MAY 4

Romans 8:28

ALL THINGS WORK FOR GOOD FOR WHO?

Jon propped his chin in his hand as he watched his grandmother mix shortening and sugar. "I’m making your favorite cake--chocolate," she said. As Jon smiled faintly, Grandma added, "Why so quiet? Is something wrong, Jon?" Jon grunted. "Everything’s wrong!" he complained. "I failed my Chinese test, badly. Mom says I cannot have the remote-control plane I wanted. And the doctor says I have to wear a brace on my leg for two years. How can I ever make new friends wearing a metal monster? If God loved me, He wouldn’t let all this happen to me." Jon slammed his st on the table. "It’s not fair!"

Grandma murmured sympathetically, then handed Jon a spoonful of cocoa. "Here, have a taste," she said. "Yuk!" Jon drew back. " Then how about this?" Grandma dipped a spoon into the oil and sugar mixture. Jon frowned. "No way am I going to taste that!" he declared. Grandma raised her eyebrows. " Then how about some flour? Or maybe you’d like a little baking soda,... or this egg?" Jon grinned. "Aw-w-w, Grandma," he said, "you’re teasing me."

Grandma smiled. "I am teasing you a little," she agreed, "but I wanted you to understand something. Cocoa and raw eggs aren’t good alone, but when I mix all the ingredients together..."

"Yum-m-m, yum-m-m, good!" exclaimed Jon.

"It’s like that in life,too,"said Grandma as she sifted our into the bowl. "I know you’ve learned the Bible verse that says all things work together for good in the life of a Christian. It doesn’t say all things are good. But when God gets through mixing a Christian’s experiences together–the bitter, the sweet, the happy, the sad--life comes out good. Moving and wearing a brace are bitter experiences for you, but trust God, Jon. He’ll add some ‘sugar’ and some ‘ flavoring’, and in the end it will be good." Grandma laughed. "Even better than my cake."

"Maybe so," Jon agreed. en he grinned. "Grandma, may I lick the beater?"

Thought: Have you had to "swallow" bitter experiences lately? Be patient. All the ingredients of your life are not in yet, but God is making something special out of you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for today’s lesson that everything will work for good, if we love you. so help me to examine myself to see whether I really do love You. And if I do, I will be absolutely sure whatever things that happen to me, even if they are difficult and bitter, are there to strengthen me. But please give me strength to bear these difficulties, for I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.