God is good, even when life is hard
As I considered what to share in the blog this week, the song ‘God You’re So Good’ was playing in the background. The lyrics of the chorus are: “God, you’re so good. You’re so good to me.” God is good, but sometimes life isn’t. From tragic health diagnoses to losing your keys, life certainly isn’t always ‘good’.
On Tuesday a dear friend of mine came to the end of her earthly life. This friend was a part of our church family and has, in the last twelve months, experienced more tragic health news than one person should experience in their lifetime. Only a year ago she led a full and busy life. She volunteered at church, she had recently retired to be more involved in her grandchildren’s lives; I couldn’t keep up with her full and healthy social life! However, through a series of tests, operations, hospital stays, further tests and operations, she quietly passed away with her daughter by her side early Tuesday morning. We are heartbroken, of course, but we are not despairing. We find hope in the truth that God is good, and that despite this devastating outcome she is now at peace and in eternal glory.
I sent a message to her daughter to ask whether I could share her story and use her example of life being tragically difficult but testifying that God is good in the midst of the pain. Her response was that, yes, I could share and she hoped “…it may bring some hope and peace, that in bad there is beauty and love.” It is my hope that what I share will do just that; bring hope and peace to those of you who are in the midst of pain and suffering.
In a world that is unpredictable and unstable, it is comforting to have something—or Someone—that is sure and steadfast. The Bible tells us that God never changes (Heb. 13:8, Mal. 3:6, Jms. 1:17). We can hold fast to God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The God who never changes has also made promises that never fade or spoil (Ps. 89:34). God has promised comfort in trials (2 Cor. 1:3-4); God has promised peace when we pray (Phil 4:6-7); God has promised to supply our needs (Matt 6:33, Phil 4:19); God has promised rest (Matt 11:28-30); God has promised nothing will separate us from His love (Rom 8:38-39). Do you see in all these promises how much God loves us? He is a perfect and loving Father.
There is a famous quote by John Lennon that says “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” A great quote, and a true quote for those of us who follow Jesus because God has promised us salvation through Jesus and eternal life to those who trust in Him (John 3:16). This world isn’t our home, friends, and this life isn’t the end. Our home is with God and our destination is to be with Him forever. In the end, everything really will be alright. More than that, everything will be perfect as we read in Revelation 21: “…the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore…” (Revelation 21:3b-4a).
We will be with God; He will be with us! Even though we can be sure that life on earth won’t always be ‘good’, we can be just as sure that life in the end will be perfect! Take heart, friends, cast your eyes and your cares on the God who loves you and know that in the midst of pain and suffering God is always, always good.
Emma
Want to listen to the song ‘God You’re So Good’? Click here
