Monday, April 13, 2009

God's goodness

We need to look for ways in which we see God's goodness around us. In ways that may seem little, but in ways that add up to something really big.

Of course this is grounded in a faith which looks to God and to God's promises found in Scripture and through Jesus. As we look in that direction we learn to see life differently, with a new perspective more and more. And we also can begin to see the mountains we would speak into the sea begin to move.

I am also reminded of Romans 8:28. Because of the way this can be misapplied, we can end up ignoring it altogether, a grave mistake. We need to see how God can work for good even in the bad that we experience in life. At least be open to that possibility, because we certainly can't see much of the time the good out of the trouble or evil we may be or may have experienced.

The goodness we see from God in our lives and in the world we live in should spur us to more faith and prayers and deeds and words of love, so that we can see God's goodness carried out to finish what needs to be done. God's work in Jesus in this world through us is a work of God's goodness. We need to look at problems in that way, how God will be at work in them for good. We must not underestimate God's greatness and goodness at work in this world. Something I need to apply to many issues big and small I see most every day.

How do you look at God's goodness? What would you like to add to this?

6 comments:

Lanny said...

That whole Romans 8:28 passage and being able to see good in the apparent tragedy is a difficult one to share with people. When I can say with assurance that I see the good in my loved one's death for instance (and that is an easy one) most often cross eyed looks are received back. This is a very hard verse to share and explain even to those whom I have a good relationship with. a real rip-snorting good reason to wait on and listen to the Holy Spirit's leading on what to say, even then it is not very easy.

And then there is the whole issue of wanting to look at God's part in this verse and not our part, that adds a whole nuther level of difficulty. God is good and His work is always righteous, no matter our opinion.

Anonymous said...

i think that this is true. that to look for God's goodness in all that comes before our senses is one way to pay attention to what God may communicate to us...and not only that, but an opportunity to open a door for others to see God in their lives in a way that is a mystery to us.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Lanny,
Yes, Romans 8:28 is difficult, because even though the promise is clear it most certainly requires faith.

So I guess we have to see that verse as helpful and giving assurance to those of us who are struggling to have faith in the midst of all things. But for those who are not, this passage is simply easily written off, as in not considered!

Ted M. Gossard said...

Nancy,
Yes. Just being open to God's good working can help us see it in new ways we may have not imagined in a given situation before. I have something in mind in my own recent experience.

preacherman said...

Ted,
Thank you for the reminder to us all of the goodness of God. It is sometimes hard for us to see the goodness of God when we are faced with trials of life, relationship problems, financial problems, pain, illness, depression. I think this is something that we need during this time of recession and time in our society. We need to be reminded daily of His goodness. I know that when I think of the goodness of God and what God has done in my life for the good, answering prayers, etc... then all the problems that I face, all the suffering seems barrable. It give me comfort. I think so many people in our nation and world today need that comfort that only he gives.

I want to thank you brother for prayers. I need continued prayers as I have had continued tests and more severe migraines and other neurological problems.

Love you and your family so much. You are such a blessing to our family. I appreciate our friendship and your wisdom that you provide through this blog.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Kinney,
Good to hear from you again. Thanks for your most encouraging words. You are a blessing. You have my prayers. We're all in this together, and we certainly need each other. Thanks for your prayers and blessings.