WHO KNOWS WHAT’S GOOD OR WHAT’S BAD
Have you ever had something terrible happen to you, only to find out that something good came from it? There has been a few times in my life where the very thing I had hoped for actually happened, and it turned out to be the worst thing EVER!!!
About 10 or 12 years ago, Joe and I discovered an old Taoist parable about a farmer and his horse. Over the years, this saying of “who knows what’s good or what’s bad” has been repeated over and over. It brings us comfort in the worst of times, and reminds us that in the best of times, to be ever vigilant. Here is a version of the story.
A horse jumps a fence into the farmers farm. In their culture, that means the horse now belongs to the farmer. His son exclaims, “What wonderful luck! We are now rich!” The farmer looks at his son and says “Who Knows What’s Good or What’s Bad?”
One day his horse runs away. And his neighbor comes over and says, to commiserate, “I’m so sorry about your horse.” And the farmer says “Who Knows What’s Good or What’s Bad?” The neighbor is confused because this is clearly terrible. The horse is the most valuable thing he owns.
But the horse comes back the next day and he brings with him 12 feral horses. The neighbor comes back over to celebrate, “Congratulations on your great fortune!” And the farmer replies again: “Who Knows What’s Good or What’s Bad?”
And the next day the farmer’s son is taming one of the wild horses and he’s thrown and breaks his leg. The neighbor comes back over, “I’m so sorry about your son.” The farmer repeats: “Who Knows What’s Good or What’s Bad?”
Sure enough, the next day the army comes through their village and is enlisting able-bodied young men to go and fight in war, but the son is spared because of his broken leg.
I think you can see how this story can go and on forever. The only problem I have with the story, is that I may not know what is good or bad, but I know the LORD most certainly knows the answer. One of my very favorite verses in the Bible says it all. Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
While I may not know what is good or bad, I can find comfort in the knowledge that the Lord is with me, and he will contend for me. I am thankful that the Lord is in control, and he knows the answer!
I hope you will share this post on Facebook or Twitter. I hope this reaches someone who maybe struggling, just like me. Have a blessed day with those you love.
Have a Blessed Sunday!!!
Wow…talk about Gods timing for me to see this, it’s much needed by myself and a close friend also. Thank you so much for sharing this. I love for fashion tips and I really love the extras like this you pass along. Happy 4th and God bless you and yours!
Thanks for sharing that story…something to think about! This is a scripture passage that really reminds you of who is in charge!
Great story. Thanks for sharing it. Our pastor used that same scripture in his message today.
Hi Tania,
I have been enjoying your blog so much! Your taste is fun and creative and I look forward to seeing your fun outfits.
What I really love is how you openly and generously share your faith. It is awesome!
This verse is what got me through a very bad divorce many years ago. But I also love the rest of it…. Jeremiah 29:12 and 13 “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
I hope you and your family are having a great 4th of July weekend!
~Liz
It is so good to be reminded that the Lord knows what He’s about and we are in His hands. Thanks, Tania! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
It’s a great story and one I will always remember. Thanks, gurl!
So true and even the bad things in life we learn something whether it turns out good or stays a challenge
Thanks for such a powerful post!
Be blessed.
My favorite verse. Thanks for the reminder that “God’s got this”…no matter the situation
What a lovely post. Many times I step back mentally from a difficult situation to remember God has a plan in place I can’t see. It gives comfort during hard times plus joy in good ones when I see his hand at work.
Have a blessed Sunday!
Thank you Tania for your encouraging words. The verse that has been speaking to me lately is Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Also, Ecclesiastes 7:14 When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future. I have been experiencing a personal long drawn out trial in my life and God is teaching me so much through this as well as taking one day at a time and finding something “good” in each day, no matter how crummy the day could be. Enjoy your Sunday. ~Lisa~
I know this verse and I knew this story, thanks for sharing. I also know when 1 door closes another will open! Have a great day. I love you
Tania, thank you for this inspiring post today. It speaks to my heart and is most helpful. I also know it will be an encouragement to a relative I am going to share it with. I love your blog and look forward to it every morning but especially on Sunday. Blessings to you.
Thank you for this great reminder today
Wow that verse keeps appearing everywhere . Thanks for your post❤️❤️
What ever is good or bad the Lord has it in control. Thank you for a wonderful reminder. Have a beautiful Sunday.