A story is told by Mitch Albom.
‘A farmer wakes up to find that his horse has run off. The neighbours come by and say, “Too bad, such awful luck.” The farmer says, “Maybe.”
The next day, the horse returns with a few other horses. The neighbours congratulate the farmer for his reversal of fortune. “Maybe,” the farmer says.
When his son tries to ride one of the new horses, he breaks his leg, and the neighbours offer condolences. “Maybe,” the farmer says.
And the next day, when army officials come to draft the son—and don’t take him because of his broken leg—everyone is happy. “Maybe,” the farmer says.’*
At first, the farmer sounds like one of those people who never smiles. I get that. But the reason I like the story is because he doesn’t rush to conclusions when something bad happens. What if there was a bigger purpose that he just couldn’t see?
In faith and life, only God is God. To be clear, we are not God. His wisdom is beyond us. In Romans 11:33, Paul says: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”
As a result, we don’t always know the bigger picture. This can be frustrating. In an age of convenience, overnight delivery, and artificial intelligence, we are becoming increasingly accustomed to having things at our fingertips, including information.
Although it can be frustrating to not know the reason for this or that, it can also present us with an opportunity to trust God.
The world can be unstable and chaotic, but God is steadfast and true.
The world can be painful, but God provides comfort and peace.
The world can be confusing, but God provides light and wisdom in Christ.
Don’t get overwhelmed when you’re not sure how it all fits together. Use those moments to step into an existence of greater trust under the God who rules eternity, who adopts us into his household, and is the giver of all good gifts.
There are many “maybes” in life, but there is only one God—and we belong to him.
Notes:
-*Mitch Albom, Have a Little Faith (New York: Hyperion, 2009), 163.
-Bible quotes, ESV.
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