Have you ever had those seasons in life where everything that could go wrong does? Of course you have. Everyone inevitably goes through times like these. I am in one of those seasons right now. The temptation when we are "handed lemons" in life is to become bitter by the sour taste that is left in our mouths by people, circumstances, and situations.
By God's sovereignty, I happen to be studying the book of Job. Now understand, I began this study before "the lemons" came pouring in. However, I believe God was preparing me beforehand by allowing me to see how another one of His servants handled adversity. Job was the most righteous person on earth. By Job's standards I would fall far short. Then God allowed Job to go through the most difficult season of his life. He lost his children, possessions, and health. The only thing Job was left with was a nagging wife! I was struck by chapter 1, verse 22 where it says, "Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything."
I am learning more each day, that the greatest times of spiritual growth are not when things are going great, but when everything seems to be falling apart. I am sure that when Job was going through these things growing spiritually was not on his mind. However, once he got on the other side of his trial, Job experienced God in ways he never had before when he was riding high in life.
What is the one thing that will sweeten a sour lemon? The answer of course is sugar (or Equal, Splenda, Sweet'N Low, etc.). Now when life hands you lemons through adversity, instead of growing bitter, grow better. Sprinkle in some prayer, study in God's Word, and specifically ask God, "What is it that you want me to learn in this trial?" When you do that, you will find the lemonade tastes especially sweet.
In His Grace,
Bryan
