Making Lemonade

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

My uncle, Roger, was a cartoonist. For years, he did the artwork for an Art Linkletter “Murphy’s Law” calendar. The basic idea is that whatever can go wrong, will go wrong, and likely at the most inopportune time. It’s funny because we can all relate. There are times when we feel we might have a target on our back, or secretly be part of a reality T.V. show that’s entertaining people with our struggle to survive.

As with “Murphy’s Law”, sometimes we just have to laugh at ourselves and our circumstances. Other times, all we can do is cry. But, keep perspective. We can’t usually control what life throws at us, but we can control how we respond. Our lives will be shaped more by our responses than our circumstances.

In the summer months, my husband and I like to travel around the country in our RV. This past summer we had a trip planned that included hiking, 4-wheeling, rafting, and just plain enjoying God’s green earth. On day one of our adventure to Utah and Arizona, we were feeling good! Day two, not so much. Our vehicle began to shut down on us while cruising down the open road. We barely made it off the highway when the car gave it’s last. We rolled into a campsite that was right off of the main road into town. That little campground was like an oasis in the desert. It appeared right where we needed it to be.

We ended up spending 12 out of 17 days being towed, calling around for parts, finding an auto shop that could take us, and spending thousands of dollars on parts and repairs before buying a new truck in Boulder, Colorado. I could write a book about that trip. The people we met, and the crazy ways God showed up, kept us from getting upset and discouraged. We had peace knowing He would help us get through it all and we found joy in facing each new problem with grace.

The most challenging day was when my husband was at the dealership to get the vehicle looked at, for the 3rd time, in the 3rd city. Our little dog, and I, needed to fend for ourselves all day. We were parked at the Boulder County Fair campground, which was a parking lot with electrical hookups. It was nothing glamorous. Coming back from an early morning walk, we found ourselves locked out of the RV. With only my cell phone and dog, I started my day. Fellow campers stepped in to provide me with water and a chair. One couple even invited me to hang out with them outside their big rig. (Evidently, they had heard me as I “quietly” pounded on the door and cried, “Noooo”!)

Despite all of this, and a flat tire on the rental car ($350 to replace) as well as a flat tire on the new truck while driving home, we did get to enjoy a few days in the mountains of Colorado. We never made it to Utah or Arizona, but we were alive and safe. We saw God show up repeatedly. Our faith in people was restored and we got to share our faith with many who crossed our path. My parents marveled at how well we had taken everything. They thought we even sounded happy about it all. I don’t think I’d go that far, but our daily motto was, “We’re in the business of making lemonade.”

So how do we maintain a steady sense of peace and joy throughout a lifetime of cycling through trials and times of blessing? And for those hit hardest with a seemingly never-ending series of struggles, how can they manage to not fall into despair and resentment? I believe the secret lies in the confidence of who Jesus is and who we are in Him. When we’re keenly aware of being His beloved followers, the knowledge of His power and presence can calm any storm we are facing.

Our troubles are not unknown to Jesus. He faced years of ministry that were as much identified by hatred and abuse towards Him as they were by His message of redemption. Those years ended when the “haters” had mocked, beaten, and nailed Him to a cross. But, if you know the Bible, you know He remained the Victor. Their evil was met with good, a good so good that, through Jesus, we have the opportunity to obtain this same victory in our lives.

Jesus was able to face the angry crowds that rejected Him because He trusted His Heavenly Father. He knew the mission He was on and would let nothing get in His way. Do you know the mission you are on? Does your love for Jesus mean that you have peace the world cannot understand? Will you let the troubles of this world steal your joy? Or, will you stand firm in the knowledge of Jesus’ great love for you? Will you face your trials in confidence, knowing that Jesus has already overcome the world?

Peace and joy are possible when we understand that our Savior lives. He is with us. He really is! Choose to stand in His victory, not letting the troubles of this world overcome you. You are a child of the Most High God. When life gives you lemons, set up a lemonade stand. He’ll help you make the lemonade!

Stand in truth, face to the wind!

Gloria Nelson

Teaching & Training Consultant

Read Bio Here

"Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story..."

Psalm 107:2