Thoughts for Life: Who Knows?

~ Poh Fang Chia- According to Chinese legend, when Sai Weng lost one of his prized horses, his neighbor expressed sorrow for his loss. But Sai Weng was unconcerned. He said, "Who knows if it may be a good thing for me?"

Surprisingly, the lost horse returned home with another horse. As the neighbor congratulated him, Sai Weng said, "Who knows if it may be a bad thing for me?" As it turned out, his son broke his leg when he rode on the new horse. (Google image, 10 things horses teach us about relationships) [An excellent article! I (Jean) had a horse, and can agree with what is written]

This seemed like a misfortune, until the army arrived at the village to recruit all able-bodied men to fight in the war. Because of the son's injury, he wasn't recruited, which ultimately could have spared him from death.

This is the story behind the Chinese proverb which teaches that a difficulty can be a blessing in disguise and vice verse. This ancient wisdom has a close parallel in Ecclesiastes 6:12, where the author observes: "Who knows what is good for a person in life." Indeed, none of us know what the future holds. An adversity might have positive benefits, and prosperity might have ill effects.

Each day offers new opportunities, joys, struggles, and suffering. As God's beloved children, we can rest in His sovereignty and trust Him through the good and bad times alike.

God has "Made the one as well as the other" (7:14). He's with us in all the events in our lives and promises His loving care.

Let's pray-

"Sovereign God, thank You for ordering my life. Help me to praise You in both good and bad times, believing that you work all things for the ultimate good of those who love You. Amen."

506-510 one-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted-

506- Prov. 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."

507- Ps. 56:11 "In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me."

508- Is. 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD."

509- Luke 12:31 "But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."

510- Ps. 44:26 "Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake."

Quote for today-

~ Lois J. Stucky (1928-2014) -"We ought not to map out our own course, but seek continually to determine God's good will and pleasure and trust in His guidance. He has given us His Word as an unerring guidebook, and we have the Holy Spirit as an unfailing guide. If we obey, we will be kept from following the course of this world, which leads to great loss."

Our Ambassador to Israel, Michael David Evens' comments:

"The power of prayer brings joy into our lives. No matter what circumstances we may face, knowing God works on our behalf fills us with His joy. [Michael David Evens]

John 16:22-24- "Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full."

Words of wisdom-

~ As we call out to God for His help, may we understand that He’s listening, and that He knows all about our needs. It’s His desire to work things together for our good, remember. We tend to complicate things, trying to make something happen because we fear the outcome. His peace and solutions are what will honor Him, and bring satisfaction to us.