Two weeks ago, towards the end of a busy day, I rushed to clean the kitchen after dinner. My hope was to get out the door for a quick run while my husband manned the fort. In the middle of the rush, my six year old decides to ask a question:
Mom, are all beans good for you?
Of course, his timing with this question was impeccable and my quick reply was:
Sure, Samuel. All beans are good for you.
I was not prepared for his next question:
Mom, can I have some jelly beans?
Little stinker. Of course, he was granted his request, but this exchange started a heart reflection for me.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17
Are all of my heavenly Father’s gifts good for me? Absolutely, yes. There is nothing in God’s plan for my life, or your life, that is wasted. He doesn’t have second thoughts about His provision for us. Each and every circumstance in our lives can be used for His glory.
Is the problem that all I want are the jelly beans?
Pretty colors, perfectly shaped, tasty and sweet. They appear to be the most ideal, just like the picture of a life I like to paint.
Without the kidney beans or pinto beans of life (sorry, just not a bean lover), my growth would be limited. The protein of tough circumstances builds strong muscles.
And after much reflection on Samuel’s little request for jelly beans, my simple prayer became:
Lord, thank you for those hard circumstances You control in my life. As much as I hate divorce, thank you for carrying me through that, in spite of Satan’s work. As much as I miss my mama, thank you that she is in Heaven and I will see her again! As much as I despise watching my daughter suffer through a gradual neurologically degenerative disease, I praise you, Jesus, that you are using her to shine in others’ lives.
Because all beans are not created equal to me. But You are the Great Equalizer. And every perfect gift comes from You.
Which life “bean” is God waiting on His glory from you?
Two thoughts come to mind as I think of beans. Lima, yuck. Cocoa–which means chocolate really is good for me…
My post of last night was about glorifying God during bean times, so it’s good to wake up and be reminded of this first thing.
I was just plain ol’ blue on Monday–too deep a shade for the little things that brought me there. He carried me through by the people and situations He placed around me and the words He has written down for me.
Oohh. Cocoa beans! Surprised I didn’t think of that as I just paid a visit to the chocolate factory with the kids yesterday! 😉 Thanks for reading. You are a blessing!
Hi! Stopping by from MBC. Great blog!
Have a nice day!
Thank you for stopping by! Blessings to you.
Oh, what a sneaky question! LOL I love it! Great post, Rachel! I’m so sorry for your daughter’s condition. Saying a prayer for her…and you! Blessings to you!
Thanks so much for praying! Appreciate you.
Forgot to comment on this yesterday — I really liked the question you posed: “Is the problem that all I want are the jelly beans? Pretty colors, perfectly shaped, tasty and sweet. They appear to be the most ideal, just like the picture of a life I like to paint.” It definitely made me ponder a moment. Thanks!
I laughed out loud at your “little stinker”! 🙂 Yes, God does seem to put those beans that we don’t enjoy into our lives… for our health, too deepen our relationships, and for His ultimate glory. What a great, thought provoking post girl! -Blessings, Amy