When Things Turn Against Us

You have probably heard someone say that we can learn a lot about ourselves and others when things start to go bad. If something goes against us and we immediately get angry, then we may have some weakness in our character. On the other hand, if in these situations we can react with gentleness and reasonableness, we must have some strength within us that gives us a positive perspective in our trials.

Philippians 4:4-5 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.” When things turn against us, our first reaction can be an emotional one. However, if we approach these times with an attitude of rejoicing, our response will be reasonable and gentle.

Profit and Loss Statement

We are familiar with the Profit and Loss Statements that companies produce. They detail the income, expenses, assets, liabilities of the companies. While we don’t produce a physical document, sometimes we look at our lives in the same way. In the profit column, we list our accomplishments, good works, awards, and positive relationships. On the loss side, we list failures, lost relationships, job losses, and heartaches. We are proud of our profit column and boast about these things. But we try to hide our losses.

Philippians 3:7-8 says, “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” The treasures of this life do not measure up to the value of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Whatever we do to gain fortune, fame, and personal fulfillment doesn’t compare to the eternal value of what we do to honor God and serve people. At the end of our lives, only what was built for eternity will remain.

Gift Card

Suppose you receive a gift card unexpectedly from someone. You were expecting anything, so now you don’t think that there is much money on this card. So you hold onto it for some rainy day casual expense. Then, an emergency pops up and you don’t have sufficient funds to cover this expense. So you use the gift card, not expecting much help. But you find out that the card has thousands of dollars available for your use, more than covering your current need, but also helping you to do some things around the house that haven’t been able to afford until now. This person has given you a gift that is generous and abundant.

Ephesians 3:20-21 says, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Many of us, believers and nonbelievers, lead mundane, frustrated, and unremarkable lives because we fail to draw upon the power of God. The prayer of faith is the key to unlocking this power for us and through us. He can and will do much more than we ask or imagine. Let’s not allow unbelief cause us to miss the opportunity to do amazing things in God’s name.

Guaranteed

Often we can get a guarantee when we purchase and appliance or electronics. These guarantees cover a certain amount of time and are applicable under certain conditions. Sometimes, we can purchase extended warranties, but these also expire and have conditions which restrict the producer’s liability. Something have a “lifetime guarantee”, but obviously these expire also.

Isaiah 51:6 says, “Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner; but my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will never be dismayed.” God promises that His salvation will last forever. It is indestructible. His promises are backed by His power and authority. Therefore, His promise is absolutely trustworthy and does not expire. He warns that His righteousness will never end. His righteousness cannot be challenged.

Signature of the Artist

One of the last things does as he/she is completing their masterpiece is to sign the art. An artist would not sign unless the artwork meets personal high standards. Until then, artists continue the creation until they are pleased with it.

Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ, have become His handiwork. He would not place His signature upon handiwork that is less than perfect and complete. He will surely bring us to completion and perfection.