You say it, I say it, we all say it. It usually comes out when we purchase our first home, deliver a healthy baby, find a perfect front row parking spot at the grocery store, leave for our long awaited summer vacation or get promoted at work, “God is so good!”
There couldn’t be a more reassuring truth. God definitely is good! We say it because it is one of the best ways to express our appreciation to God for how things are working out in our favor and for giving us a temporary state of happiness and excitement.
Would we say the same thing, however, if things weren’t working out the way we desired? Do we truly embrace the fact that God is good, even when our circumstances are not? Could there be more to God’s goodness than the bright side to our story? If we’re going to grow closer to Jesus than ever before and find our ultimate purpose in who he is (and not merely in what he can do), we must ask ourselves these kinds of challenging questions. They are essential to our growth.
When things are going right, we rightly declare God’s goodness, but the Bible tells us that God is good even when things are going horribly wrong. This is because goodness is part of God’s nature. He is always good because it is innate to who he is.
There are several reasons for why God will let people go through situations that don’t seem to be very good.
Many argue that God allows suffering and difficult situations as a result of human free will. In the case of Job, it was Satan who inflicted the suffering, not God. God allowed it to happen in order to test Job's faith and character. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul's thorn in the flesh is generally interpreted as a metaphorical or physical ailment. The purpose was to keep Paul humble and reliant on God's grace.
Some believe that suffering can lead to personal growth, character development, and increased dependence on God. The book of Job, for instance, shows how Job's faith is strengthened and his understanding deepened through his trials. Similarly, Paul wrote that his weakness allowed him to rely more on God's strength.
God's ways and understanding are said to be beyond human comprehension. Some argue that God's motives and reasons for permitting suffering are ultimately just and serve a greater purpose, even if we cannot fully understand them in our limited human perspective.
Stories like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, who remained faithful despite the threat of death, can serve as a powerful witness to God's power and faithfulness. Sometimes, God allows believers to go through difficult situations so that their faith can be a testimony to others.
Now personalize this truth. Is God still good if you lose your job, lose your home, can’t have a child, or if the doctor gives you the news that you only have 6 months to live? Answering that question will test your view of God. God’s goodness is based on his character. Which means that your career advancement and good health are unrelated to whether he is good. God is still good all the time regardless of your circumstances.
John 1:5 states, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." This verse is often interpreted as a proclamation of God's goodness and His ability to overcome darkness and evil. Here's an explanation that aligns with this verse:
God's goodness is reflected in His light that shines in the darkness. In the context of John 1, this light refers to Jesus Christ, who is described as the Word made flesh. The darkness represents the brokenness, sin, and suffering in the world. Despite the presence of darkness, God's light remains victorious and unconquerable. This signifies that God's goodness triumphs over evil, and His redemptive work through Jesus provides hope, healing, and salvation for humanity.
In his observation of John's writing style, Charles Spurgeon recognized a particular pattern employed by the apostle. Spurgeon remarked that John had a tendency to present a truth and then diligently guard that truth with additional affirmations or emphatic statements. This can be seen in the example Spurgeon gives, where John declares that Jesus is the light and immediately reinforces this truth by stating that in Him, there is no darkness at all.
By employing this style, John demonstrates his desire to leave no room for doubt or ambiguity. He aims to emphasize the absolute purity and goodness found in Jesus Christ. John's repetition serves to reinforce the profound nature of the truth he is conveying and to ensure that the reader grasps its significance.
In the specific example Spurgeon highlights, John's purpose is to bring attention to Jesus Christ as the embodiment of light. This light represents spiritual illumination, truth, and righteousness in contrast to the darkness of sin and ignorance. By proclaiming that in Jesus, there is no darkness at all, John emphasizes the complete absence of any impurity or evil in Christ. This assertion serves to establish Jesus' extraordinary nature and sinlessness.
Spurgeon's observation of John's writing style underscores John's intention to unequivocally emphasize and safeguard the truth about Jesus. It reveals John's deep commitment to presenting the profound realities of the Gospel in a powerful and memorable way.
