When You Get Bad News?

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One of  the silliest questions I could ever ask is:

 "Have you ever gotten bad news? 

Of course you have. We all have.  Probably more frequently than we would ever prefer.  Here's the thing about bad news: 

• It doesn't care who it hurts or harms. 
• It comes in various levels. 
• Some bad news is REALLY bad.
• Some just messes up your day or week.
• Some is really just an annoyance or an inconvenience. 

Bad news comes either extra large, large, medium, or small. But when we get it, we never like it. In fact, I've never heard anyone say: 

Awesome! I got some really bad news today! YAY!

But the real question comes down to how we respond to bad news. The reality is that we can have lots of responses to bad news.  Sometimes we know just what to do. 

For example, if we receive the news that a friend has been diagnosed with a terminal illness we begin to reach out to them in loving and caring ways.   

However, there are times and situations when bad news brings a challenge of not knowing the right actions or steps to take. These situations can be frustrating for us.  

It's times like these that I turn to God's Word for guidance, encouragement, and inspiration. In Romans 8:24-28 we read ...

24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Within these verses we see three things to do when things get a little crazy in life or when we receive bad news. This is a passage that is applicable to various situations in life.  

First, look forward to a better day.   

In verse 24 Paul tells us that it doesn't make sense to try to hope in the present moment. No one hopes in what he or she sees. He adds that we hope in what we can't see, i.e... a better day.  

In verse 25 he simply adds the element of patience to his instruction. He says, patiently hope for what you can't see right now. In time that better day will arrive. Just trust the Lord through the trial as James encouraged (James 1:2-8).

Second, understand that the Holy Spirit has got your back 

The text tells us that 

the Spirit helps us in our weakness

Now, for me, that's such good news. I am always open to getting some help. And if that help comes from God I am even more open. You and I can expect God's help during trying times. But then Paul adds something interesting and encouraging. He says:

For we do not know what to pray for as we ought

I so relate to this! There have been times when I simply didn't know what to say to God or how to even begin my prayer. God knows that we are ALL that way. Sometimes we are simply at a loss for words.  So God says, "don't sweat it, I have got your back because" ...   

the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

This simply reminds me that the Holy Spirit is pleading God's heart on my behalf and He is NOT at a loss for words. He not only knows what to say, but how to say it! His appeals (groanings) are far beyond any words I can muster.  

Third, just know that God will work it all out in His ways and in His time  

This verse, 

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (28)

is among the most well-known and most quoted in the Bible. I love that it tells us what we KNOW not what we wish. We KNOW that God Himself will cause our situations to turn out for good (blessings).  

Why? Because he loves us and has called you and me to serve Him. If we are always bogged down because of bad news, then we will not serve Him at our best.  

Yes, there are times when God allows the trials but they are actually for our betterment. Trials are used of God to sharpen and strengthen us. They are used to create and develop perseverance in us (James 1: 3-4).   

Just knowing that something good will result from the trial can give us the inspiration to press on toward the prize! (Philippians 3:14)

I trust this had been helpful,

Tony Guthrie

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