“You need to understand that every circumstance that is placed in your life is for your good. It is designed for your optimum spiritual growth, even though it does not look like it. I am training you. I am building you up so that you will be strong in the power of My might. Understand this. You will overcome. By knowing Jesus, you cannot fail. You are so much more informed than those who do not have Our relationship. You can tap into the well that never runs dry. You can come to Me for comfort and counsel that is never wrong. How many people can really say that? I am for you and never against you. I have your best interests at heart. Even notice how I am encouraging you now. I know your need.
“Today is not the time for chastisement. Today is the time for a warm gift from your ABBA. Enjoy it. I know that you need rest. You have endured much lately; I understand that. Embrace the time of rest for what it is. There will again be time for rigorous training. Take pleasure in My comfort to you. You will make it. I assure you of that.”
Hebrews 12:12-13 NLT
12) “So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs.
13) Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong.”
Tony walked around the newly-completed house for one final inspection. As he turned the corner on the north end of the building, he saw Mr. Baxter’s new Lexus pull up into the driveway. An intense hatred for this man who had been his boss for twenty years swelled in his heart.
“Twenty years of my sweat bought that car,” he said to himself.
The last straw and the determining factor that caused him to submit his resignation was Mr. Baxter’s audacity in asking him to build this stupid house, probably for one of his rich friends. “I want it built first-class,” Baxter said in his usual, condescending tone. “It’s important to me that it be well-built, do you understand?” Tony grudgingly acknowledged the command, but seething hatred covered every moment throughout the project. Because of his already hectic schedule and his work overload, Tony was furious that he was asked to do this additional task. “Today is the day. Today, I’m going to tell him that it’s all over. I can’t take this any longer.”
As he neared the car, Tony remembered all of the subtle ways he had used the construction project to vent his anger for the times over the years that he was expected to work long hours for nothing; or how, when he did get a raise in pay, it hardly met his increased living expenses.
“I can’t even buy my own house,” he thought. “And even if I could, I wouldn’t have the time for it.”
Although this house looked beautiful, Tony made sure that the people for whom he had built it would someday look at Baxter with disdain, possibly even hatred, because of the trouble they were having with it. The use of inferior products wherever they could be hidden and marginal contractors insured premature deterioration and aging. Although everything looked in order, plaster cracks, leaks and a myriad of other problems would eventually be the plight of whoever lived there. But he would be gone, and it would be Baxter’s problem. That simple thought gave Tony the quiet satisfaction of personal revenge. He will have gotten back at this self-centered, pompous fool.
By the time Tony reached the car, Mr. Baxter had gotten out and was looking at one of the discount shrubs near the driveway. It was already showing signs of wilting.
“Is everything completed to your satisfaction?” Mr. Baxter spoke, just as Tony was about to tell him of his decision to quit, now that the project was over.
“Yes, sir,” was Tony’s immediate, somewhat off-balance response. Tony resisted his almost overpowering need to vent all of the built-up hatred he felt for this man, who was always in control, always dominating him.
“So, it’s finished first-class,” Mr. Baxter continued, before Tony could again say anything.
“Yes, sir, it is,” Tony assured him. Knowing the truth about how shabbily the house was really built brought a smile to his face. He loved finally getting back at this man.
“Well, then,” Mr. Baxter began, “it’s yours. Thank you for all of the loyal service you’ve given me over the years.”
Mr. Baxter smiled back and handed Tony the keys to the front door.
Even our worst trials are for our gain,
Jim Corbett
