Day 330 All the Time

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. Romans 8:28


We tend to notice God’s goodness when things are going well, don't we? When everyone in our family is healthy, when we get a raise at work, when rain doesn’t ruin our picnic. But what about when family or a friend gets cancer? What about when we lose a job or a marriage heads for the rocks? When was the last time you heard someone say, “I can’t afford to pay my school debts this month, but God is so good?”

It’s entirely appropriate to reflect on God’s goodness in the good times. And, there’s nothing to be happy about when difficult life circumstances come our way. Circumstances, however, never determine God’s character. God is good. All the time. Period.

You know that there is no escaping pain in life. It comes in all different kinds, shapes, colors, and personalities. It falls on us without warning or concern for our schedules and regardless of how much pain we are already facing. Sometimes, just when you feel you can’t handle another ounce of pain, one of life’s dump-trucks stops by and drops a load of it right on your doorstep. Pain is an equal opportunity distributor.No one can avoid it.

 BUT even in times of pain: God is good. God always provides growth opportunities for us in the midst of pain. God uses our painful experiences to build character in our lives. James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

God wants us to use what He teaches us in the painful seasons of our lives for the benefit of others: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

The challenge today—and everyday—for us who follow Christ, is to be able to say whatever our circumstances, “God is good.”

God, give Sarah grace to trust in your goodness in the good times and bad times alike. Amen.