It Could Be Worse

The Bible scholar Matthew Henry was mugged and robbed by thieves who stole his wallet. Later he wrote these words in his diary: "Let me be thankful first because I was never robbed before; second, although they took my wallet, they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed."

Situations always could be worse. The terrorist attacks on 9/11 killed thousands, but thousands more would have died if the planes hit the World Trade Center an hour later. Devastating as it was, Hurricane Katrina would have caused far worse damage to the Gulf Coast except a front of dry air came out of the Midwest, weakening the hurricane just before it reached land and pushing it slightly to the east. The stock market fell through the basement in recent months, but as a whole our nation continues to enjoy levels of prosperity seldom seen in the history of the world.

Of course, examples like these offer little comfort if you had a loved one die on 9/11, your home was destroyed in New Orleans, or your business was ruined by the recession. Is it realistic to find a silver lining when life brings you more burdens than blessings?

You're praying to sell your house but nothing's happening, or you're struggling to make the mortgage payments and worried that you could lose your home altogether. But it could be worse. At least you have a roof over your head and food on the table.

Your employer cut your pay, but at least you still have a job.

You lost your job, but at least you have your health.

Your health has failed and your body is letting you down, but at least you have your family and friends.

Your family has disappointed you and your friends have hurt you, but at least you still have the church.

The church no longer seems to meet your needs, the minister's sermons go in one ear and out the other, and your congregation's worship songs irritate you more than they inspire you. But at least you still have your personal walk with God.

Your faith is being tested. Prayers seem dry, worship falls flat, temptations are keen, and the Lord seems far away. But it could be worse. "In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood" (Hebrews 12:4).

The first-century church faced persecution so intense that believers were torn from their homes and dragged off to prison. But it could have been worse. "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went" (Acts 8:4) and the gospel moved forward.

From our limited human perspective it's hard to sort out the painful from the purposeful because they are usually intertwined. What we view as an obstacle, the Lord sees as an opportunity. What we call misery can open doors for ministry; our burdens can morph into blessings.

The Bible promises, "In all things God works for the good of those who love him" (Romans 8:28). Since I don't always understand how this works, I must simply accept it by faith. I can't answer every question and explain every hardship, but of this I am sure: To face life's ups and downs without believing it all falls under the watchful care of a fair and faithful heavenly Father—that would be far worse.