The statement that God isn't like some of today's superheroes, who often possess a dark side that must be hidden or controlled, emphasizes the fundamental nature of God's goodness. Unlike fictional characters that may have complex or conflicted traits, every aspect of God's actions and character is rooted in perfect goodness.
This understanding aligns with the teachings that view God as the epitome of goodness and righteousness. In many theological traditions, God is seen as the ultimate source of all that is good and pure. His very nature is characterized by love, mercy, justice, and compassion.
Unlike superheroes or human figures of power, God doesn't have a hidden, dark side that needs to be controlled or tamed. While humans can struggle with their inherent flaws and wrestle with their imperfect nature, God's goodness and righteousness are complete and unwavering. There is no dualism or dichotomy in God's character; He is wholly and entirely good.
This understanding of God's goodness is integral to the faith and trust that many believers place in Him. It provides a sense of assurance and comfort, knowing that God's actions and intentions are always aligned with what is good, just, and perfect. It also serves as a foundation for the moral compass that many followers seek to emulate in their own lives.
Recognizing God's unblemished goodness can inspire and encourage individuals to strive for moral excellence, seeking to reflect His character in their own actions and attitudes. It is a reminder that, amidst the complexities of life, there is a divine presence that embodies and exemplifies pure goodness in every aspect.
The fact that God’s goodness can be in the middle of bad things happening, sometimes brings up the question of “Why did God create evil?”
The statement that "God created evil" raises a complex theological question and causes us to have to explore into the nature of God's involvement in calamity and bad events. It is important to examine biblical passages such as Lamentations 3:38, Amos 3:6, and Isaiah 45:7, to gain a deeper understanding of the subject.
These passages acknowledge that God has the ability to cause calamity or allow bad events to occur. While this may seem contradictory to a traditional understanding of God's goodness, it is crucial to consider the broader context and theological interpretation of these verses.
In Lamentations 3:38, the prophet laments that both good and bad come from God. These words acknowledge that God is sovereign over all events, including difficult or distressing ones. However, it is essential to understand that this does not imply that God is the direct source of evil or that He creates it in the same way He creates good. Rather, it suggests that God, as the omnipotent ruler of the universe, has the power to permit or ordain certain events as part of His overarching purposes.
Amos 3:6 similarly asserts that God brings calamity upon a city or people. Again, this verse highlights God's sovereignty and the consequences that result from His divine decision-making. However, it does not imply that God is inherently evil or actively "creating" evil.
Isaiah 45:7 states, "I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the LORD, who does all these things." In this passage, God speaks through the prophet Isaiah to reveal His ultimate control and authority over all aspects of existence. While "calamity" is mentioned alongside light and darkness, it is crucial to note that the term "calamity" does not necessarily equate to moral evil. Rather, it speaks to the disciplinary and corrective actions that God may take for various purposes, including judgment, refining, or bringing about restoration.
Considering these passages, it is important to recognize that God's ability to cause or allow calamity is not indicative of inherent evil within Him. God's purposes and judgments are ultimately rooted in His perfect goodness, love, and ultimate wisdom. While events may be difficult to understand or endure, trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty provides a framework to navigate the complexities of life with hope and faith.
Romans 8:28 is a widely quoted verse that states, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This verse can be misinterpreted or taken out of context, particularly in the context of prosperity teaching.
Misapplying this verse to support prosperity teaching typically involves a narrow and materialistic understanding of "good." In this interpretation, the verse is used to suggest that God guarantees financial success, perfect health, or a life free from hardships for those who love Him. It suggests that everything that happens to believers will lead to personal prosperity or abundance.
However, such an understanding fails to consider the broader biblical context, the sufferings experienced by many faithful believers throughout history, and the teachings of Jesus Himself. Prosperity teaching can foster a distorted view of faith, implying that if one has enough faith or follows certain formulas, God is obligated to grant material blessings.
