Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind! Psalm 31:19 ESV
I have a dear friend and co-laborer in our women’s ministry who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. As she lay in the hospital for weeks waiting for further confirmation about possible surgery, the body of Christ came together like a lovely storm before the throne of God. When it was decided that she would in fact need the surgery, once again we all waited on the Lord in prayer. The outcome of the surgery was a complete success and the church was overwhelmingly rejoicing in the goodness of God!
When the outcome of prayer results in healing, good health, bills paid, steady job or a 70 degree day, these are the days when we’re most likely to say, “God is good!” How about the child who excels in school and maybe even the MVP of her soccer team? Let’s not forget those blissful moments of marital harmony and rational communication when both spouses are on the same page. Once again we express in exhale, “God is good!”
The question in all of this is, “Is God’s goodness limited to my finite understanding of what is,”Good?” There are some disappointments in which leave our human souls in what seems to be the abyss of desolation. A sickness comes out of nowhere and knocks the bottom out of our most cherished plans. A loved one has been unfaithful to which our broken heart goes unseen by the masses. What about the chronic condition that only you and the Lord know about and that you’ve suffered under for decades. It is these and many more where the afflictions of life leave us to doubt the goodness of God.
You and I may be convinced of God’s goodness and yet doubt that everything which happens to us is good. Let’s remember that Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was brought about by a “messenger of Satan” (2 Corinthians 12:7), and yet God permitted this so His strength might be manifested through Paul’s weakness (12:7-10). And the “evil” Joseph’s brothers intended against him God intended “for good” (Genesis 50:20). Whatever comes into the life of the Christian is a part of God’s purpose to bring about our good and His glory. God’s heart breaks when our hearts break. But this we can be assured of, that all of the infinite, indescribable, uncontainable goodness of God is working for us not against us.
Joni Erikson Tada is a quadriplegic who’s spent the better part of her life confined to a wheelchair. Daily she depends on nurses, caregivers, friends and her husband to sustain her daily physical needs. She is such and inspiration to me and millions around the globe. Her faith and love for Christ is second to none when it comes to the hero’s of the faith. I recently read this quote from her.
“It was a dull Saturday. My spirits were drooping and it was all I could do to fight off depression. A corset riding high was digging into my ribs, forcing me to draw deep breaths now and then. And when I did, I would and say, “The Lord is good.”
Ladies, we so serve a good, good Father! Today, choose to put your hope in the Father; you won’t be disappointed. Trust Him because He is faithful. Find rest for our soul in knowing that He is good!
Amen! My hubby has been singing that worship song all week, You’re A Good, Good Father”. Indeed he is! Even in our difficulties we can rejoice in His faithfulness.