God is good...all the time!

We are often tempted to say that God is good when he does things that we like. Is God still good when tragedy hits? Is God still good when the things you've looked forward to all week are taken away? Is God still good when you (or a loved one) get into a car accident and suffers insufferable damage? Is God really good ALL the time?

I say a resounding "yes." Romans 8:28--"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Everything God brings into our lives, whether good or bad, is for our edification. In order to become more like Christ, we must be willing to suffer even from the minor things in life. God is good. Nothing he does is for our detriment. God never looks down on those whom He has claimed as his own and says "how can I hurt them today." Rather, God looks down and says "how can I make them more like Christ today." Sometimes that transformation process is hard. Sometimes, as the master potter, God has to chip away at some of the things in our life that are getting in the way. That never feels good, but in the end, it was for our good.

Today is my brother's fiancee's birthday! I was so excited because Randall, Jaimie, her brothers, a few friends, and I were going to go out to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. Jaimie and her brother were over at our apartment last night and before they left I said, "See you tomorrow!" with every intention of doing so. Well, i went to my room, set my alarm for 9:30 (because I had to work at 11), and fell asleep. I was woken up at 5 AM this morning with a massive pain in my stomach. "I cannot be sick," I thought. Sure enough, I am. I got a stomach virus: oh joy! I was so looking forward to going out to a nice, fancy restaurant with family and friends and having a good time. Now I'm stuck in my apartment wondering why God would do this to me. The answer is: short-term, I don't know; but long-term, I know that God is going to take even this little virus of mine and use it to conform me into the image of Christ. I think I'll take being sick if I know it's working out for that good. :)

So what are you facing that is causing you to question God's goodness? Is it a financial pinch? Is it the loss of a loved one? Is it a debilitating accident? Is anything too big for God to handle? Is any problem too large for God to solve. God loves to care for his children. If He has led you to it, you can be certain that He will lead you through it. :)

God bless!
Nadine