WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS...

The all too familiar quote “when life gives you lemons make lemonade” has been a go-to quote for many who are going through the hardships that life often brings. I like this saying myself simply because it gives the recipient

of the ‘lemons’ an opportunity to make something good out of a bad situation. It is so much easier to become bitter. I even saw a quote that states, “When life gives you lemons squeeze them in people’s eyes.” Yikes! Despite what you are feeling when you going through difficult times, I can just about guarantee you that doing this will not have good results.

But what should you do when life just leaves you the lemon peels? There are many situations and circumstances that can leave you seemingly ‘fruitless’ and with no reason to smile or remain positive. Lemon peels, or any other peels for that matter, are considered useless and meant to be disposed. But even the peels have good use. Those that are familiar with cooking and baking know that by scraping the peels of different citrus fruits in just the right way, the shavings can be used to add or enhance the flavor of what is being prepared. These shavings are called zest.

When hardships arise, they are not meant to end your life. They are instead meant to press you toward hope—“We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. And hope does not disappoint us…” –Romans 5:3-5a. Is there an opportunity for you to find the zest of life, even when all is going awry? Maybe you feel like the cruelty of certain happenings has left you to be disposed of or for no use. Be of good cheer!

God has the final say, and He still has a purpose for you.

Original Image by iamruthproverbs31

Psalm 27:1 (MSG)

A David Psalm

Light, space, zest— that’s God! So, with him on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.