It Could Have Been Worse!

I once shared some painful news with a friend and expected comfort, but her response changed my perspective forever. This reflection explores gratitude, God’s boundaries, and why it could have been worse.

A while ago, I received news that someone close to me had been involved in an accident. From all indications, it was serious. He was rushed to the hospital, and the situation looked quite grim.

Looking for comfort, I walked up to a friend who was nearby and shared the news with her. I expected words of sympathy or encouragement. Instead, she looked at me and said calmly, “It could have been worse.”

I was shocked.

This was not the first time she had responded that way. Every time I shared something painful, whether it affected me or someone close to me, her usual reply was always the same, “It could have been worse.”

Honestly, I found it insensitive. I wondered what could possibly be worse than a life threatening accident. This time, I decided to challenge her. I felt she was brushing off real pain simply because it did not affect her directly.

Then she explained.

She said, “Do you know that for almost anything that happens, it truly could have been worse? What if he had died on the spot? Would that not be worse? What if his wife and children were with him and they were all in the hospital together? Would that not be worse? What if he had just gotten married and died before they even had a child?”

She went on, one scenario after another.

And I began to think.

Learning to See God’s Boundaries

That conversation changed my perspective.

Many times, we mourn what has gone wrong and forget to thank God for the limits He placed on the situation. We focus so much on what we lost that we overlook what was preserved. We complain about what God did not do and forget that He prevented so much more from happening.

The story of Job reflects this clearly. God allowed Satan to touch Job, but He set clear boundaries. Job could be tested, but not destroyed. His life was preserved. It truly could have been worse.

Scripture reminds us of this boundary setting when God said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand; but spare his life” (Job 2:6).

Applying This Truth to Our Lives

Maybe you did not perform well academically last year, or you received a poor appraisal at work. That is painful, yes. But it could have been worse. You still have your job. You still have another opportunity to improve.

Perhaps you battled with health challenges. It was not easy, but you are still standing. It could have been worse.

Maybe you are married and still trusting God for children. The waiting hurts, but your marriage remains intact. It could have been worse.

Gratitude does not deny pain. It simply acknowledges God’s mercy within it.

A Posture for the New Year

As you step into this new year or phase, remember this simple truth. God is still faithful. Whatever He allows, He allows with limits. As long as there is life, there is hope.

So give thanks, not because everything is perfect, but because it truly could have been worse.