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People have their own way of responding to any given
situation especially when it appears worst. In addition, when seen from a
skeptical onlooker, it will always be worst than it seems. However, every situation that comes our way
can never be viewed immediately as good, bad and best or worst. Instead, it
should always be perceived with a hopeful perspective and knowledge of the fact
that when God is involved, He can transform any “worst situation” into one of
your “best experiences.” Besides, there are many biblical characters that
experienced it first-hand.
What we need to gain is the right perspective and
here are some examples: a) When Goliath came against the Israelites, the
soldiers all thought, "He's so big
we can never kill him." David looked at the same giant and thought, "He's so big I can't miss"[1]; b)
Joseph reassured his brothers after going through many “worst” situations and spoke,
“As for you, you meant evil against me,
but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept
alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:20 ESV); c) the Psalmist declared, “It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes” (Psalms 119:71 ESV); d) lastly, without
forgetting what the apostle Paul said, “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 ESV). One thing
is crystal clear, i.e., the Bible is filled with testimonies that when God is
with you, He will never abandon you.
Here’s a story about the “The Fern and the Bamboo”
that I came across to illustrate this truth: One day I decided to quit...I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality....
I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. "God",
I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?" His answer
surprised me. "Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and
the bamboo?" "Yes", I replied. "When I planted the fern and
the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them
water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the
floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.
In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing
came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. "In year
three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. The
same in year four. "Then in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the
earth. Compared to the fern, it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just
six months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five
years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to
survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle. "Did
you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have
actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit
on you. "Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo
had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful.
"Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high."
"How high should I rise?" I asked. "How high will the bamboo
rise?" He asked in return. "As high as it can?" I questioned "Yes."
He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can." I left the
forest, realizing that God will never give up on me. And He will never give up
on you. Never regret a day in your life.
Good days give you happiness; bad days give you experiences; both are essential
to life.
What’s the primary purpose behind this concept of “best out
of worst”? If you are a Christian believer, Peter has this to say, “In this you rejoice, though now for a
little while, if necessary, you have been grieved
by various trials, so that the tested
genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it
is tested by fire--may be found
to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ”
(1 Peter 1:6-7 ESV). Therefore, always look beyond your worst situations and
realize that God can bring out the best out of what seems worst.
Let’s talk again!
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