Good Gifts

Do you believe God is good all the time?

Do you ever feel like something bad is about to happen if life is going "good"?

I know I always felt that way. 

I thought, "Man, life has been going great... My relationship with God is going so well, I am hearing from Him, abiding in Him, and producing fruit. My friendships and relationships with family are going great... My job is going well... Everything is awesome. Something bad must be coming so I stay humbled and learn how to persevere in trials."

Seriously, that's how I thought! I thought that God was going to bring something bad along because not all good things last and that I deserved a hard, difficult life. 

Now I want to look at the root of this. The root of this was me thinking that God gave bad things. So many times we think God gives or sends along bad things to us. His Word begs to differ. 

"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Matthew 7:11) 

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17)

Both of these scriptures tell us that God gives good gifts, perfect gifts, and MUCH more than anyone who loves us on this earth can give. He gives the greatest gifts. He is a good God. He is your Heavenly Father. 

Jesus came and brought love, healing, joy, salvation, and new life. Nowhere do I see Jesus bringing death, sickness, pain, anger. Yes, those are very real emotions and feelings here on this earth, but we must remember we are no longer here on this earth. We are seated in the heavenly places with Him! (Ephesians 2:6)

So yes, while we are on this earth we are in enemy territory (1 John 5:19) but we are under the covering of God, with a new identity - in Christ (Identification Audio Series). If you truly examine the way you view God and you find that you think He is a giver of bad gifts and not good gifts, remember what He has done for you. Remember His Word.

He loves you so much, that when you spit, mocked, and abused Him to the cross... He obediently died so that you could live. He loved you when you didn't even want to look at the cross or receive the washing of His blood that was spilt for you on that cross. He is a good God who not only gave you the good and perfect gift of His Son but also continues to give good gifts to you. He is a God that finishes what He starts (Philippians 1:6). If He saved you, why wouldn't He keep you and bless you? 

Remember that God is good to you, all the time. Live rejoicing. Live expectant of His faithfulness, provision, and blessing. Walk boldly in Him and for Him, so that many sons may come to glory. 

In Him,

Lindsay

Third World Girl