When the Downside Turns into the Upside

The autumn breezes are finally turning chill. It has been an exceptional fall, with some of the warmest weather on record for our northern climate.

Yet, as I walk through my garden, I feel somewhat dismayed. Weeks ago, I did my typical fall cleanup but the weeds have regrown and are going to seed because we have yet to have a killing frost. I start to lament and grump a bit. I have lots of other things I would rather be doing than weeding in October.

When I consider the situation, I have to give myself a talking to. Yes, there are some negatives to our prolonged warmer weather, but there are also some incredible perks as well. I am still picking strawberries and blackberries, something I never done in October before. Enjoying this luscious fresh fruit is amazing. I still have a number of flowers blooming in my yard as well. What beauty to enjoy.

How often in life do we only see the downside of a situation?

Jesus’ disciples certainly did just that. Their beloved Jesus was taken in the night, beaten, and later sentenced to death. Jesus had done so much good for so many people. Yet, those who hated Him seemed to be winning.

The dark night turned into an even more despairing day as innocent Jesus was crucified like a common criminal.

What the disciples didn’t connect at first was Jesus own foretelling of both His death and resurrection.

They did end up seeing the upside of the situation when they encountered our risen Lord. They finally made the connection that Jesus needed to die to fulfill God’s salvation plan for His people. As they saw the positive of their circumstances they were filled with joy.

God can work through impossible situations, difficult people, and challenging conditions but when we are in the middle of these circumstances, it is really difficult to see the positive.

When the downside is all you see, consider the following:

• God keeps His promises. Not sometimes. Not when the mood strikes Him. Always.
• There is no place where God is not right beside you, leading, guiding, loving.
• God provides us with the best path, if we choose to follow it.
• Because of Jesus’ sacrificial death, we have hope for the future.

Take heart with the words of Jesus:

“Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations.’” (Luke 24:45-47 NIV)

God planned that what appeared to be the downside would eventually lead to the Gospel being shared around the world and a salvation plan for all humankind.

Look for the flowers instead of the weeds. A change of perspective can make a huge difference.

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