God Is So Good
The past year has been extremely difficult for me on a number of different levels. I have had some challenges in my personal life and in my work that have caused me to spend a lot of extra time in prayer. Even as I have struggled with these issues I am constantly reminded of the Goodness of God. GOD IS GOOD BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE
It is amazing to consider how much God loves us even when we don’t deserve it (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8).
GOD IS GOOD BECAUSE OF HIS GIFTS
Every physical blessing and spiritual blessing we enjoy is because of God’s goodness (Jas. 1:17; Eph. 1:3).
GOD IS GOOD BECAUSE OF HIS COMFORT
When we have pain in our hearts He is still the God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1:3-5).
GOD IS GOOD BECAUSE OF HIS CHURCH
It is in the church where we find encouragement when we are down (Heb. 10:22-25). One of the bright spots in my life through this year has been the blessing of being a part of a wonderful church family. Our friends who are a part of the church can make every burden easier to bear (Gal. 6:1-2).
GOD IS GOOD BECAUSE OF FAMILY
It was our Father in Heaven who declared, “It is not good for man to be alone” (Gen. 2:18). When God ordained marriage He knew the importance of a husband and wife leaning on one another through difficult times. The greatest blessing in my life during this past year without a doubt has been the support and encouragement of a loving wife. Praise God for His infinite wisdom in designing marriage. Another great blessing has been the joy of spending time with our precious grand daughter. Surely God knew that we need grand children, as we grow older in this life.
GOD IS GOOD BECAUSE OF FRIENDSHIP
In addition to our friends in the local church, one of the greatest blessings in this life has been preaching friends. We have been encouraged so many times by preachers young and old. It has been encouraging to be associated with older preachers who have many of the same struggles we endure. Listening to these men of God discuss the work of preaching, the church, family, and life has blessed us more than we can explain. It has been equally encouraging to be associated with a younger generation of preachers. These young men who are preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ and continuing the work of God is a tremendous blessing. Of course, the greatest friend we have is Jesus. He was willing to lay down His life for us (John 15:13). He has promised us that He will always be with us (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5).
GOD IS GOOD BECAUSE OF HIS PROMISES
Every promise from our Father is great and precious (2 Pet. 1:3-4) His promises are found on every page of Scripture. To see how God fulfilled His promises in the lives of His people throughout time is a great reminder that He keeps all of his promises.
The beloved Apostle Paul understood what it is like to endure difficult times in this life. “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body (2 Cor. 4:8-10). “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Cor. 4:16-17).
My prayer for all of you is that as you endure hardships in this life that these reminders will be of help to you.
Dear Father, we thank You for comforting us when we are weak. We thank You for knowing what we need most and for giving us what we need most at every turn in our lives. Help us, dear God to trust You more and to remember how much You love us. Thank You for all You have done and continue to do for us. In Jesus Name, Amen.