Making Lemonade

Remember the last car you bought? The clean interior, smooth running engine, a sense of hopefulness--no more big repair bills for awhile. Not everyone is as thrilled with the experience. I saw one car with a big lemon bolted to the top accompanied by an uncomplimentary note identifying the dealer from whence it came. Another pasted lemon-shaped stickers all over the vehicle. The message was clear. They weren’t happy with the product nor the seller. Both were lemons.

The saying goes, “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” A very optimistic, noble sentiment. But this statement suggests the result is second or third best. It envisions a stiff upper lip that makes do under the circumstances. Believers in a “hands on,” personal Creator God understand the lemons of life are not an accidental, unfortunate result of capricious Fate. Lemons are provided for the express purpose of making lemonade. With that knowledge it is possible even to be joyful when they come.

In Runner’s World (Feb. 2004) a runner with scoliosis was concerned about a recommendation that she quit running. Spine surgeon and scoliosis consultant Michael S. Hisey, M.D. responded, to the contrary, that “running can prevent the progression of scoliosis. . . . Osteoporosis accelerates scoliosis, so activities that increase bone density (weight-bearing exercises such as running) will help, not hurt, the condition.” Sometimes it is the stress and pressure that make one stronger.

If anyone got his fair share of lemons it was Joseph, one of the twelve sons of the Patriarch Jacob. Life looked good at first. Despite his unfortunate birth order (11th!), he was the favored son, possibly being groomed to receive the coveted birthright. Then matters went from bad to worse. Hated by his brothers, he was sold as a slave. Then he became an imprisoned slave. Then, a forgotten imprisoned slave. How did Joseph cope with his misfortune?

First, he remained faithful to God. Do you ever blame God for bad circumstances in your life. This option didn’t occur to Joseph. The Almighty Holy God is worthy of worship regardless of our experience. To the advances of Potiphar’s wife Joseph asked, “How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” The fact that evil came his way had nothing to do with his obligations toward God.

Second, Joseph took action. Withdrawing and wallowing in self-pity is a strong temptation. Joseph took stock of his new situation and went to work. Both as a slave and a prisoner Joseph attracted the attention of his superiors. True, Joseph succeeded because “the Lord was with him” (Gen. 39:2,21). Yet, had he withdrawn sulking God would have had little to work with. Joseph’s faith and determination put something in God’s hands to use.

Third, Joseph submitted to God’s providence and plan. He knew what we often forget: life is not about ME. We exist to honor God and do his will. Joseph was prepared to surrender to whatever God asked of him even if it required pain, humiliation and loneliness. As he acknowledged to his brothers, “God sent me ahead of you to . . . save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God” (Gen. 45:7-8).

Fourth, Joseph bore no grudge and harbored no bitterness. He had the motive and the power to execute revenge. But he calmed his brothers’ well justified fears. “Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good . . .” (Gen. 50:19-20). To those who trust in God’s powerful providence even enemies can be instruments of God’s kindness. When we leave judgment and vengeance in the hands of him who judges justly we can act in love toward the unlovely just as God does toward us.

Lemons are sour. But where would ice box pie or cold, tart lemonade be without them? In God’s care we can learn to value and perhaps even savor circumstances of life that at first seem sour. Without them God’s saving grace may not be as sweet.