Our friend Ruth told us a story a while back. It went something like this:
THAT IS BAD. THAT IS GOOD.
Once upon a time, a long time ago, there lived an old man. He had only one son who was very dear to him. Together they lived and worked a little family farm and made just enough money to get by.
One day, while working, the son fell and broke his leg.
The townspeople gathered together. "Oh that is bad!" they exclaimed. And they shook their heads at the man's misfortune.
A week later all the young men of the nearby countryside were called to battle, but the son was exempt from duty because of his broken leg.
"Oh, that is good!" the townspeople agreed together.
Later on that very week the man's horse ran away. "Oh dear, that is bad!" the townspeople cried out in sympathy. For the old man man had only one horse and without it he was surely ruined.
Surprisingly, in just a few days, the man's horse returned accompanied by a large group of stray horses.
"Oh, that is good!" the townspeople chorused together rejoicing in this very unexpected turn. For now the old man was far better off than before.
FOR OUR GOOD
Often it is hard to see what the Lord has in store for us.
Each of our lives have been seasoned with the "bad" that has ultimately worked for our greater good as we have walked with Him.
This past week Tom's company laid off several employees and reduced his pay somewhat significantly.
I know what you're thinking. "That is bad!" And, to be honest, that thought has run through my head as well. It was a surprising turn.
But, as we consider the many times the Lord has proven Himself as our true Provider, our hearts return to a place of perfect peace.
"We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." ~Romans 8:28
"The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing." ~Psalm 34:10
'Coincidentally' our family just finished reading the book of Esther together and the day after Tom's pay cut we began the book of Job.
"That is good!"
"In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." ~Job 1:22
God's blessing as you lead little hearts home!
Love,
Rebecca
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We are sure there are other families out there affected by changes in the slower economic times. If you would like our family to join with you in prayer, please send us an e-mail by following the link through my profile page or using rebecca.teamjnz@gmail.com. We will be glad to join with you.
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We found out about our pay cut right before Christmas, so I'll be sending you an email so that we can all join together in prayer!
ReplyDeleteI love this story, and now plan to read Job to my children, what wonderful inspiration during these trying times...after reading Job I pray their faith will be enriched and they will not feel quite so unfortunate about our economic cirucumstances!
I will be praying for your family.
ReplyDeleteAs newlyweds my husband and I were in a car accident (on our honeymoon!) and I broke my back, neck, collarbone, etc... Soon after he left for the war, he almost died in a helicopter crash while he was over there, and we lost a baby. Let's just say I did not have Job's faith at the end.
The Lord has blessed us beyond comprehension. I know he will use these though times to bless your family as well.
Blessings, sweet family.
Good Morning Rebecca~
ReplyDeleteWonderful story and lovely application of it. My hubby and I have struggled financially through out our almost 11 years of marriage, but the Lord has always provided for us in some way.
It is so hard not knowing what is around that turn..but I am glad that the Lord is always faithful!
I will be praying for you and so many others I know that have felt the crunch during this time.
May you see God's provisions over flowing to meet your needs!
Lots of love,
Sommer
Thank you ladies for sharing and sharing how we can pray for you as well.
ReplyDeleteAlthough we cannot yet see God's purpose, we are already making various changes in our diet and other areas that we are encouraged will be for our long term good.
Wow Andrea. What a difficult season. Praising God that He has brought you to a place of praise dear one. The rubber of our theology "meets the road" in trial, doesn't it?
An excerpt from the girls copy work this week:
After penning Romans 8:37 (more than conquerors).
"Our spiritual conflicts are among our choicest blessings, and our great adversary is used to train us for his ultimate defeat."
Love,
RJ
It was seven years ago-God has grown me up a lot since then! It is so sweet to look back and see the big picture of how God works all things perfectly for His glory, isn't it? Praying for all of you ladies. You are of more value than many sparrows to the One who is perfectly able to meet your every need.
ReplyDeleteRebecca, all the very best for the times ahead of you. I pray God will show you his perfect will within your situation. He loves you, and will provide for you and your family in ways yet to be revealed! :)
ReplyDeleteSaraya and I are reading "The Long Winter" by Laura Ingalls Wilder at the moment- my goodness, what hardship they endured!! This reading certainly has made us all feel grateful for food and a home and all the comforts we enjoy.
The words of the hymn "'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus" come to mind! Bless you, Saminda.
Thank you for sharing this little story and the reminder that God's ways are not our ways. I will send you an email also. I believe a "prayer network" is just what is needed!
ReplyDeleteGrace and blessings
~Amanda
Your blog is becoming so timely to my life. God granted me the opportunity the other day to use this story with my eight year old. It helped her to see that we are not always given everything immediately and sometimes we need to slough through what seems bad, to get to the good. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeletePraise God! Thank you for sharing. : )
ReplyDelete