Making the Best Out of a Bad Situation Nov 07 2008

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

Winston Churchill inspired the free world as he defiantly declared, "We shall never surrender!" during England's darkest days. History has shown that he, more than any other person, can be credited with saving Britain from an almost certain enslavement by the Nazis. Yet, as World War II ended, his beloved country unceremoniously dumped him as its prime minister. Attempting to comfort him, his wife declared that this rejection might actually be a blessing in disguise. "If it is," he replied, "then it is very effectively disguised."

Despite this humbling rejection, Churchill went on with his life. In fact, the following year he made the "Iron Curtain" speech upon which the free world based its policy during the Cold War. He also wrote a six-volume history of World War II (winning a Pulitzer Prize) and published the classic A History of the English-Speaking Peoples. Add all that to another term as prime minister and many years as the elder statesman of the free world.

Jesus promises us, "...in this world, you will have tribulation." You will face many rejections, roadblocks, and even land mines in your life. Sometimes God puts these challenges there to teach you, to test you, or even to redirect you. Learn to view these tragedies as opportunities to make yourself stronger and to uncover greater opportunities. You just might discover that Mrs. Churchill was right! Remember, Jesus says, "...but take courage, I have overcome the world."