Chaplains Corner
God is good.
That statement may be hard to understand at times. What about when things don’t go in a direction that looks good? When things look like they are broken, rock bottom, unfair, wrong, or hopeless?
God is still good, even then.
How can that be?
Let’s look at a few things that help us understand:
God’s ways are not our ways. He may not have brought the bad thing, but He is there with us through it, and He can use it for good and sees that even when we don’t. He can already be orchestrating something amazing while we are at the most difficult point. We may not see how good could come from our situation, or may not see it right away, but He can do good in a way we don’t see coming, or think is even possible. He is still good in the midst of things that we don’t understand, and can use even the worst things to bring something good. He sees the big picture and His ways and thoughts are different than ours, as we read here in Isaiah:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.55.8-9.ESV
Sometimes bad things come from the choices of people. We all have free will- the ability to make choices. People sometimes choose to do things that affect others in not so good ways. Sometimes the choices are intentionally to harm someone, sometimes they are unintended. Regardless, God can use even these types of situations and make good from them. We see that in the story of Joseph. Here is what Joseph says to his own brothers who had bad intentions for him, that God used to lead him to where he was at this point-in a position of great power with the ability to save many people:
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”
Genesis 50:20 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/gen.50.20.ESV
Sometimes the bad things going on are a result of our own actions and choices. There are consequences of our actions, and God is just. Even then though, God is good. He gives us chances to turn back to Him, and to make things right. He is still good even when we make not so great choices. We see an example of God doing this in what He speaks to the people through Jeremiah:
“Now therefore mend your ways and your deeds, and obey the voice of the Lord your God, and the Lord will relent of the disaster that he has pronounced against you.”
Jeremiah 26:13 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jer.26.13.ESV
We further see that God’s intentions for us are good, overall. Here are just a few examples:
He loves us and is merciful and patient to all:
“The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.”
Psalm 145:8-9 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.145.8-9.ESV
He is our protector:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.46.1.ESV
He is our healer:
“O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.”
Psalm 30:2 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.30.2.ESV
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”
1 Peter 2:24 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/1pe.2.24.ESV
Regardless of what things look like, God is good. No matter the situation, God can use or turn it around for good. Even that thing that looks hopeless or rock bottom. He is still good even there. Sometimes it’s from those times we actually see the greatest things blossom out of the ashes. God is good, there for you, and loves you, in any and all circumstances.
* * *
Please keep George Cantero in your prayers for healing.
Please pray for our members who may have silent or anonymous prayer requests, as well as those who may be mourning or suffering at this time.
Please pray for our leaders at the post, for our community, our city, and for those leading our cities, country, and workplaces.
If anyone wants to pray together let us know. You may have a need you want prayer for, or we can be praying for overall needs, our post, our leaders, our city, etc. or all of it. Prayer is good for all of it! God hears!
You can submit a prayer request here with as much info as you’re comfortable with: https://form.jotform.com/ChaplainAL43/prayerrequest
You can also reach out directly to chaplain@post43.org if you'd rather do that.
What would you like the chaplains to offer at the post? We would love to hear what would help you all!
It's ok to not be ok.
If you are feeling like you are in crisis or need help, the crisis line is available 24/7: dial or text 988
Praying for each of you, for our leadership, and for us as a community. May God make His presence known in your personal lives, in our post, and in our community, and may His shalom, love, and joy be felt in ways like never before. May He heal and protect you mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I pray for God’s revival in each person and for us as a community. In His mighty, precious, and unmatched Name we pray.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26
Blessings and Gratitude,
Donna Callaway, Chaplain