Some people read this passage, and they decide that everything that happens to us is to be seen as a "blessing" from God. They will tell you, quite straightforwardly, that God has every event of your life planned, including anything that seems to be bad at the time. If that gives them faith that everything will come out right in the end, it could be a blessing. But too often, what happens is that we then think that every evil thing that happens is visited on us by God. And instead of being led to a renewed faith in the ultimate working of God, people become angry, and they turn away from God. Afraid to tell God that they're being treated unfairly, that they are angry at Him, they say nothing. They are hurt, frightened and isolated, even from the love of the One they need most surely.

But th…