The old Italian proverb, La pecora che bela perde il boccone translates to “the sheep that bleats loses a mouthful.” Meaning ? Everytime we complain about some apparent misfortune in our lives, we lose an opportunity for prosperity and gain, not only for ourselves but for the greater good of others. Look at Philippians 2: 14-15, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” There is power in our words and if we use that power to negate the grace of God or question the authority of God, we allow negative consequences and evil to take hold. Numbers 14:27 affirms this position clearly, “How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who are grumbling against Me? I have heard the complaints of the sons of Israel, which they are making against Me.” Grumbling and complaining casts doubt on the sovereignty of God in our lives. As life unfolds before us, we cannot see everything or discern why things are taking place. We are encouraged to view all things as happening for the purpose that God establishes before us. We are encouraged to have faith that all things are unfolding for the greater good that God has established. Sometimes that is hard to see and we fall into the trap of complaining and cultivating bitterness for our circumstances. Ultimately, the Word of God offers the most inspiring teaching in these circumstances in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Losing Opportunities?
