I saw Ernie last night. My first impression was that he has lost weight. Even though I haven’t ridden him much in the past few weeks, he appears to be a little more svelte.

He hasn’t lost weight by eating less. That’s not possible with my “easy keeper.” I can only attribute it to the exercise he gets fending off flies. Those pesky nemesis prey on horses, biting them around their ears and eyes, tickling their feet and munching their exposed skin. Horses only defense is to stomp their feet, swish their tails and brush them off with a quick fling of their heads. Not much of a defense system, I’d say.

Female horse fly from Radu P

A Positive, Unintended Outcome
As troublesome, annoying and uncomfortable as the flies are, the weight loss is a definite perk. It takes a lot for Ernie to lose weight (about as much as me). I’m sure he doesn’t even realize he’s exerting himself more, he’s just trying to survive the constant attack.

How true this is for us as well. Life brings us many discomforts and trials to endure. We spend our time and energy battling the immediate challenges without giving thought to how God may be at work – how the experience may make us a better person. God promises he’ll use those times to refine us, making us whole and holy. Out of the “flies” in our lives, comes the unintended results: a greater ability to endure, added character, and strengthened faith. (No one can guarantee we’ll lose weight in the process though.)

If the flies are pestering you right now, hang on. God’s not finished working on you or your circumstances. He will give you strength and see you through. And on the other side, you’ll be far better off because of the experience you endured.

Question: What unintended consequences have you seen come out of your trials?

Galatians 6:9: So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

James 1:2-4: Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.