“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to [His] purpose,” Romans 8:28 NKJV
I was walking toward the front of my house this morning when this visitor caught me by surprise. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t doubt there are snakes around my house. They are pretty common here in Georgia. However, I don’t usually see one lying about so casually in the middle of the day all out in the open. Where is a hawk when you need one!
My oldest son came downstairs as I was going to get a can of hornet spray (crazy, I know) and try to kill it shoo it away. Cam wants to become a vet so his first response was “let me see it!” So we stepped outside the front door and sure enough the snake is still there. It had not moved. One inch.
As I’m clinging to the can of Raid, Cam looks at me and says, “You shouldn’t kill it. They eat rats. Don’t kill it just to kill it.”
I’m proud of him yet annoyed that of all the things I’ve taught him, he chooses to remember that one tidbit as I’m thinking to myself where is that shovel?
We look a bit closer and the snake apparently has just swallowed something.
This black racer or king snake or whatever it is reminded me that the things we often like the least in life serve a valuable purpose. Some of the very hardships we would choose to do without teach us the most. It is often the painful, ugly and difficult experiences that make us better people.
For some of us it takes an illness to find out how strong we really are. Disappointment teaches us humility. Compassion is often a byproduct of pain. God often allows the “ugly” people and circumstances in our lives to bring about a better outcome. We just have to look and think beyond what we see to how God can use it. 
Some people now working in their “dream jobs” never would if they hadn’t first gotten fired elsewhere. Our enemies can often push us toward our Savior and His blessings when nothing else will do it! Sometimes the very things in life that seem to push us down actually propel us forward.
Then there are other times when a frustrating inconvenience later turns out to be life-saver. The flat tire you discover before work spares you from a fatal accident. Running late because of your kids keeps you out of harm’s way. The car that was sold out from under you later turns out to be a “lemon.”
We don’t always have to understand how or why? Trusting God is enough.
Sometimes the best route is not the most direct route. Our God knows what we need and when to get us where He wants us to go. His provision in Biblical times was often unconventional and miraculous. It is no less so, today.
So, if you are plagued with doubts or a situation looks hopeless, turn to God and trust Him. God can do the impossible!
He’s just going to do it His way.
B Is for Blessed! 
Lol.. “You shouldn’t kill it. They eat rats. Don’t kill it just to kill it.” Am still curious about the rat eating snake. What happened to the snake, Lilka?
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I actually left it alone and it went under bush.
I did, however, discontinue my gardening activities for the day. Two days later I was back in my yard and thankfully no snakes in sight. My coworkers later told me that it was probably a king snake that eats other snakes including poisonous ones in addition to rats.
I have matured A LOT in the fact that I did not scream hysterically or call 911! God is making me face my fears on many levels and I am learning not to allow them to have power over me. That is another post all together.
That thing was so gross I had to put something else up on my site so I wouldn’t see it anymore. My teenager thought it was cool, all I could think was eeeewww!
Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
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Great message Lilka, but oh my gosh, I would have freaked out! Remember that my daughter has a corn snake kept in her room (in its vivarium thank goodness!) but she would have said exactly the same as your son!!
Did the snake go away of its own accord? You are so right about God using situations to bring about better things in life for us. If I hadn’t lost my job I wouldn’t be here typing this message to you right now on your blog. A series of adverse circumstances propelled (shoved) me into my writing career which would never would have happened otherwise.
Another great post about trusting God. Thank you and God bless you my dear friend 🙂 ❤
PS But I hope you don't have any more snakes lying out on your lawn like that 😉
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Sherri,
Thankfully I did not see it today as I just spent two plus hours in my yard! I’m pretty sure I’ll be writing a post soon on facing your fears! I will admit to jumping plenty a the slightest rustle of a leaf or stray movement that caught my eye.
I’m believe more than ever that God does whatever is necessary to get our attention and move us where we need to go. Many times that means pushing us past our reluctance to do what we know we should when “common sense” dictates otherwise.
Hopefully, I got the message and He won’t have to minister to me through a snake!
Peace and blessings to you! Lilka
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Oh my! I don’t know how I would have handled that one. Thank God for your son, and how God allowed you to learn and share even from such a unexpected experience.
Be Blessed!
LaTrice
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I handled it better than I would in years past. I guess that’s what God can do in us!
It was very unexpected but it didn’t take long for the point to come through! I think God was sending me a message about a few things I’d been discontent about.
HE does have a way of getting our attention! 🙂
B Blessed LaTrice, Lilka
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So true, Lilka! Everything on earth serves a purpose…the food chain, ordered by God, is actually perfect in operation even if we may not like seeing some of those varmints!
And in life, some of those unpleasant things we encounter are meant to led us to better places. All things are under God’s control and work for the eventual good of His children.
Great post, my dear…
Steve Pejay
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Thanks Steve!
God definitely got my attention and His point across for me as well. I had been discontent about a few things in the past but they were necessary to prepare me for a better future.
His revelation made me see that clearly and allows me to move on past old disappointments.
Peace, Lilka
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And so it goes with the Lord and His ways! We just can’t see and understand as He does. Yet we trust that all things work for good to those who love Him…
Believe this, God is not yet done with His purposes in this world!
Have a super day in His grace, Lilka…
Steve
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Very good post and so true.
Like your son, I like snakes and see no need to kill those who are helpful..Now those poisonous ones we have here in this great state of ours–that’s a different matter. 😉 Elizabeth
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It doesn’t look poisonous to you, does it? I’m hoping/praying it was a rat snake!!
Thanks for stopping by today 🙂
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Love it! This is so very true. Powerful read.
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I really needed this today. This post has really inspired me to stop worrying & continue to pray. I will trust in the Lord & wait on Him.
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I’m glad to hear it! God can take what’s ugly to create something beautiful!
Hang on to Romans 12:12 “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;” 🙂
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Powerful stuff Lilka
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It is amazing what God can do with us!
I am trying to open my mind more to His possibilities and close it to what I view as obstacles and disappointments. The fact that I didn’t kill the snake is miraculous in itself 🙂
Peace and Blessings to you and your lovely family!
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I love this. My son brought home a snake one day and because his hands were full of snake, he used his elbow to ring the doorbell. Needless to say I went into panic mode. I love the way you are using personal experience into you posts. Beautiful.
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Thanks so much for stopping by and taking time to comment!
I did not quite panic but I do hope he has moved on 🙂
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That was a really inspiring read. Thank you. It has helped me get a new and balanced look to my life. And to trust him!
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You are very welcome!
Thanks so much for stopping by today. I am working on the “balanced” thing myself. Let’s just say I’ve come a loooong way by not screaming hysterically when I saw it this morning 😉
B Blessed! Lilka
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