There once was an old farmer. Every day, the farmer used his horse to help work his fields and keep his farm healthy. But one day, the horse ran away. All the villagers came by and said, “We’re so sorry to hear this. This is such bad luck.”
But the farmer responded, “Bad luck. Good luck. Who knows?”
The villagers were confused but decided to ignore him. A few weeks went by and then one afternoon, while the farmer was working outside, he looked up and saw his horse running toward him. But the horse was not alone. The horse was returning to him with a whole herd of horses. So now the farmer had 10 horses to help work his fields. All the villagers came by to congratulate the farmer and said, “Wow! This is such good luck!” But the farmer responded,
“Good luck. Bad luck. Who knows?
A few weeks later, the farmer’s son came over to visit and help his father work on the farm. While trying to tame one of the horses, the farmer’s son fell and broke his leg.
The villagers came by to commiserate and said, “How awful. This is such bad luck.”
Just as he did the first time, the farmer responded,
“Bad luck. Good luck. Who knows?”
A month later, the farmer’s son was still recovering. He wasn’t able to walk or do any manual labor to help his father around the farm.
A regiment of the army came marching through town conscripting every able-bodied young man to join them. When the regiment came to the farmer’s house and saw the young boy’s broken leg, they marched past and left him where he lay.
Of course, all the villagers came by and said, “Amazing! This is such good luck. You’re so fortunate.” And you know the farmer’s response by now…
“Bad luck. Good luck. Who knows?”
Christian spin – Job suffers in losing everything but holds firm to faithfulness and trust in God “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” Job 1:21
Come what may, in good times and bad, can we still praise God at the end of the day? Believing that in the end it will all work out in God’s way and in God’s time.
Blessings, Pastor Michael
- Flag Day, June 14, 2026
- Juneteenth, June 19, 2026
- Father’s Day, June 21, 2026
- First Day of Summer, June 21, 2026
Reflecting the Father’s Name
Renowned actor Sidney Poitier once said, “I decided in my life that I would do nothing that did not reflect positively on my father’s life.” For those blessed with a father they admire and respect, such a decision can be deeply shaping. How might it influence the way you set priorities, live with integrity, or serve as a positive example to the young people watching your life?
For all of us — children of the only perfect Father — may this be our prayer and intention:
God, while earthly fathers are a blend of strengths and flaws, you give yourself to us as our heavenly Father, wholly loving, kind and deeply invested in our good. Help me seek to reflect positively on you. May my life spread your love, kindness and care far and wide, and may others see you in me. Amen.
From Gratitude to Faithful Praise
Gratitude is the beginning of faith; faith leads us to the ultimate gratitude.
Gratitude is often the first quiet step of faith. Before answers come, before circumstances change, gratitude teaches the heart to notice God’s presence and provision. Scripture reminds us, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV). Giving thanks, even in uncertain moments, opens our eyes to God’s faithfulness already at work.
As gratitude grows, it naturally leads us into deeper trust. When we remember what God has done, faith finds solid ground. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, KJV). Gratitude strengthens that hope by anchoring it in God’s past mercies. Each thankful prayer becomes a reminder that the same God who carried us before will carry us again.
Faith, in turn, leads us to ultimate gratitude, not just for blessings received, but for God himself. “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15, KJV). This gratitude reaches beyond circumstances and rests in Christ, the greatest gift of all. When gratitude begins our journey and faith guides our steps, our hearts learn lasting praise, thankful not only for what God gives, but for who he is.
The Quiet Power of Faithfulness
The greatest forces in the universe are rarely spectacular. Gentle summer showers often do more lasting good than hurricanes, though they draw little attention. The world depends on the faithfulness, loyalty and dedication of countless people whose names are never known.
Every life, no matter how humble, has a role in shaping a better world and a more beautiful tomorrow. It is easy to overvalue what seems impressive and underestimate what appears ordinary. Yet lasting change is most often built through quiet commitment, patient service and faithful hearts doing what matters most, day after day.
Called Friends By Christ
According to John’s Gospel, Jesus said to those who knew him best, “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends. … You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit” (John 15:15–16, ESV).
The depth of Christ’s friendship is seen in his willingness to give his life for his friends — and for us as well. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:13–14, ESV).
By obeying our Lord and showing love to others, we demonstrate our friendship with Christ. Friendship with Christ and with one another is, according to the Christian layman and president Woodrow Wilson, “the only cement that will hold the world together.”
“A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when the forget-me-nots are withered. Carve your name on hearts, and not on marble.” —Charles H. Spurgeon
