Who would want to live in a swamp like that?
Looking at the city today, you would never think to ask that question of this city. After all Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Venice, known for its romantic gondolas rides and the renowned St. Mark’s Square is now the Queen of the Adriatic. But it was not always so.
For hundreds of years, the marshy, muddy islands were the
lonely dwelling place for a few fishermen, but Attila the Hun changed all of
that in A.D. 451-452. When he started burning, raping, pillaging and totally terrorizing
the good folk of Northern Italy fled for their lives to Venice’s swampy
protection. Attila’s fierce army of
elite horsemen was rendered impotent in the mud.
Years later, after yet another invader forced more people to
escape to Venice, the residence had already learned to navigate the city using
boats, to build their houses on posts driven into the mud and to dry seawater
which produced invaluable salt. What
started out as pure tragedy and terror ended up in beauty and a great source of
income as the people adapted to life.
Oftentimes, we can look back with an historical perspective
and know that God worked out everything for the good. As Romans 8:28 affirms, “We know that in all
things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called
according to his purpose.” Notice it does not say everything that happens is
good but rather God works for the good in everything. As believers in the God who calls us, let’s
keep a Divine perspective on whatever challenges we face today. Who knows? That swamp, crisis or troubled
relationship may be beautiful and a great source of encouragement as we embrace
life and watch God work!
