Lessons From A Computer Virus
By Allan E. McNabb

My computer was infected with a virus last Monday, which rendered it unusable within minutes. Before I could get a last minute backup or do a virus scan, my computer began operating as if someone had gained remote access to the system. After a few minutes of trying to regain control of my computer, I decided to do a destructive restore, which reformatted my hard drive and installed the original software.

As I went through the process of restoring my computer, I began to think about lessons I can learn. In this article, I want to share some of the lessons I remembered, while overcoming this very mild trial.

We Should Confront Adversity with a Positive Attitude
When experiencing trials, we can have a “glass half full” or “glass half empty” attitude. We can have a positive or negative attitude.

As Christians, we should have a positive attitude, even when experiencing the worst trials.

• God cares for you. If you humble yourself under His mighty hand, and cast your anxiety on Him, He will take care of you (1 Pet. 5:6-8).
• God knows your needs and helps you, even if you’re unable to communicate with Him (Rom. 8:26-27).
  God strengthens you with “power through His Spirit in the inner man” (Eph. 3:16). He is “able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (Eph. 3:20).
• If we believe in God, we should never doubt our ability to overcome adversity. Therefore, we should confront adversity with a positive attitude — the battle belongs to the Lord (1 Sam. 17:47).

It Could Be Worse
Sometimes, we become accustomed to God’s blessings and forget that life would be a lot worse if we didn’t have God.

We forget what it’s like to live without hope. We forget what it’s like to live without trusting God to take care of our problems. We forget what it’s like not to have brethren we can trust to help in time of need.

It’s helpful to remember our former life, without Christ (Eph. 2:11-12). It helps us approach trials with a positive attitude, because it could be worse — we could have to endure trials without Christ.

Good Comes From Adversity
Finally, we should remember that adversity is a “good” thing, because it helps us become a better Christian.

• We should “exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint (Rom. 5:2-5).
• You should “consider it all joy . . . when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (Ja. 1:2-4).
• “ 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” (Rom. 8:28).

When facing adversity, remember to stay positive, remember it could be worse, and remember that good comes from enduring trials. God is on your side. There’s no trial you can’t overcome.