“I left God because I decided God wasn’t good. I don’t believe God anymore.”
My heart sank and compassion flooded my chest as I sat on this man’s couch, listening to words like this. Maybe, just maybe, he could believe again.
Of course, I understood his feelings. His very own child died young in an unneeded way.
How could this happen? Why would it happen? These are questions he wrestled with. That many wrestle with.
I couldn’t blame him. In some ways I related to this man. After so many incidences of hardship, while I’d hardly say it, my feelings danced around the question, “God, can I really trust You now?” God are You really good?
At least the man was forthright and honest, not hiding and pretending. I had to give that to him.
I don’t think he is alone in his questions, maybe some of us have wondered:
“If God was good, why would this happen?”
“If God loved me, wouldn’t He take care of me better?”
“If God was God, couldn’t He have stopped this?”
“Can I really trust God?”
How do we contend with this and continue to trust God?
My friends, I do not pretend to know everything. I am also just a sheep in the sheep pen called, “Learning with God.” However, I have come to a couple of things that bring me solace. They are:
1. I will never understand everything, nor should I. I don’t know how He makes the sun come up every morning, or the lightning crack in a way that pierces my ear, but I do know that He knows what He is doing.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight. (Prov. 3:5-6)
2. God remains good constantly, continually and faithfully. God is good as much as my eyes are hazel. I may be able to cover or contort the truth, but the truth remains – my eyes are hazel. The truth remains, despite the devil’s contortions or our perceptions – God is good.
“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:5)
3. Every promise and word of God proves true in the end. We may not see how it all works together now, but in the end, we will see all things were working together for our good because we loved Him and were called according to His purpose.
“Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.” (Prov. 30:5 NLT)
4. We look at today, God sees tomorrow. We see a now-time story, God sees the end-time story. We see our perspective; God sees everything and all the little strings He is tying up together to make all things work for myriads of generations.
“Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created.” (Ps. 119:90)
Many judge God in the middle of their story, while, like any good Hallmark story, God has a grand finale! Don’t give up; He is working out the endings. Believe in the goodness of God. You are not dying or drowning, believing in the goodness of God. You can still trust Him.
NOTE: Some have emailed me about the Transformation Retreats; I have not been getting all emails. There was a problem with my email server, but the problem is fixed!!! I set up a new account. If you have messaged me, please message again by responding to this email. We should be good to go now. Or, email me at kelly at purposefulfaith dot com
We still have space for the Intensive Prayer Transformation Weekend.
I love you all!
Prayer: Father, some days, my feelings try to tell me you are not good. I know that my feelings are not My God, they are just indicators, they are pointers to my greater need, for You. Forgive me for making my feelings Lord more than You, Your Word and Your heart for me. I ask you to help my unbelief and to increase my faith. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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Kelly, a fun-loving, active and spunky mom of two rambunctious toddlers, spends her days pushing swings, changing diapers and pursuing the Lord with all her heart. Called a "Cheerleader of Faith", Kelly's greatest desire is to help women live passionately, purposefully and unencumbered for the Lord.
