Romans 8:28   And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

A long time ago, I heard this tale. It’s actually a Taoist story but I can relate it to my faith very easily.   The Lord actually used it to create a new filter in my lens as I view life and so I wanted to share it with you.

There was an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years.   One day his horse ran away.  Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit.  “Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically.  “May be,” the farmer replied.  The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses.  “How wonderful,” the neighbors exclaimed.  “May be,” replied the old man.  The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg.   The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune.   “May be,” answered the farmer.  The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army.  Seeing that the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by.   The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out.  “May be,” said the farmer.

Not all things are good but God can use all things for good.  If something as simple as a flat tire has happened, perhaps God used it to spare you from a wreck down the road.   If a sale of your house falls through at the very last minute (as mine did today- please pray-haha), perhaps the Lord will use it to allow for a sudden rise in home prices in the near future or maybe He wants to humble you in some way by putting you in fire for refinement.   If you forget something and have to turn around and get it, perhaps He is wanting a divine encounter between you and another person that would not happen otherwise.  See through this lens and wait for it, watch for it, tune in and listen.   

Takeaway:   Trust that in all things, God is working His purpose according to His good pleasure and that He loves you.  No matter how any circumstance appears, instead of fretting, stop and ask the Lord if there is something He is trying to communicate through it, something He’s getting your attention to reveal to you.   If something happens and you have to ask why or you are startled with disbelief, it’s a good signal that God is doing something!   Make no assumptions- just trust and follow His voice.  Seeing life through this lens is a grand step towards “deeper still” and abiding peace.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, help me to trust that You will work all things for good.  If there are things that do not look good, I surrender them to You.  Reveal to me Your goodness.  If I cannot understand, cause me to trust You all the more.   Help me to know, to the depths of me, that You are working all things for good so that I can be free to find the good instead of dwell on what appears to be the not-so-good.   Amen.