How Good Is God? 14 Jan 01
Key verse Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for the good of to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.

Most everyone is aware of the apostle Paul’s assertion of God’s goodness revealed in Romans 8, verse 28, which reads “And we know that in all things work for the good”. What if we challenged Paul’s premise? How can we reasonably reconcile Paul’s statement of goodness with the “facts of life”? Is God good when a loved-one dies unexpectedly? Is God good when a trusted teacher or child- care provider molests your child? Is God good when you lose your ability to walk, or lose your job, or lose your spouse to someone else? When all Hell breaks loose in your life do you still say God is good? How can Paul justify his position?
Well Paul asserts “And we know”. This says that the Christian has a level of faith that endures no matter the circumstances, or the trials. We know that God will prevail, that He will never leave us nor forsake us. We know that His love affords us a peace that surpasses all understanding (see proverbs 3:5-7). And we know, that Paul had a testimony, which validates his faith in God. Paul in 2 Cor 11:25 spoke of his trials, his physical pain and suffering, but through it all he preached “Count It all Joy! Why because All things work together for the good of those who love him. Paul asserts that we will have some trouble in our life, yet he still characterizes God as good. When we experience hard times we would do well to move closer to God and trust that He has our best interests in mind. We as Christians must ask ourselves do we love him. How much time and resources do we spend in fellowship with God? Do we spend our time busy with matters that exclude or anger God? Simply put, here are some things to consider when your life seems to be falling apart and you begin to question God’s goodness.

(1) Acknowledge that its not about you…its about the Lord – Actively resolve that not your will but His will be done…actively seek ye first the kingdom of God and allow God to direct your path
(2) Its about the Lord: God’s providence asserts the idea that His will shall be done (we must be faithful and go along for the ride – allow God to drive)
(3) God can make it happen if you love Him. – Don’t be ashamed to praise Him. If you love Him, then giving is not a problem, loving your neighbor is not a problem, walking in your calling is not a problem

Where are you when things seem to be falling apart? Do you find yourself drawing closer or farther away from God? Joseph in Genesis chapter 50, acknowledged God when he could have sought vengeance. Joseph knew vengeance was the Lords. Joseph knew this despite being wrongly enslaved by his brothers, wrongly accused by his masters’ wife, and wrongly imprisoned. God turned that which man meant for evil into good. We serve a good God. One who is good all the time!