RECOGNIZING GOD’S GOODNESS?
When as children we saw rain coming we used to sing: “Rain, rain, go away; come again another day.” But when I came to know Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord, I started to recognize and sing: “Sunshine or rain…He’s my Friend.” Still some grown-ups may feel God is good only when there are no threatening-clouds or troubles in their own lives. Although we may not always recognize all his goodness, the Bible tells us God is always good (1 Chronicles 16:34; Psalm 145:9).
*************MANY SAY GOD IS GOOD SOMETIMES**************
Some people who believe they are favored by God only when things are going their way may say: God has blessed me with good health—I have a good job—my family have food and clothing—we have a home—we have a car and money in the bank… These may claim they have prosperity because of their great faith in God. The Bible says, “Bless the Lord…and forget not all his benefits (Psalm 103:2)” Yet some may not consider it beneficial, or that they are favored by God when he allows troubles and trials to test and strengthen their faith. (John 16:33; Matthews 13:22; 1 Peter 1:6-7; 5:10)?
**********OTHERS BELIEVE GOD IS ALWAYS GOOD***********
Many people of the Old Testament and the New Testament believed God is good even when God allowed troubles to enter their lives (Hebrews 11). They believed God works all things together for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
SOME OLD TESTAMENT BELIEVERS
>> JOB. Although God allowed Job to suffer and be tried, he believed God was good. He “worshipped God and was faithful to him,” but God permitted him to suffer and lose his family and possessions at the hand of Satan? Nevertheless, Job said: The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:1-22 ). Furthermore, Job said: “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And… I myself will see him with my own eyes (Job 19:25-27).”
In the NT, Jesus Christ said his Father’s will is that everyone who looks to and believe in God’s Son as their redeemer shall have eternal life (John 6:40; John 3:16).
>> DAVID. King David believed God was good when the Lord afflicted him with troubles?
Chosen by God to be King of Israel, David recognized that God afflicted him because he had sinned against God. David said: “It was good for me to be afflicted that I might learn. After he was afflicted, David return to the Lord with gratitude for God’s mercy.
The Bible says, whom the Lord loves, he chastens and corrects as his children (Hebrews 12:6).
>> ISRAEL. God was good when he sent his own people, Israel, into captivity for sinning?
The Lord freed Israel after they repented and sought him with all their heart (Jeremiah 29:13-14).
SOME NEW TESTAMENT BELIEVERS
>> JESUS. Knowing God’s goodness toward all, in obedience his Father, Jesus Christ suffered and died for the sins of the world (John 3:16). Jesus chose to leave his home in heaven with God the Father to die for a world of sinners (Philippians 2:6-8). While dying and bearing our sins he was temporarily forsaking by his Father who cannot abide sin (Matthew 27:46; Habakkuk 1:13).
Jesus said, in this world you too will have suffer with troubles, but take courage for he has overcome the world (John 16:33).
>> PAUL. Our Lord Jesus Christ chose Paul as an apostle to be an example of one who recognized the goodness of God, and was willing to suffer for the Lord (Acts 6:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1). In comparing himself to others who suffered for Christ, Paul said he suffered more:
“23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked (2 Corinthians 11:23-27).”
Paul said, he learned to be content in all situations, good or bad, for he was confident the Lord’s love and power would see him through it all ( Philippians 4:12-13).
>> YOU & I. Like Paul and others who suffered in following the Lord, it has been granted unto us on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him (Philippians 1:29). The power of the Holy Spirit, which the Lord has given us, enables us to overcome the troubles of this world, while being conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ (John 14:16, 26; Romans 8:29).
Being conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ, and believing in the goodness of God, we have confident that we will spend eternity in heaven with our Lord (John 14:1-3).