The true meaning of Romans 8:28 is best understood when considering the verse in its surrounding context and the overall teachings of Scripture. This verse speaks to the sovereign and providential work of God in the lives of believers. It assures the followers of Christ that even in the midst of trials, tribulations, and challenges, God is still at work, bringing about His purposes.
The "good" referred to in Romans 8:28 is not exclusively material or temporal blessings. Instead, it encompasses God's ultimate plan of redemption, transformation, and conformity to the image of Christ. It highlights the assurance that God is able to bring about good even from the most difficult and adverse circumstances. This does not necessarily mean that all circumstances will be pleasant or easy, but rather that God can work in and through those situations to bring about His greater purposes.
The true meaning of Romans 8:28 reminds believers to trust in God's wisdom, sovereignty, and faithfulness, knowing that He can turn even the most challenging circumstances into opportunities for growth, character development, and spiritual transformation. It encourages believers to have hope, perseverance, and an eternal perspective, recognizing that God's definition of "good" is ultimately aligned with His purposes and the well-being of His people.
An excellent explanation of this passage is by Randy Alcorn.
“The focus is not on isolated events in a believer’s life, but on the sum total of all events. Do you see the difference between saying “each thing by itself is good” and “all things work together for good”? Think about it. The difference is tremendous. The verse doesn’t tell me I should say “it is good” if my leg gets broken, or my house burns down, or I am robbed and beaten, or my child dies. But it does say God will use these events and weave them together with every other facet of my life in order to produce what He knows to be the very best for me. When you use this powerfully explosive verse, (and you should use it), handle it with care. But whatever you do, don’t stay away from it. The truth it contains can change your whole outlook on life.”
There are three powerful truths that can be taken from this scripture that can transform your perspective in the midst of pain.
1. God is the giver of all good things
Our pride may tell us that we are responsible for earning good things, good income, and even good results from hard work. That may be true to an extent, but it’s not the whole story.
James 1:17 states, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." This verse emphasizes the divine origin of every good thing in our lives and highlights the unchanging nature of God's character.
When we engage in various activities like going to the gym, working to earn an income, or pursuing things that improve our well-being, it is crucial to remember that these abilities and opportunities ultimately come from God. He is the ultimate source of every good thing we experience.
Our ability to work, earn income, maintain physical health, and enjoy the blessings of life is a reflection of the good gifts that God has bestowed upon us. He has granted us the capacity and the opportunities to engage in these activities and experience the benefits that stem from them.
Recognizing that all good things come from God helps us cultivate a sense of gratitude, humility, and dependency on Him. It reminds us that our achievements and blessings are not solely the result of our own efforts but are ultimately a provision from a loving and generous Creator.
Moreover, James 1:17 emphasizes the unchanging nature of God. Unlike shifting shadows, God's character remains steadfast and reliable. This eternal consistency assures us that every good and perfect gift we receive from Him is rooted in His unchanging and ever-loving nature.
As we engage in the pursuits of life to make our lives better and contribute positively to the world around us, acknowledging that all good things come from God reminds us to align our actions with His will, seek His guidance in all that we do, and use the gifts we receive from Him for His glory and the well-being of others. It encourages us to remain humble, thankful, and faithful stewards of the blessings we receive from God's loving hand.
When we approach this with this kind of attitude, suddenly we can be in the middle of pain, a panic attack, cancer treatment, or relational conflict we can still maintain a heart of posture that overflows with thanksgiving toward our God that gives good things.
2. God is good even when our circumstances are not
The experiences of God's people, as depicted in the Bible, highlight both the moments of triumph and the depths of hardship they encountered. This dichotomy is evident in the life of David, one of the most prominent figures in the Old Testament.
In 1 Samuel 18:11, we witness David's rise to prominence and popularity after his victory over Goliath. However, this success angers King Saul, and David's life takes a drastic turn in 1 Samuel 19:10 as Saul attempts to kill him out of jealousy. David finds himself on the run, experiencing the intense fear and uncertainty that comes with the threat of losing his life.
