The Goodness of God

KEY VERSE: “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” —Romans 8:28

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Romans 8:28-39

ONE of the secrets of a happy Christian life is to have confidence and trust in the Lord—a faith that is so unfailing and all-comprehensive that no matter what experiences may come we will be able from the heart to say with the Prophet Job, “He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10) It is not a case, however, of blindly trusting in the Lord in the sense of not knowing the ultimate purpose of the experiences which he permits to come into our lives. To the Christian he has revealed the purpose of his call, which is that in us the image of the Master may be developed in preparation for the blessed privilege of living and reigning with him during the thousand years of his kingdom, and of being associated with him in divine glory throughout the endless ages of eternity.

But even though we rejoice in this knowledge of the divine purpose which is being worked out in our lives, and are assured beyond doubt that to this end all things are working together for our good, we still are not walking by sight. Faith and trust are essential, because with our limited comprehension and our short-sighted viewpoints, it is impossible to understand just how this or that experience, whether of joy or of sorrow, may be best at the time. If we were masters of our own destinies so far as our day by day walk in life were concerned, we would probably change a lot of things, but in so doing would be quite liable to create circumstances and conditions which would be detrimental to ourselves as new creatures in Christ Jesus.

How essential it is, then, to develop complete confidence in the Heavenly Father’s care, to learn that his way is best, and that, although it is often difficult, the end will be glorious, because in every experience his wisdom is choosing that which will be the very best for us. Happy are we, then, if by learning this, we can always leave the choice with him! If we can do this, we will not think strange the fiery trials which our loving Heavenly Father permits, but will accept them in quietness and confidence knowing that he is too wise to err and too loving to be unkind

Oftentimes we may wish to change the circumstances of our lives, thinking that thus we could serve the Lord so much better. Even the Apostle Paul had thoughts along this line, but he learned that the Lord’s way for him was best. At the time of his conversion he was blinded by the light which shone “above the brightness of the sun.” (Acts 9:3; 26:13) Later, when visited by Ananias, his sight was partially restored, but he did not regain his normal vision, and was afflicted with this handicap for the remainder of his life. Paul refers to this as a “thorn in the flesh.”—II Cor. 12:7

It was but natural for Paul to reason that he could serve the Lord more efficiently if he had better eyesight, so he made it a matter of special prayer. He besought the Lord three times to have this thorn in the flesh removed, but the Lord’s answer to the apostle was, “My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (II Cor. 12:9) Paul’s heart responded to this answer, and he wrote, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

In reasoning this matter out, Paul concluded that if he did not have this affliction he might be “exalted above measure,” and thus be inclined to trust in his own strength and abilities rather than in the Lord’s. And here is the reason for many of the circumstances which the Lord permits to come into our lives. He wants us always to realize that our every victory of faith is his victory, and that our every success and accomplishment should be accredited to him. It is so easy to forget that he is fighting our battles for us and clearing our path of obstacles which block our progress in the narrow way; so in his wisdom and mercy he allows conditions that continually remind us of our need for him.

How reassuring to know that “all things” are working out for us “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

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