By Pastor Alex Ruelo
James 1:16-18 says, “So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.”
Is God really good? Why? Because He loves you? Because you are healthy? You have money? Your bills are paid? You were able to pass your entrance exams? But what if you were praying for something that has not yet been answered? What if the bills are piling up and the money you are expecting did not come? What if your child is sick but did not get better and died? What if you pray everyday for God to keep your family safe but something happens to one of them? Is God still good?
You have to establish God’s goodness by setting your minds on greater things. Your faith has to be so real that you understand why God is good and that He is good all he time. God is good because everything is playing out the way you want them to.. But when they don’t, you start blaming God for the bad things that happen to you. You forget that God is bigger than everything.
So how will you know that God is good?
Know WhoJesus is. - Hebrews 1:3 says, “The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.” Do you know the reason why Jesus came to earth? The biggest reason is because He needed to make the Father known to man. In the Old Testament, God the Father was introduced as the creator, the judge. But only Jesus is the exact representation of God the Father. You know that God is good because Jesus showed it. Jesus always said, “This is what my Father does.” If you do not know Jesus, you will never know the character of the Father.
Know What God Can Do. - Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” God uses even the bad things for your good. He fixes it for you. It does not mean that just because He fixes it, He is the cause. When God created the world, it was perfect. But somebody messed it up. Still, God continues to work out everything for your good. He loves you so much that He always finds a way to fix your situation for you. Before the world began, He already planned the salvation of mankind. God is not the author of the mess people make here on earth.
Know What You Can Do. - John 20:21-23 says, “Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” Many times you feel you are at fault when your prayer is not answered. You feel like you do not pray as much. The anointing God gave to His disciples is so powerful. He empowered you so you have to know that you can heal the sick, raise the dead and cast out demons. Jesus sent you. If you have received the Holy Spirit, then go.
When you feel like you are to blame for the bad things that are happening to you, remember:
God is good and He is always in a good mood. (Psalm 103:8)
God is a good Father; I trust Him regardless of my circumstances. (Romans 8:28-32)
God’s goodness is extravagant to me. (Psalm 103:5)
I am living the abundant life Jesus bought me. I experience God’s blessing in every area of my life.(John 10:10)
He always hears me and responds to my prayers. (Matthew 7:7)
Do you really believe that God is good? God did not spare even His own Son. Why would He spare everything else for you? God’s power is awesome. People tremble in His presence. If you are not amazed at what God has done in your life, something is not wrong with God. Something is wrong with you. Sometimes, you have to allow some mystery to come over you. When you cannot explain something, trust is being developed. You do not have to know all the answers. Allow God to work in your life.