“The Lord God prepared a plant (for) shade… (and) a worm, and it so damaged the plant that it withered.” Jonah 4:6-7.  The story of the rebellious prophet Jonah shows us how God desires to use both blessings and trials to challenge us and change us for the better.  Five times in the book of Jonah it says that the Lord prepared circumstances for him – both good and bad.  As we face different situations, we should remember that God is sovereign over both the blessings and the troubles that come our way.  He desires to use everything to build our character (James 1:1-5).  He uses both good and bad to transform us and guide us on our journey.  The Lord gives and takes away. Blessed be the Lord.