A Silver Lining

Acts 8:26-31

 

Have you ever heard the saying “Every cloud has a silver lining”?

 

 

According to Wikipedia, it is a metaphor for optimism. In other words, no matter how bad life gets, you can always find something good in it. You know, make lemonade out of lemons.

 

It’s nice to be positive about life; to be one of those people who sees the glass as half full rather than half empty. But why should you? Why not see life’s struggles as half empty? After all, what silver lining can there be in a broken relationship, a still born baby or a fatal car accident caused by a drunk driver?

 

The stoning death of Stephen, precipitated in a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem. “Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged

off both men and women and put them into prison”.

 

As a result of this persecution, rather than wallowing in self-pity, depression and fear, Philip went to Samaria, which incidentally was not a friendly place for Jews. He preached the Good News and performed signs and wonders. As a result, many Samaritans came to faith and followed Jesus. You could call that a silver lining.

 

From there an angel directed him to go south of Jerusalem. He had no idea why or what was waiting for him. In fact, it was probably somewhat dangerous since he had to go through Jerusalem, the epicenter of persecution, to get there. He went by faith; faith in a God that was in control even in the midst of injustice and chaos.

 

Again following the lead of the Spirit, we read: ³⁰ Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?”

Philip asked. ³¹ “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

 



 

The result of this “chance meeting” was that the Ethiopian official was baptized and received the Holy Spirit. I think that qualifies as a silver lining too.

 

However, the good news is that we believe in and serve a god who isn’t a god of silver linings, but the Living God who is sovereign over this world.

And although we don’t always understand why things happen, we can be confident in His love, faithfulness and constant presence in our lives no matter what.

 

 

 

 

(If God has spoken to you, or touched your heart through this devotional, please feel free to share it with others.)