Have you ever had that feeling in life that you are trying to reach up just to touch bottom! You know, that, ‘when it rains it pours’ season. Like the comedian’s line, “If it were not for bad luck, I would have no luck at all!” A time when it seems the glass is neither half empty nor half full because looking through eyes of disillusionment or even tears, you can’t even see the glass! Many good and godly persons have been there and have gotten the t-shirt! Yet, could there be an upside to a downturn?
I am privileged to pastor a great church in a renowned city. Yet, in the providence of God, we arrive at the beginning of one of the worst economic downturns in what some are saying, decades. Is there an upside to a downturn? Even closer to ‘home’, three months ago, my wife was diagnosed with serious health issues that has led to surgery, biopsies and weeks of recovery and uncertainties. We have been separated for long periods of time, a totally new experience for the both of us. Any upsides?
The joy of knowing God saw it coming before we felt its impact! The joy of becoming better persons through it all!
James, half-brother of Jesus, has a word for us. “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:2-5). Job, who certainly was no stranger to downturns, anticipates “but He knows where I am going. And when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed His ways and not turned aside.” (Job 23:10-11).
The upside to a downturn is joy! The joy of knowing God saw it coming before we felt its impact! The joy of becoming better persons through it all! The joy of northern lights in the darkened sky! The joy of descending into the depths of the wisdom and love of God! The joy of getting glimpses of the purposeful scheduling of God – He is never early, never late – always on time! Paul speaks of the “joy of faith.” (Philippians 1:25). God gives us permission to be joyful in downturns. Perhaps our ‘downturn’ may become someone else’s ‘upside’ when they notice our genuine confidence in God, through it all.