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My computer was infected with a virus last Monday, which
rendered it unusable within minutes. Before I could get
a last minute backup or do a virus scan, my computer began
operating as if someone had gained remote access to the
system. After a few minutes of trying to regain control
of my computer, I decided to do a destructive restore, which
reformatted my hard drive and installed the original software.
As I went through the process of restoring my computer,
I began to think about lessons I can learn. In this article,
I want to share some of the lessons I remembered, while
overcoming this very mild trial.
We Should Confront Adversity with a Positive Attitude
When experiencing trials, we can have a "glass half full"
or "glass half empty" attitude. We can have a positive or
negative attitude.
As Christians, we should have a positive attitude, even
when experiencing the worst trials.
- God cares for you. If you humble yourself under His
mighty hand, and cast your anxiety on Him, He will take
care of you (1 Pet. 5:6-8). He will not allow you to be
tempted beyond what you can bear (1 Cor. 10:13).
- God knows your needs and helps you, even if you're
unable to communicate with Him (Rom. 8:26-27).
- God strengthens you with "power through His Spirit
in the inner man" (Eph. 3:16). He is "able to do far more
abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according
to the power that works within us" (Eph. 3:20).
If we believe in God, we should never doubt our ability
to overcome adversity. Therefore, we should confront adversity
with a positive attitude -- the battle belongs to the Lord
(1 Sam. 17:47).
It Could Be Worse
Sometimes, we become accustomed to God's blessings and forget
that life would be a lot worse if we didn't have God.
We forget what it's like to live without hope. We forget
what it's like to live without trusting God to take care
of our problems. We forget what it's like not to have brethren
we can trust to help in time of need.
It's helpful to remember our former life, without Christ
(Eph. 2:11-12). It helps us approach trials with a positive
attitude, because it could be worse -- we could have to
endure trials without Christ.
Good Comes From Adversity
Finally, we should remember that adversity is a "good" thing,
because it helps us become a better Christian.
- We should "exult in our tribulations, knowing that
tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance,
proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope
does not disappoint (Rom. 5:2-5).
- You should "consider it all joy . . . when you encounter
various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith
produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect
result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking
in nothing" (Jas. 1:2-4).
- "We know that God causes all things to work together
for good to those who love God, to those who are called
according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28).
When facing adversity, remember to stay positive, remember
it could be worse, and remember that good comes from enduring
trials. God is on your side. There's no trial you can't
overcome.
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