When Corrie Ten Boom was a little girl in Holland, her first realization of death came after a visit to the home of a neighbor who had died. It impressed her that someday her parents would also die. Corrie’s father comforted her with words of wisdom. “Corrie, when you and I go to Amsterdam, when do I give you your ticket?” “Why, just before we get on the train,” she replied. “Exactly,” her father said, “and our wise Father in heaven knows when we’re going to need things too. Don’t run out ahead of Him, Corrie. When the time comes for us to die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need—just in time.”
Have you ever praised God’s goodness when skies were blue, but questioned Him when the storm clouds rolled into your life? Many times we can praise God when things go well and neglect Him when we find ourselves in trouble.
But whether or not we think God is being good to us, He is. Notice another reflection on God’s goodness by Corrie Ten Boom: “Often I have heard people say, ‘How good God is! We prayed that it would not rain for our church picnic, and look at the lovely weather!’ Yes, God is good when He sends good weather. But God was also good when He allowed my sister, Betsie, to starve to death before my eyes in a German concentration camp. I remember one occasion when I was very discouraged there. Everything around us was dark, and there was darkness in my heart. I remember telling Betsie that I thought God had forgotten us. ‘No, Corrie,’ said Betsie, ‘He has not forgotten us. Remember His Word: For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him.'”
Even when her sister died wrongfully, Corrie learned that God was still being good to her. In the midst of this trial, God showed that He was in control.
Second Corinthians 9:8 says, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” God has given us grace the to face whatever comes into our lives.
As Christians, sometimes we think the Christian life is a life of relaxation, happiness, and ease. While there is joy and ease of burdens, God never said the Christian life would be a breeze. We still face loss, trials, difficulties, and tough times. We are not immune from trials. But it is often during these trials that we question God’s goodness. We think because things aren’t going exactly as we planned them, God obviously isn’t being good to us. But just the opposite is true! God always has our best interest at heart! Everything He does is for our benefit—even trials!
Have you been questioning God’s goodness during a trial lately? Don’t allow Satan to take your focus off God and onto difficulties. Never forget that God has saved you from eternal punishment and has blessed you with so many things! Remember that God is always good no matter what happens in your life.
God is good, whether we think so or not!
