It’s so true that things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out. It’s quite easy to accept favorable circumstances in life, but what about the unwelcome, unexpected and uninvited circumstances that can catch us by surprise? Our response to these events can cause things to work out best if we learn to make the best of the way things work out.
This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.
I’ve mentioned before that I went through a major depression about 6 years ago and while I’m unqualified to dispense medical advice, I did want to share how I believe God led me in my recovery. The first thing I had to do was to surrender or submit the situation to God, then I had to submit to the care of qualified professionals and then to the desires of my concerned husband. As a result, I had to do several things I really didn’t want to do, but did in order to get well.
I would have never chosen this ordeal for myself, but I can now see the good that has come from this difficult time. For some reason, this period of darkness gave birth to creativity. Specifically, writing, cooking and art. Also, I have had a strong desire to give back since I was the recipient of so much compassion. I joined a women’s ministry that helps hurting women to heal. So, while I wouldn’t care to repeat this trial; I grew through it and learned by the grace of God, that things really do work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.
Circumstances in life don’t always go the way we want or plan, but, things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out; and for Christians, this means we respond to undesirable circumstances with faith which leads to a positive attitude.
Our hope should come from a deeply grounded faith that believes God is working in both favorable and unfavorable circumstances for our good, especially when life makes it seem otherwise.
Here is a wonderful promise for believers:
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28 NLT)
The alternative to making the best of things; it is to make things worse, like I sometimes do when I respond to negative circumstances with bitterness, discouragement, disappointment, depression, regret, sorrow, hopelessness, despair, and anger. But, this only doubles the trouble.
Of course, it’s only natural to feel unpleasant emotions, when we experience unexpected circumstances; however, even though it’s difficult, we need to accept and deal with the circumstances, so we can move forward. If we don’t, we may give up, become ill, destroy our relationships; lose faith, and actually prolong the pain.
We can trust that God is accomplishing a good work in us from the things that don’t work out in our lives.
Romans 5:3-5 says, “3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (NLT)
We can make the best of how things work out in our lives by rather than resisting change, which is inevitable; we instead reframe negative circumstances to see them as growth opportunities, and possibilities that God is opening new doors for us.
Growth is never easy, but in fact, it is often painful and hard, but so worth it in the end.
2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” (NLT)
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:1-2 NIV)
Our present circumstances are only temporary; therefore, it’s best to keep an eternal perspective, especially during times of difficulty and suffering.
What do you do to make the best of circumstances in your life?
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Additional resources about related subjects on this site:
Podcast Is it OK to be angry with God?
Podcast Why Aren’t My Prayers Answered?
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