Yet, even in the midst of his hardships, David remains faithful to God. In 1 Samuel 23:15-29, we see how he seeks God's guidance and relies on His wisdom to navigate the challenges he faces. David learns to trust in God's protection, even when he is relentlessly pursued by Saul and his army.
Further along in 2 Samuel 15:13-17:22, David encounters another season of adversity. His own son, Absalom, rebels against him, leading to a heartbreaking betrayal. David is forced to flee Jerusalem, and we witness his anguish and lamentation during this dark period of his life. These accounts remind us that even the people chosen by God experience moments of great distress and sorrow.
Amidst the trials, we find various Psalms that David penned, showcasing both his cries for help and his triumphant praise. In Psalm 106:1, David encourages praising the Lord, acknowledging His goodness and steadfast love. This demonstrates that even during the darkest times, David recognizes God's faithfulness and offers thanksgiving.
Similarly, Psalm 107:1 highlights the importance of giving thanks to the Lord, showing that David understands the significance of praising God in all circumstances. Psalm 118:1 further illustrates this gratitude, as David declares his love and trust in the Lord despite the trials he has endured.
The experiences of David and the various Psalms he composed serve as a powerful reminder that God's people encountered both good times and horrible hardships throughout the Bible. These accounts demonstrate that faith is tested and refined amid adversity, and that even in the darkest of moments, God remains faithful to His people and deserves our unwavering praise and trust.
3. God is going to turn our pain into purpose
There are several stories found in the Bible that provide profound insights into how God transforms pain and suffering into purpose.
In Isaiah 53:2, we encounter the prophecy regarding the suffering servant, who is commonly recognized as Jesus Christ. Despite his appearance being despised and rejected, God uses Jesus' pain and suffering to fulfill a greater purpose, that is, the redemption and salvation of humanity. Through his sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus reconciles humanity with God, transforming pain into purpose.
Similarly, 2 Corinthians 5:21 emphasizes how God transformed the pain of sin and separation into purpose through Christ. Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us, thus enabling us to become the righteousness of God in him. God turned the ultimate pain of sin and its consequences into the purpose of offering salvation and eternal life.
1 Peter 2:24 echoes this sentiment and reveals how God took the pain and wounds of Jesus' crucifixion and transformed them into healing and redemption for all. By his wounds, we are healed spiritually, and God's purpose of restoring and renewing humanity's relationship with Him is achieved.
Turning to the story of Job, we witness a profound example of how God takes immense pain and uses it to reveal His purpose. In Job 1-3, we see Job facing a series of unimaginable losses and suffering, leading him to question his own existence. However, in Job 38-42, God responds to Job's anguish, reminding him of His sovereign power, wisdom, and grandeur. Through this encounter, Job gains a deeper understanding of God's majesty and the intricate workings of His divine plan. God transforms Job's pain into a purpose of humbling him and deepening his trust and reverence for God, ultimately restoring and blessing him abundantly.
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, the apostle Paul shares his experience of a thorn in the flesh, which caused him great pain and suffering. Despite pleading with God to remove it, God instead reveals that His power is made perfect in weakness. God empowers Paul to embrace his weaknesses, recognizing that it is through them that God's purpose and strength are manifested.
In Luke 1:5-45, we find the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah, who endured the pain of infertility and societal shame. However, God intervenes miraculously and blesses them with a child, John the Baptist, who plays a pivotal role in preparing the way for Jesus. God transforms their pain into the purpose of bringing forth a prophet who heralds the coming of the Messiah.
Finally, in Luke 22:31-34, Jesus foretells Peter's denial, predicting the pain and failure he will soon experience. However, God uses this painful event to shape Peter's character and faith. After his denial, Peter becomes a passionate and courageous disciple, playing a crucial role in the early church's foundation. God transforms Peter's pain and failure into the purpose of shaping him into a bold leader and effective witness for the Gospel.
