Recently I ran across an interesting parable.  It is not one from the lips of Jesus, but it has caused me to think about my faith.  All sources call it a “Chinese story,” and some say it is from the Taoist background.  Sadly, that is a belief system built on nature rather than God, but I still think there is some truth in the story.

Here is the Parable:

While I do not agree with all the conclusions, it still has a fascinating insight. The essential teaching of this tale is that you never know how things are going to turn out. I do not believe it is because of random chance or the ancient rhythms of nature. My conviction is that God is at work, and we have such limited perspective that we do not clearly see his plan until we have lived through it. One person said that faith is only understood by looking in the rearview mirror. I think there is some wisdom in that type of thinking.

This story reminds me that all truth comes from God no matter where it originates. The simple lesson here is that our limited vantage point should keep us from ever being filled with pride or discouragement. Faith for a Christian is trusting God when you do not know how things will turn out in the end.