Four years ago, my best friend for almost two decades abandoned me. A year later another best friend followed suit. Shortly thereafter a host of other core people joined the bandwagon. I was left reeling.

Meanwhile in my master bathroom a drawing from one of these past relationships hung on the wall, repeatedly taunting me with its unwelcome presence. Prior to the confusing upheaval in my life, the drawing had daily brought me joy. Now it incessantly poked at my festering wound. I wanted to remove the drawing, but I knew that the replacement would have to be carefully chosen or it would only further aggravate. What could I possibly put in its place that would actually provide any measure of comfort? Then I happened upon the painting of the cow reclining on the chair. Perfect!

Like a masterful teacher, the art piece daily asks me, “Why is the cow on the chair?” to which I reply, “I don’t know, but the artist does.”

Why in the world would anyone ever decide to place a cow on a chair? What an odd choice. But the artist knows why he made that unusual decision. A reason certainly exists even though I personally remain ignorant. My upended relationships feel like a cow on a chair. They make no sense to me. But the artist, the Author and Creator of my life and yours, knows exactly why He placed these people on my heart. Figuratively speaking, God knows exactly why the cow is on the chair, and I find that immeasurably comforting.

After daily contemplating this painting for the last couple years, I recently gained insight on the why. John 9 sheds light on the answer. A man was blind from birth. Why is this man suffering such a trial? Why is the cow on the chair? In verse three Jesus answers the question by declaring, “That the works of God might be displayed in him.” John 11:4 sheds additional light as Jesus states why his friend Lazarus must temporarily die, shattering the hearts of Mary and Martha,“This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” I Corinthians 10:31 further explains by stating, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Our circumstances, without exception, are solely to glorify God.

How in the world can heartbreak glorify God? Consider Job in the Old Testament. Satan believed the only reason Job worshipped God was because God caused him to prosper (Job 1:9-11). On the other hand, God claimed Job worshipped Him purely for being God. Who was right? Only by having his life completely wrecked would Job have the opportunity to prove Satan wrong and God correct. When we lose what is priceless, we also have only two options. Emulate Job. Or emulate his wife. Bless God. Or curse Him. (Job 2:9-10) There is no middle ground.