or, shall we say, who will be spared from experiencing tough situation in life? I guess none. 

I remember in scripture when the prophet Isaiah was told by the Creator one day: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. And when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze. For I AM the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour." - Isa. 43: 2-3.

Notice here that the Lord did not, in anyway, begin His statement with the word "If." Instead, He began with the word "When."

When I first read and understood this, I almost bargain with the Lord to change the word "when" with the word "if," but there was no way. Sometimes, I tried to convince myself that, maybe the writer of Isaiah, or maybe the translator of the verse couldn't exactly find the equivalent word fitted for translation from its original text, that he was forced to use "when" instead of "if."

But, oh no... I guess, my strategy won't work. I really must have to face the reality that nobody, not even me, will be exempted nor be spared from encountering trials, hardships, difficulties, and even persecutions.

In fact just recently, barely 4 months ago, I was taken aback by the report I received from my bookkeeper that the business I managed, does not show any sign of getting better. The competition was so steep and the escalating number of competitors made it hard for my bookkeeper, who happens to be my wife, to generate sufficient funds to cover for the succeeding months thereafter. The cashflow was in dire trouble, and consequently... sad to say, the business itself, is in trouble.

The situation was further getting worst that we even had not enough to pay for our employees, and to make the story short, we need to face the unexpected but inevitable truth... to close the business.

The decision to stop the operation of the business is, indeed, not an easy option but hard as I need to look into the well-being not only of my own family, but also of those who were caught up in the crossfire, so to speak... our employees.

In addition to this, the daily and constant barrage of phone calls from creditors were a dreadful experience and it really made my days quite sour. Honestly, my wife and I did not experience this kind of thing before. We need to sell most of our equipment in order to address legitimate needs and pay our creditors. Without any doubt, we really are into a very tough situation. We are, indeed, in a condition in which, if we we give in too soon, lay down our arms, and stop getting alert, we will surely sulk into utter desperation and total distress. And this, inevitably, would further result into a more complicated scenario wherein pinpointing and blaming would possibly be our daily norms.

Thank God there are songs and music in the air! Good music, especially those which are complemented with God's Word and inspired by His Spirit, has the capacity to restore, revive, boost, and resurrect the 'Winner' in you.

I remember Joshua and Caleb in the scripture. They did the most awkward thing that warriors and soldiers would ever do in conquering enemy territories. Instead of positioning huge, valiant, and tested soldiers in front of the Army, what they did is, they commissioned a group of musicians, choirs, and singers and placed them in front of the entire Army to lead the pack unarmed. 

"What? I thought we are into war! What are we doing?" This maybe the initial response of most of the soldiers then. It's good Joshua and Caleb are there to teach and explain to them the most unconventional strategy that has ever been done in any military history.

Upon the issuance of a marching order, Joshua had to lead the Israelite Army toward their mission of conquering and entering the Promised Land, utilizing these Spirit-inspired musicians, choirs, and singers praising and singing to the God of their father Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

No wonder... they won, and successfully conquered and entered the Promised Land. They are, indeed, the real epitome of a true 'Champions' and 'Winners.'

As my family and I continue to buckle up and anchor ourselves on His promises, this is our intimate petition: "LORD, we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." - 2 Chron. 20:12

In the meantime... we will keep on Singing.