This sort of stuff can't be good for our economy. When the middle east is where we go to get our oil, and there's turbulence in the country; well it can only get worse.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110311/ap_on_re_af/af_libya

And if this is what's happening in Libya, what if Saudi Arabia is next? That's one of our biggest suppliers.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110311/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_saudi_protests

Nothing to fear.

God is not surprised.

Amen. God has a sovereign plan, and whatever it is, it's good.

Amen. God has a sovereign plan, and whatever it is, it's good.

Agreed. God knows exactly what will happen next. However, that does not mean or imply we will like the solution or the road to get there.

I cannot say I grasp or understand the terrible reign of Nebuchadnezzar or Caesar Augustus, the senseless slaughter of millions during the crusades or the burning of witches. God allowed that because it somehow was part of His plan -- I accept that. Yet, if I'm honest with myself had I lived during those terrible times, it would net have felt "good" at all.

While the outcome of all God's plans is for good, the Bible makes it clear that the path for getting there from our perspective is very often anything but that.

The situations in Saudi Arabia, Libya, Nigeria and other regions are such cases - ultimately all things work for the good but we must not kid ourselves into believing it will be a joy ride getting there. If things bubble over in Africa and the Middle east, crude could cost $500 / barrel and there will be much suffering in the short to medium term. That's simple arithmetic.

Agreed BDH.

I guess 90% of the people who ever lived would be happy to exchange their problems with ours.

I guess 90% of the people who ever lived would be happy to exchange their problems with ours.So true! Sure everyone remembers that Sunday School ditty - "Count your blessings ... one-by-one".

Us grown-ups tend to forget that. I remember hearing the words of a young child praying in a Sunday School class (possibly 6 or 7 years old):

"Thank You for my mommy and daddy, my brothers and sister. Thank You my brother's broken leg healed. Thanks for holidays by the sea and for treats. Thanks for my house and pool and pets ... my good teeth and that I'm not sick. Thanks for my daddy's job and my school and friends ... for good weather and rain ... for the seasons ..."


We all (myself included) should do that more often -- count our blessings one-by-one -- and for many of us we will soon discover we are SO abundantly blessed. We may face trials to come and we may have faced trials past but we are blessed beyond words and should never forget that.