Nena Arias | March 23, 2020
The common saying that “every cloud has a silver lining” means that even the worst events or situations in life have a positive aspect. A situation that might seem dark and gloomy on the surface has a potential to also trigger something good.
How do you find the silver lining in a threatening, hurtful or serious challenge? We are having an opportunity to see that develop right before our eyes with the global presence of the coronavirus. Even though we are being bombarded through the news media of all the dangers and risks this virus has brought, but already we are seeing the upside of this crisis.
What do I mean by that? Depending on the severity of the crisis, it certainly challenges you to reevaluate what is most important in life. People who are really paying attention will immediately look inward first, especially if they are people of faith in God who live day by day and moment by moment communing with God. It makes a tremendous amount of difference if they truly take their faith seriously and want to honor God and his Word in their lives.
I see several very positive things beginning to develop as a result through what I call a “world reset button” (coronavirus), I will explain, but first, please don’t misunderstand me, I do not want to minimize or trivialize this illness in the very least for the very real danger and life threat that it is. My heart and prayers go out to the hundreds, thousands, and millions of people who are suffering in the impact of this disease. I personally have never witnessed anything like it. It is of great concern as the number of cases and deaths mount up every day. The emphasis I am pointing out is the silver lining that is there in every challenge. I Corinthians 10:13 says “God is faithful, … will not let you be tempted beyond your ability… he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” Also, for the believers in Christ, his promise in Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Some of the silver linings that I see is that people are humbling themselves and seeking God more closely. People who had not cultivated a life of prayer lately are now looking to God and praying not only for themselves but for our entire nation and the world. Churches are reevaluating their priorities and serving the elderly and the needy more. They are streamlining their services instead of canceling them. Families are getting closer to each other. They are having home church and Bible study as a family. Parents of school age children are having to homeschool the children they are raising, something that many parents should consider from now on. There is more book reading going on. Singles are more mindful of their parents and grandparents. The government is fighting more corruption. There is business innovation since it is not business as usual in the economy. Scientific research has been kicked into high gear to find cures and perfect the ones we have. In the process, no doubt will discover cures for other diseases. Manufacturing here in the USA will also have to increase by leaps and bounds to make us more independent from other nations. Businesses must diversify. Neighbors are looking out for their neighbors.
This is the uplifting side I am seeing in the midst of this horrific and challenging crisis. If we look for the silver lining it will all work for good.
