The Good, The Bad, and the Confusing

Several years ago we lived in Bangalore for two years. At that time, Shivaji Nagar was the place where we did a lot of our shopping for basic groceries and meat.

Once while purchasing meat I said to the man “give me something lean with less fat.” He looked at me with surprise and said “that’s the best part — why wold you want to remove it?” I said “are you serious? You really prefer the fat?” He patted his stomach with a big smile and said: “Meat is best with plenty of fat in it.”
I walked away with my purchase of lean meat with a bit of surprise. I realized what was of no value to me was of great value to that man at the meat shop. What some people consider a blessing may also be considered a curse for others.
In the book of Job, Elihu recognized this duality in relation to nature and God’s work when he said: “He loads the thick cloud with moisture; the clouds scatter his lightening. They turn around and around by his guidance, to accomplish all that he commands them on the face of the hapitable world. Whether for correction or for his land or for love, he causes it to happen” (Job 37:11-13).
Elihu used rain as an example to explain that God’s work in some people is seen as a curse while others see it as a blessing. Rain may cause havoc in a land with flooding, landslides, and other calamities. This is seen as a curse. Some people say “the gods are angry at us.”
But far away, some farmer may have been waiting for the rain in its due season. For him, it is a blessing. Then I remember the words of Elihu: “Whether for correction or for his land or for love, he causes it to happen.”
Others around you are doing so well, but you feel like life is tearing you to pieces – a confusing place to be in. Maybe you’re wondering if God still remembers you. You’re wondering if God still remembers you. You’ve probably concluded that the “pieces” of your life can never be put back together again. God has a clear and definite plan for your life. To you and to others, life may not seem to be fair, but God is busy working on your life.
You see some good, lots of bad, and you are completely confused. But just remember: “Whether for correction or for …love, he causes it to happen.” You are God’s child and you are still in his plans. He is still working on you. Give him time.
What is God doing in your life right now?
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