Do you know why green leaves turn those brilliant colors in the fall? Ordinarily, every leaf contains brightly colored pigments, as well as green ones, but the deep green chlorophyll masks the others.
Chlorophyll plays an important role in making food for the tree. As shorter days and cooler temperatures signal the leaves to stop making food, they no longer need the chlorophyll, so it gradually breaks down, allowing the other colors to become visible.
Of course, there’s a life lesson here. Just as we don’t see those colorful pigments that are there all the time, behind any situation we may be facing right now is unseen goodness and beauty waiting to be revealed.
In Hebrews 6:12 we read that by faith and patience, we inherit the promises. What promises? For one, that God is behind the scenes working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). By faith we believe this, and by patience we trust Him to work things out.
Last May I was headed to Illinois for my granddaughter’s college graduation. Upon arrival at the flight gate, I learned that due to technical issues with my plane, it had been replaced. There were fewer seats on the replacement plane and my ticket didn’t make the cut!
All around me, people were being rude to the ladies at the counter and complaining so loudly that I couldn’t hear the announcement. I said, “Lord, my times are in Your hand, (Psalm 31:15) and I trust You to work this out for my good.”
At the counter, I calmly and politely told the lady, “I know you’re busy, and I understand why I’ve been bumped, but I don’t understand what I need to do now.” She explained my options and recommended one, to which I agreed.
After a few clicks on the computer, she said, almost in a whisper, “OK, don’t say anything to anyone, but I’ve put you on the next flight. It leaves in two hours.” When I thanked her, she thanked me for my kindness and patience!
I arrived in Chicago only two hours late, and with a $500 flight credit that gave me a free flight to visit my family again this month. Like the beautiful autumn colors that were hidden by chlorophyll in the summer leaves, gold was hidden in my situation, waiting to be revealed.
If you would like to learn more about God’s goodness and faithfulness, come visit us at Charis Christian Church, 4811 E. Julep St., Suite 101, in Mesa.