Read 2 Chronicles 7:3 & Matthew 19:16-30

Solomon built a magnificent temple and God filled it with His glory. The Israelites, who witnessed it, were amazed and said, “He is good; his love endures forever.”

And then they forgot. And then remembered. And forgot. And remembered…

Do you soar on the clouds some days and marvel at God’s goodness, then stagger with clumsy steps on other days, wondering where He is and what He’s doing?

Same.

The Israelites are such a great example to us of our fickle hearts and the way we misunderstand God’s goodness. They wanted a secure kingdom. Even when Jesus came, they had earthly eyes and hopes of His rule and peace for their nation.

We have a saying, “all good things must come to an end”. This is often true in life, but with Jesus, all good things never end. With eternal eyes and hope, we realize we can never get to the end of His goodness.

I love Jesus’ interaction with the rich, young man in Matt. 19. He wanted to know how to be good. Jesus said, “If you want to be perfect…”

Do you want to be perfect? I do. Do you think you’re good? I hope you are, but are you good enough? Good enough to deserve eternal life? The ruler thought he was until Jesus put his life under a microscope. Turns out, he wasn’t as good as he thought.

And this is where our hope shines brightly.

Jesus is the only good one and He offers His goodness as our cover. He took our filth upon Himself so that we could be clothed by His goodness. (2 Cor. 5:21)

With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

Our good God lavishes His love upon us when we aren’t very lovable. (1 John 3:1)

He saves us by His grace because He knows we can never be perfect enough to earn it. (Eph. 2:8-9)

He seals us with the gift of His Spirit when we put our faith in Him. From that moment, we have everything we need to live a godly life and we’re never alone. (Eph. 1:13-14)

He reserves a place in heaven for us, and, not only do we have a home there, we will be rewarded for everything lost here on earth multiplied 100 times.

Our God is good. There is no evil in Him. Not one speck.

No matter what evil happens, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Heb. 13:8)

You may be tempted to think otherwise when suffering lands in your lap. I’ve been tempted, too.

I’m also able to testify that no one comforts me like Jesus. No one leads me better. No one listens to and answers my prayers as He is able and faithful to do. He is my rock. My anchor. My hope. My friend and Savior. He is good.

If you are questioning His goodness, tell him. He wants your honesty. If you have become hardened because of your suffering, invite Him into it. Ask Him to show you His goodness. He wants you to see it and believe.

Nothing is impossible with Him.

Shelly Eberly