Trusting in the Goodness of God by Donna Bucher

Many of us pass through times of suffering and hardship. In Christian hope we grasp at promises like Romans 8:28, believing "all things will turn out good." But what happens when all things are not good? What happens when suffering only gets worse? 

Verses like Romans 8:28 stand in stark contrast to what we sometimes face over long years of prolonged suffering. Maybe like me, you wonder "does God really work all things for good for those who love him?"

Slipping into a downward spiral when it seems the dawning of a new day brings another trial; we attempt reframing everything as "not that bad"; others have it worse. We latch onto verses like Romans 8:28 holding tight, believing things cannot remain this bad. Or can they? 

When all things are not good, we become desperate to fix them to prove the promise true.

Sadly leading to weariness of soul, as we attempt to find validation for our suffering. Our deepest need for attributing meaning to suffering; but more importantly, our own "happy ending" to our situation.

I sometimes catch myself smoothing Romans 8:28 over my sorrows as if its magic will change the ending to my story. Then impatiently in anger throw it back to God, claiming He promised to make all things good.

ALL THINGS ARE NOT GOOD

But truly, all things are not good. Death, chronic illness, heartbreak, natural disasters, and crime are not "good". Resulting from sin and the Fall, we cannot blame God for everything causing us suffering. Additionally, our narrow perspective of what is "good" or "bad" blinds us to the bigger picture. 

Deeming anything which brings us pain or sadness as “bad”; while labeling everything which brings happiness and contentment or relieves our pain as “good”.

Ill qualified for classifying anything as good or bad, relinquishing the final outcome to our good and sovereign God changes our perspective.

One time, as I prayed for my son, regaling God with the extent of the “bad” situation, arrogantly concluding God would agree and act accordingly to turn things around, God spoke. Suddenly, I heard a clear voice in my heart say simply, "is it?" 

Listening again, I heard, "is it bad?" The implication was clear: I know nothing about God’s ways or plans for my son.  I not only failed in seeing the big picture, I failed in trusting God’s goodness.

In God's sovereignty, goodness, and mercy, sometimes he chooses to turn things around, but often his plans are contrary to our wishes. Not overly concerned with our "happiness and comfort", Romans 8:29 clarifies the purpose of "all things working together for good". 

That purpose is conforming us to the image of Christ, which fits us for his kingdom and brings him glory.

Just like in John 11, God sometimes uses what he hates to accomplish what He loves.

Jesus fully knew Lazarus would die, as well as knowing he would raise him from the dead. Yet he wept at the grave for his own and others' grief. When all things are not good, God is gracious in his promise to use even our broken lives for his kingdom purposes.

When faced with suffering, stretching far longer than we ever expected, Romans 8:28 is still true. When things are not good in this life, we know that in Christ, they will be perfect in the next. 

We can express sorrow over our losses and broken places. While at the same time God offers us a deep and abiding joy because we indeed know the end of the story.

Ultimately we know God wastes nothing. Even our brokenness and sorrow will be used for good. 

Rather than focus on the outcome of our current suffering, we can focus on the One who orchestrates that outcome. He is worthy of praise for His excellent Greatness, Majesty, and abundant Goodness. His Kingdom is an Everlasting Kingdom and he holds dominion over every living thing forever. 

If we but praise him for his gifts and attending to our happiness, we miss the beauty of true worship. For when all things are not good, we can rest in the fact that God and his purposes are always good.

Donna is a women’s ministry leader, teacher, speaker, retired missionary, CASA volunteer, experienced counselor and hospice and palliative care support personnel. Founder of Serenity in Suffering blog, where she shares articles, resources and counseling designed to help you grow personally and find spiritual intimacy with Christ; ultimately finding purpose in the trials you face. Her writings have appeared in various online sites as well as digital and print magazines, and devotional journals.