Luck or misfortune? - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

And 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

Luck or misfortune?
A Chinese farmer wanted to cultivate his land in spring. All he had to help him was a son and a horse. One day the horse ran away from him. The neighbours came and pitied the farmer for his misfortune. But he remained calm and said, “How do you know it is bad luck?”

The next week the horse came back, bringing ten wild horses with it. The neighbours came again and congratulated the farmer on his good fortune. Again, he remained calm and asked, “How do you know it is good luck?”

A week later, his son was riding one of these wild horses. He fell and broke his leg. Now the farmer had to do without his young helper. The neighbours came and regretted his misfortune. Quietly, the old farmer asked, “How do you know it is bad luck?”

A short time later, war broke out. Soldiers came to the valley to recruit young men. Everyone had to go – except the farmer’s son because he had broken his leg.

Perhaps we smile at this little story. But honestly, don’t we often think like the farmer’s neighbours? We only see the good or bad event and forget that our God looks much further ahead and sees the connections. Only He knows what is really good for us. We want to hold on to this in faith – even when we cannot understand His ways with us.

Today’s reading: 2 Samuel 7:17-29 · 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5