This has been quite a week. Yesterday, we celebrated the good news from the doctor about cancer. We celebrated the goodness of God. But something has been on my mind and I want to share it, because it is a precious and very important truth. It is so simple but it is becoming foundational to me in the ups and downs of life.
God IS good. All the time.
We can say that without even thinking about what we are really saying. We often say it when our circumstances are good, and when we think there is something to celebrate. But our human perspective is so limited - we only see this temporary life here. As I have gone through the difficult seasons in life, more and more I have learned how much God loves me and how good He is, REGARDLESS of the outcome of the situation. He is just as good today, in the joy of a positive medical visit, as He was the day that I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. And He will be good if the report isn’t good one day. He is good in joy or pain, whether we win or lose, on the days when we feel loss and heartache on this earth, because THIS LIFE isn’t all there is. These seasons on earth are working for a good that we don’t see or understand - but that doesn’t change the truth that He is good.
I’ve been reading lots of interesting books lately - including “One Month to Live” by Kerry and Chris Shook; “It's Not Fair: Learning to Love the Life You Didn't Choose” by Melanie Dale; “When God Doesn’t Fix It” by Laura Story. I’m currently reading “Hope In the Dark” by Craig Groeschel. Here’s a quote from “Hope in the Dark” that says it better than I can:
“God understands your pain. And what’s more, he invites your questions. He would rather have you yell and scream at him than abandon your relationship with him in icy silence. Feel free to pour out your heart to him… God welcomes your anguish and even your anger, but you don’t have to stop there. After you’ve laid bare your hurts and your questions - after you’ve exhausted yourself pounding against his chest - then listen.
Open your hurting heart to him, and he will speak. Because even though God is almighty and all-powerful and rules over his kingdom, he also cares deeply about you. And loves you, and he will never abandon you. In fact, it’s usually at your deepest time of need that he meets you, comforts you, and lifts you into a place where healing can finally begin. But only if you’re willing to listen.”
When we truly understand and believe that, EVERY day is a good day, no matter the circumstances. We don’t get sidetracked or distracted waiting for things to get better; we just move forward with the day, knowing that God is ordering our steps. This has been a game changer for me in life!
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4 (NLT)
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