By Braxton King
As the old saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. There is a lot of wisdom in that statement.
One thing the Bible very clearly teaches is that believers are to live with an attitude of gratitude. The only way an individual can count it all joy going through different types of trials and temptations is knowing God is in charge of their destiny.
The Bible is very clear, “God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” In all things there will be good and bad things happen to an individual. Jesus said, “In this world, you’re going to have trouble, but be courageous, I have overcome the world.”
Clearly, it rains on the just and the unjust. How can I have the perspective to be joyful in the midst of trials? What would cause an individual to see a trial as an opportunity for growth? If I live in a way that I’m not sure of the future, then it’s impossible for me to rejoice when I go through difficult times.
The Bible says, “In all things give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” The way a believer has joy, even in the midst of trials is knowing that God will see them through, and that He alone controls their future.
Vance Havner said, “God uses broken things: broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength, and broken people to do great things.”
The discouraged and dejected disciples, who were walking on the road to Emmaus with Jesus, recognized Him when He broke the bread. Jesus was seen in brokenness. Even though things are diffiuclt, this perspective allows us to recognize our God will see us through.
The Bible says it this way, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers them out of them all.” We might not know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow. God knows the thoughts that He thinks toward us-thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give us a future.
As believers, we understand trials develop patience, patience gives us experience, and experience gives us hope in life. God has promised us He will be an ever present help in time of need, and no matter what we go through, our God has a perspective that is eternal for our good.
So the next time you get lemons in life, make lemonade.
