Last night after dinner we read a very good story in our devotional book, A Farmer's Year by Angus Buchan. Some of you may recognize his name from the book and movie called "Faith Like Potatoes" which is the story of Angus Buchan (a South African farmer) and his journey in following the Lord's call on his life.

"It's about two angels who spent the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family were very unfriendly and ushered them into the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel questioned him, he responded: 'Things aren't always what they seem.'

The next night they stopped at the house of a very poor but hospitable farmer. After sharing what little food they had the couple insisted the angels sleep in their bed. The next morning, the farmer and his wife were in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole source of income, lay dead in the field. The younger angel was infuriated. 'How could you have let this happen?' he cried out. 'The first family had everything and yet you helped them...This family has nothing but you let their cow die!'

'Things aren't always what they seem,' the older angel said. 'When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in the hole of the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it. Last night the angel of death came for the farmer's wife. I told him to take the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem.'

This story really struck me. Lately I have been on my knees questioning the Lord quite a bit. Some of the events and circumstances in my life and in the lives of many of my loved ones and acquaintances have thrown me for a loop. My faith has been stretched and tested in ways I couldn't have imagined.

But that thought: "Things aren't always what they seem" brings a bit of peace and comfort. How much of what is happening around us are we oblivious to? How often do we miss the miracle because we are too focused on the pain? Is there treasure waiting for me that I just can't find because of some sin or blind spot in my life?  Have I been crying over the dead cow when I should have been rejoicing over how God spared my own life? What am I missing by spending so much time and energy feeling sorry for myself and questioning God?

God is always up to something. He is always on the move. He doesn't waste a single thing and He can redeem anything...no matter how hopeless or painful the situation. Even when we don't realize it, dare I even say especially when we don't realize it, God is always for us. He is working it all out...in His own time and in His own way. After all, He sacrificed His own beloved Son to show the world how much He loves us. That is crazy! Crazy, unimaginable love! You can't wrap your mind around that depth of love!

 Things aren't always what they seem.