Turning Downturns Into UPturns

​Peter is one of my favorite followers of Jesus in the Bible.
 
I like him because I identify with his impulsiveness, his questions, his boldness, and his foot-in-mouth behavior at times. I mean Peter cut off a guy’s ear, walked on water and once even rebuked Jesus. Peter also confessed that Jesus was the Son of God.
 
Peter had a sensitive heart. He loved the Lord. For all his flops, failures and fumbles he learned how to walk by faith. Remarkably God chose Peter, yes Peter, to head up the New Testament Church.
 
While walking and learning from the Lord, a major downturn was coming in Peter’s life. Even though Peter adamantly denied that he would deny the Lord, deny Jesus he did (Luke 22:33-34, 54-62).
 
Peter’s denial was a humdinger of a downer. Peter would need an upturn from his downturn.
 
Prior to his denial, Jesus had an encouraging word for Peter. Jesus told Peter He had prayed for him. What a comforting thought: the Son of God prayed for him. It is important what Jesus prayed for Peter.
 
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32
 
First, he prayed that Peter would survive the downturn. Yes, Satan would sift Peter like wheat. Jesus prayed that Peter’s “faith may not fail.”  Please note Peter would fail in his action. But his faith would not fail. Though dazed and dumfounded by his denial, Peter’s faith was intact. That is why he wept bitterly when he realized what he had done.
 
My friend, Jesus prays for you and me. Romans 8:34 “…He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, intercedes for us.” What a prayer partner you and I have in Jesus!!!
 
Secondly, Jesus prayed that Peter’s downturn would turn into an upturn. The Lord made a tremendous statement that had to inspire hope in Peter’s broken heart. Note Jesus said “when once you have turned.” Peter would turn back from his downturn. Jesus said he would. Awesome!
 
An upturn of faith would follow the downturn of denial. And what would Peter’s upturn look like? Peter would strengthen his brothers! He would author I and II Peter which are divinely inspired books of tremendous encouragement for followers of Christ.
 
Peter’s upturn from his downturn happened through his personal restoration to Jesus (see John 21) and being filled with the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2). Peter did not stay down in denial. He went up in faith. Peter spent the rest of his life proclaiming Christ and strengthening his brothers and sisters in the Lord.
 
A downturn in life occurs when things go south when you need them to go north. Relational conflict, financial setbacks, personal loss, unexpected illness, unrealized expectations and life disappointment to name just a few downturns.            
 
Down times will come to all of us at some time or another. You and I cannot escape them, but we can endure and overcome them. I believe that UP, not down, is God’s will for His people. God specializes in turning downturns into upturns. Search the Scripture and you will find this to be true.
 
So, what about you and me? What do we need to do when we are experiencing a downturn? How can we turn our downturn into an upturn?
 
Turning The Corner From Down To Up
 
            Here are seven simple suggestions for what you and I can do to turn a downturn into an upturn.
 

• Look up, not down, during a downturn. Help and wisdom come from above.
• Downturns are temporary. It will pass. Downturns always give way to upturns.
• Downturn circumstances may be a downer. Keep your character, attitudes and behavior up!
• Keep believing, praying, and serving during a downturn.
• Do one thing, just one thing everyday that instills hope in you that your upturn is just around the corner from your downturn.
• Share your downturn with a mature Christian who can encourage you to look for your upturn.
• Not matter how you feel about your downturn, praise God and thank Him for your upcoming upturn!

             
When upturns turn downturns right side up…Hope is rekindled…Faith is rejuvenated…Strength is renewed…. Passion is reenergized …Vision is restored…Enthusiasm is revived and Life is alive again!
 
Meditate on this thought this week: Jesus’ biggest downturn was a cruel Roman cross. His upturn was a glorious resurrection from the dead through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is not hanging on a downturn cross. Jesus is alive and well! An upturn empty tomb in Jerusalem testifies to this fact. Jesus is currently preparing a heavenly home for all who believe and is getting ready to come back in glory and take His followers home!
 
My fellow Christian do not let a downturn get you down. Resist depression. Reject disappointment. Rebuke discouragement. Fire up your faith. Focus your mind and heart on the risen Lord Jesus Christ!
           
Believe and trust God to turn your downturn into an upturn.
 
“And 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.”  Romans 8:28
 
“And as for you, you meant evil against me (Joseph), but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Genesis 50:20
 
A Word For Your Week: Downturn? Turn it into an Upturn!