By Yong Soo Li

One sunny morning, I learnt once again to thank the Lord even when things didn’t go my way.

I had reserved some organic household products from a shop in the market a few bus stops away. When I arrived, the shop was not there! It so happened, I had left my handphone at home and couldn’t call the shop to check. I also didn’t dare to borrow a handphone from anyone, so I walked around the crowded market to see if the shop had moved to another unit. I just couldn’t find it. Disappointed, I made my way home.

During the bus ride home, the Lord reminded me that this ‘wasted’ trip is in His plan for me. I told the Lord I know He is good even though the trip didn’t go the way I wanted. I thanked Him for all that had happened since the moment I left home – I didn’t have to wait a long time in the hot weather for the buses to and from the market, my destination was nearby, and I didn’t have heavy items to carry home. Instead of griping and grumbling, I reached home grateful.

When a bad thing happens and I can’t see the good God means for me, will I humble myself and trust Him? And when the good takes a while to come, will I ask God for patience and still trust He is working out His purpose for me? Only by God’s grace, I can. In God’s providence, He is actively involved in the ordinary day-to-day details and seemingly insignificant, random events of life, even when it seems otherwise.

Later, the owner told me she moved two years before but had forgotten to inform me and offered free home delivery of my items! I didn’t foresee this, but it was good.