GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!

We have this cute little cliche in the church world which goes like this: “God is Good ALL the Time and ALL the time God is Good!”

The question is “what is considered GOOD?" The answer is not obvious to a careful observer, because we are infected with the “me and my” philosophy. We hear today people talking about “my truth” – “look out for me”. We use terms like “relevant” and “subjective” -- even the term “interpretation” has a different meaning today. What is being said is that everything in life has to go to MY lenses – it is what I think it is – what I believe it is!

Let’s look at two Scriptures that many people love to quote: (let’s see them in the Amplified Bible version)

Romans 8:28 “We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor], all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose”

Philippians 1:6 “For I am convinced and sure of this very thing that He who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ – right up to the time of His return – developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.”

Does this say that “all things that happen are good”?---absolutely not! It does say that God will work all things for good! Now here’s the problem ---- what does “good” mean? In the original language of the New Testament the Greek word there (the same word in both passages) means “something useful and profitable, beneficial”. In the context of both of the Scriptures it is “useful, profitable, and beneficial” for the “purpose of God for your life”.

Notice that the Apostle Paul who wrote both of the verses – is talking about God’s plan for your life – not necessarily our plan! Often we are stressed about our plans – what we expect in life – what we want in life. And whenever “things” happen to us, and in us which challenges that plan, we become upset and even angry at God. We tend to blame Him for the messes of life we get into. When actually, HE is WORKING in the midst of the chaos, for His definition of “good” and HE is bringing about His purpose and design of our lives. Note that HE will keep working that plan until HE returns.

Question is – Will I let Him fulfill that purpose? Or Will I intervene and negate that plan by my lack of submission to His design? I encourage you to stop focusing on YOU and focus on HIM today! Whatever is going on in your life, if you (1) love God, and (2) are called to His plan, then take a deep breath and let the plan work for your benefit today.

You may ask, How can I know I am “called”? The Bible teaches that ALL are called! Have you answered the call? The old English version of the Bible says, “whosoever believeth on HIM….” Those who say “yes” are the “whosoevers” of that verse.