“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.” – Romans 8:28
Bad Things Happen
This is a follow-up to the previous post on “We Love Because God First Loved Us.” That post discussed the lies that we believe that keep us from the love of God. This one will focus more on how those lies came to be.
With the current nationwide unemployment rate at 10.2% many people are more fervently asking God where He is in their situation. The truth is that life has always been full of events that make you question the existence of God and His goodness. You may have experienced any of these events:
- others get promoted before you
- you total your car
- a friend slanders you behind your back
- you have a miscarriage
- your spouse leaves you
- your child dies before you do
- you are diagnosed with cancer
God Wants to Interpret Events in Your Life
Each of these events appears as something bad. Yes, I said appear. The truth is that only God has the right to interpret the events of our lives. If we chose to interpret them without Him, we will allow lies to take root in our hearts. Let’s take for example something as common as having a miscarriage (I’ve heard that 20% of pregnancies end in a miscarriage).
What goes through the mind of a young woman when she her child has miscarried? She suffers tremendous grief, as it is a loss of a child. One of the first things she will consider is whether she had done something wrong. Did she not take the right vitamins or was she not eating right? But, also just as quick, she will question God about why He took her child. He was ultimately in control. He can do whatever He wants. He could have saved her baby? But, He choose not to. Can you see how easy it is for the logic to go there?
Now she has put herself in the place of receiving any of these lies:
- God does not want me to have a child.
- He thinks I would not have been a good mom.
- I am too selfish to have a child.
- I have messed up to much to get anything from God.
- God loves the world, but He does not love me.
- My husband would be better off with someone else.
- I am worthless.
- Nobody would miss me if I was gone.
Lazarus Will Raise from the Dead
John 11 tells the story of the death of Lazarus. This is a very intriguing account with Jesus. First of all, He hears that His friend, Lazarus is sick. Then he waits a couple days before going to him. In verse 15, He says that He was glad that He was not there before Lazarus died.
When strolls into town Lazarus’ sisters have separate encounters with Jesus. Both say to Him that if He had been there Lazarus would not have died. They both interpreted Lazarus’ death as something bad. Jesus as we already saw in verse 15 interpreted the event differently. He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead.
Now this is an amazing story. This is not always the interpretation, but God does say that He will work for the good for those who love Him. If you are a believer and tragedy comes your way, you have every right to go to God and ask for His interpretation. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously” (James 1:5). The only way to avoid the lies and to live in the truth is to allow God to interpret the events of your life. Hold fast to the truth that God works all things for good!
God Works All Things for Good
If you are having trouble believing God’s goodness because of an event in your life, pray through the heart of our loving father in Isaiah 61:7. Also purchase and listen on repeat the song below. I have played this several times this week and I do not think its truths will ever grow old. My friend, God loves you!
Your Love Never Fails
By: Chris McClarney
Verse 1:
Nothing can separate
Even if I ran away
Your love never fails
I know I still make mistakes
But You have new mercies for me everyday
Your love never fails
Chorus:
You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There maybe pain in the night but joy comes in the morning
And when the oceans rage
I don’t have to be afraid
Because I know that You love me
Your love never fails
Verse 2:
The wind is strong and the water’s deep
But I’m not alone in these open seas
Cause Your love never fails
The chasm is far too wide
I never thought I’d reach the other side
But Your love never fails
Bridge:
You make all things work together for my good
You can buy Your Love Never Fails on Amazon.