God is great.
God is good.
I've heard that all of my life – haven't you?
But do I really believe it???
As far as God being great…Absolutely. Unequivocally. Without a doubt.
All I have to do is look through a microscope or a telescope to figure that out.
Is He good?
Well, honestly, that’s where I stumble a bit…
Why?
Because if God is great, He is able. That means He can do anything. But…what happens when He doesn't?
If He can, and He doesn't (He won't?), then is He good?
Struggle…
In the realm of human relationships, when we have a need and someone knows it, and they don't help us, then we're…Disappointed. Hurt. Angry.
And honestly?
That IS how I feel about God sometimes.
The enemy's math?
God can + God doesn't (He won't) = God doesn't care.
I can't conclude that…and why not? Because...
The enemy's words + my sinful nature = A LIE.
So…
If I truly believe that God is great, then His definition of good must be different than mine. It must be better than mine.
OK –
My part in the matter?
Trusting in God's ABILITY – determining in my heart that He CAN.
Whether or not He WILL or WILL NOT is a matter of His sovereignty.
That's His part.
He does love me – He really does!
All I have to do is look at the cross to figure that out.
New math:
God is great + God is good = Trust Him.
I have to believe that – I will choose to believe that…
How about you?
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do…" (Proverbs 3:5-6)
"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."
(Romans 8:28)
"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen."
(Ephesians 3:20-21)
BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"
Hi Sharon,
ReplyDeleteYes think Romans 8 - v 28 says it all. But guess we will always have moments of doubt, that is when we need to uphold each other.
Thank you for all your visits and lovely comments and here is a big hug for you too
Nita.
I like your mathematical calculations! I'm working on the fear (worrying) part - I guess I need to get back to those basic math tables!
ReplyDeleteAndie
I too like your math equation, Sharon. God is good all the time; even when it doesn't make sense to us, but I know it makes total sense to him for what really matters in his equation. I'm working on trust, I got it down for the most part, but I've had years of struggle with it. Ultimately believing and trusting he knows what is best is how we need to live our lives indeed!
ReplyDeleteHope you had a nice Easter!
betty
I never liked the "new math" until now! Trusting Him in all He does takes a choice...it takes faith. However, our God is so far above us, we can trust that His decisions are the best ones even when we don't understand or even agree. He loves us enough to take all our sins upon Him and die for us. You are right...if nothing else in this world helps us to understand, the sacrifice He made for us surely will! God love us and wants what is best for us and in His wisdom, He knows what that is! I am trusting Him!
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday after Easter, Sharon! Blessings, Joan
Blessings Sharon... Happy Easter Monday! Jesus is ALIVE!
ReplyDeleteGod is great!
God is good!
...Let us thank HIM for our food!
Ohhh, I concluded this different than your well though out logical, mathematical equations. But I think mine is easier... THANKS! No, I may or may not trust nor understand His greatness or goodness, but I must believe that an all knowing, all powerful, all loving God knows far better than I... which encompasses all 3 of the beautiful scriptures you ended with. God is good- all of the time, even when I can't see it,
won't see it or don't see it... I may struggle, but God and His Promises stand. So I must bend and learn. Not sure that God not complying to my needs or wants adds up to God not caring... in fact, more than likely the exact opposite...He cares far beyond what I can see or imagine. How many times have we counted the hairs of our loved ones?
Yes, honestly, liked a spoiled child, I have felt that God does not care... that I don't matter... that He doesn't hear me nor want to bless me... yet the TRUTH is HE does, even when I am blind, deaf and very dumb. His Truth does not change, nor is it ever a lie (unlike the other side that causes us to stumble and fall, grumble and falter... HE CHOOSES GOOD, it is our miserable unhealthy choice or view or misunderstanding that causes us to "look for greener pastures"... or wander or think HE is NOT Good, when we are probably just not getting our way.
Anywhoo... I could go on... but shall refrain...
ohhh and I thought (and I'm sure other regulars here do also)that we are your spiritual friends(PRAYER for the Week)... I'm willing to be and go with you on this spiritual journey!
Love and HUGS...Breaking Free ???s on Chapter 33 are up and waiting for your wisdom...
Peggy
Your new math made me smile. I think you said all there is to say.
ReplyDeleteMy feeling is I try not to judge or think about Him as good or bad - he is God and he knows what he is doing and I don't.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes! I have always loved math and your equation is wonderful! Indulge me in this multiplication one...
ReplyDeleteGod's grace x God's peace = one joy-filled child of God...
Nita - Yes, we are human, and we will always have moments of doubt and disappointment. However, I'm trying to grow in this area. And the support of friends like you (and big hugs!!) make it a lot easier.
ReplyDeleteAndie - WELCOME! Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment! I am a BIG worrywart - and so I still need to learn those old math tables, too! Trying not to rely on my feeble understanding, and trying to trust in God's wisdom.
Betty - I'm also a work in progress in the trust area. I think I'm growing - slowly but surely. Guess I'm getting better at math! We had a wonderful Easter - sounds like you did, too. Is Koda feeling better?
Joan - A great big AMEN to everything you said. Yes, the cross really puts it all in perspective. By our short-sighted human eyes, there really wasn't anything good about it at all. And yet, God in His far-reaching and wise eyes - made the best thing ever happen. He's definitely worth trusting.
Peggy - Oh dear amiga! How glad I am to have your input back! You have captured so well everything I was trying to say. I also suffer sometimes from being deaf, blind, and dumb. Learning...really trying to learn! And, I will never be able to express my gratitude for all my blogging friends who walk along with me. Your presence cheers and blesses me. (I answered Chapter 33 and 34 - not sure how "wise" I was!!)
Debbie - Thank you. I was much better at language arts than math. However, sometimes the easiest equation makes the most sense. So, God is great, God is good - yup, I'm gonna do my best to trust Him.
Sandie - i just love how you "cut to the chase!" Yes, He is good all the time - end of story. He knows, I don't - trust Him. Did anyone tell you that you must be a math whiz???
Karen - Oh, I like that equation the very best of all! God's math is way more than mere addition. It's multiplication - my cup runneth over with abundant blessings! Amen.
GOD BLESS!
Hi Sharon -
ReplyDeleteThank you for this provocative post.
Our Lord had me to do some math as well and His handwriting is on the wall. To Satan:
Daniel 5:5,6,26 - KJV
In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.
Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joint of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.
This is the interpretaion of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
GOD + JESUS + HOLY SPIRIT = Triple play checkmate!
SOUNDS LIKE A HOLY BONAFIDE EQUATION TO ME - WE KNOW THE END AND WE WIN!
Sandra - Yes, my friend! You really understand the "new math"!! The enemy's days are numbered - indeed! I just love the triple play checkmate - and yes, I love our Victorious Lord!
ReplyDeleteGOD BLESS!