I visited Roe Rives, last Thursday. He was in the hospital last
week, where his heart stopped beating twice during surgery. He
lost a lot of blood during the procedures, but the doctors don't
want to give him a transfusion because of other potential complications.
As a result, he feels really bad.
While we were talking, Roe began to tell me that he had a good
life. Some people get mad and blame God for their problems, but
not Roe. He knew the Lord was blessing him, even though his health
had been failing for years, and life was very difficult.
Life is good, all the time
Visiting with Roe reminded me that life is good, all the time.
Even when life is very difficult, and all we can do is perform
the most essential tasks of everyday survival, life is still good.
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God causes all things to work together for
good to those who love Him (Rom. 8:28).
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God is for us, so no one can be against us (Rom.
8:31).
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Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,
nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height,
nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate
us from the love of God (Rom. 8:38-39).
As a Christian, there is no question that our lives are good. Unfortunately,
though, we sometimes neglect to view life from a spiritual perspective
and do not see the good.
See the good in your life
As Christians, our challenge is to see God's goodness in our lives,
even in the most difficult situations. Here are a few things to
remember:
- Don't worry, even about food and clothing. Seek first
God's kingdom and his righteousness, and He will give you everything
you need (Matt. 6:25-34). Be careful to distinguish between needs
and wants. We "need" very little, but often believe our "wants"
are "needs".
- You can succeed in everything God desires you to do (Phil.
4:13). You can see the good in everything, even life's most difficult
situations.
- Rejoice all the time (Rom. 5:3-5; Phil. 4:4; Jas. 1:2-4).
The trials and tribulations of life make you a better Christian,
equipping you to serve God better than before.
- God cares for you (1 Pet. 5:6-7). He wants you to pray,
putting your problems on him. If you do, He will help you.
- Even if you die, you have eternal life (Rev. 2:10).
Some of life's trials result in death. Even if you die, you will
have a great reward in heaven, eternal life with God.
Our challenge is to see the goodness in life. When we do, we live
the most fulfilling life possible upon earth, and we reflect the
goodness of God to everyone around us.
What are you telling others about God, by your attitude toward
life, by the words you speak, and by your actions?
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