FEBRUARY 4, Romans 8:28

Jon propped his chin in his hand as he watched his grandmother mix shortening and sugar. “I’m making your favourite chocolate cake,” she said. As Jon smiled faintly, Grandma added, “Why so quiet? Is something wrong, Jon?”

Jon grunted. “Everything’s wrong!” he complained.“Failed my Chinese test badly. Mom says I can’t have the remote-control plane I wanted. And my doctor says I have to wear a brace on my leg for 2 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 fist 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?” she suggested. “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 flour 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 ‘flavouring’; and in the end, it will be good.” Grandma laughed. “Even better than my cake.”

“Maybe so,”Jon agreed.Then he grinned.“Grandma, may I lick the whisk?”

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, help me to trust in You always, knowing that You are in control of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.