In each of these stories, we witness God's remarkable ability to take pain and suffering and transform them into purpose. God works through these experiences to reveal His power, bring about redemption and reconciliation, deepen faith and trust, and ultimately fulfill His divine plan. Even when pain seems overwhelming, we can find hope in knowing that God can transform it into something meaningful and purposeful.
Revelation 20:1-15 provides a glimpse into the future, portraying the ultimate fate of Satan and the victory of God's kingdom. The passage reveals that a day will come when Satan, the deceiver and accuser, will be bound and thrown into the abyss for a thousand years. This imagery symbolizes the ultimate defeat and limitation of Satan's power.
Throughout history, Satan has been allowed to roam the earth, influencing and tempting humanity to stray away from God's path. However, the mighty power of God transcends even Satan's influence. The passage reminds us that God is in control, and the time will come when Satan's reign will be brought to an end.
In this sense, Satan can be seen as a pawn on God's cosmic chessboard. While Satan may scheme and try to disrupt the purposes of God, ultimately his efforts are subject to God's sovereign will. Romans 8:28 aptly expresses this truth, stating that "in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
God has the ability to take even the negative circumstances orchestrated by Satan and turn them into something good and meaningful. He can use Satan's attacks to refine and strengthen His people, deepening their faith and trust in Him. Through His wisdom and power, God brings about redemption, restoration, and ultimately fulfills His divine plan.
While Satan may seem formidable and influential in the present, it is crucial to remember his limitations and inevitable defeat. Revelation 20:10 describes Satan's final destiny, as he is ultimately thrown into the lake of fire, experiencing eternal judgment for his rebellion against God. This serves as a potent reminder that God's authority and justice will ultimately prevail over evil.
In the grand scheme of God's unfolding plan, Satan's role is one that ultimately serves to magnify the glory and sovereignty of God. While Satan may roam the earth and tempt humanity, he is just a temporary pawn in the overarching purpose of God. The assurance of Romans 8:28 grants comfort and hope, assuring us that God can work through even the schemes of Satan to bring about His greater purposes of redemption, restoration, and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.
Philippians 1:6 reminds us that God's choice to allow trials and challenges in our lives is deeply rooted in His love for us. The verse states, "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."
This passage highlights God's unwavering commitment to us as His children. It assures us that He is actively involved in the ongoing process of transforming and refining us to become more like Christ. It is through various trials and challenges that God works within us, molding and shaping our character, faith, and relationship with Him.
God's love for us is not shallow or superficial; rather, it is profound and all-encompassing. He desires our spiritual growth and development, knowing that this process will ultimately lead to our highest good and eternal blessing. God's love compels Him to allow trials in our lives, not as a form of punishment or abandonment, but rather as an avenue for growth, purification, and maturation.
Trials have the potential to stretch us beyond our comfort zones, strengthen our faith, deepen our dependence on God, and refine our character. In this process, we experience firsthand God's faithfulness, comfort, and provision. We learn to rely on His strength in our weakness and to seek His wisdom and guidance in times of difficulty.
Moreover, as the passage indicates, God's work within us is ongoing and will continue until it is fully completed on the day Jesus returns. This highlights the long-term perspective of God's love for us. He is dedicated to our spiritual transformation, not just in the present moment, but throughout our entire lives.
God's choice to allow trials in our lives, is a reflection of His deep love for us. He sees beyond our immediate circumstances and understands the greater purpose and potential within us. Just as a loving parent allows their child to face challenges in order for them to grow and develop, God permits trials for our ultimate spiritual growth and empowerment.
In light of this, we can find comfort and encouragement even in the midst of trials, knowing that they are not without purpose. God's love drives His decision to allow trials in our lives, shaping us to become the people He designed us to be. As we trust in His love, we can have faith that He will see us through every trial, working within us to bring about His perfect plan and fulfillment of His love for us.
God is good … all the time!
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