IT TAKES JUST AS MUCH ENERGY to believe God for good things as it does to believe for the bad. Years ago the Lord spoke a word to me that I wasn’t enjoying life because I always expected bad things to happen. I wouldn’t let myself be happy when I received good because I thought I didn’t deserve anything good. When good things would happen in my life or in my family, I would just sit and wait for the other shoe to drop. The Lord rebuked me for my wrong thinking and wrong understanding of a good, merciful and faithful God.
At that instant, I knew I had to change my thinking- about myself, about life, about the God who works in loving kindness. God is a good God. Do you always expect bad things? My wrong thinking stemmed from a destructive and abusive childhood and a path of sin. I had to change my view of God. I had to learn to live forgiven. I learned that God was not out to hurt me, but to help me.
We can find His character in Scripture. He is a blesser and rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. He desires good for His faithful, covenant people. He is a good Provider and wonderful Father. He is faithful to watch over His own and merciful to forgive those whose heart is contrite. He protects the innocent and rewards the evil man with his own wickedness. He captures all my tears, knows all my heartache, heals all my scars, and delights in showing mercy. He brings all darkness into light, so all hearts will be revealed. He came that I might have an abundant life full of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
His goodness does not immune you from the trials of life. You will go through things. He chastens and disciplines those He loves. If I am His child, I will be disciplined. He never promises that we won’t experience pain, suffering and hurt in this life. The narrow path is the path of affliction. It’s difficult and sometimes it’s hard to breathe on the narrow path. There’s betrayal on that path. It’s the path stained with blood. However, He is a God who delights in delivering. He loves to bless. It gives Him joy to see His children joyful. He has a good plan and purpose for your life. He longs to heal your whole body- spirit, mind, body and soul. How can you not expect good from such a great God?
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,” Ephesians 3:20
I don’t know about you, but “EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY ABOVE” are pretty amazing words and I believe He wants to do amazing things in the lives of His own. He loves you. He cares for you. He wants good things for your life. You may be in pain right now, but hold on and expect that God will do something amazing! If you don’t know Him, then you are subject to the cruelty of your sin. All of us will reap what we sow- for good or for evil. It rains on the just and the unjust. God is merciful toward the faithful and the sinner. But if you are always expecting the bad, then why? Something needs to change in your heart and mind.
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page